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Monday, September 29, 2008

Dubai to give a traditional touch to festive celebrations

Dubai: Celebrations being organised by the Dubai Shopping Festival Office as part of its "Eid in Dubai" event will lean heavily on tradition in a bid to foster a community spirit.

Laila Sohail, chief executive of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, said the aim was to bring all communities together in their rejoicing.

The Eid celebration district at Dubai Festival City will be the main location for the celebrations. Laila said that the concept of holding festivities in one location is not new, but one that has been forgotten.

Years ago in Dubai, families would gather at an open space or maidan. It was an opportunity for children to play, and everyone to be treated with traditional sweets and delicacies.

"While different nationalities have individual ways of celebrating Eid, the basics are the same," Laila said, "We all have sweets in our homes on Eid."

Malls will be covered with festive trimmings and will host Fuwalat Al Eid, traditional sweets, that are given to visitors on the occasion.

The sweets will also be a substitute for Eidia, a monetary gift given to children during the holiday.

Events such as plays, concerts and fireworks will be at the malls for adults and children.

"We are bringing back the traditions and introducing residents and visitors in Dubai to the Emirati way of celebrating," Laila said.

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