Ramadan Fair 2008 gets under way

It was opened by H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Ramadan Festival in Sharjah.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Board Members of the SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, directors of various government departments, and members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations.

"Ramadan Fair will be a unique event that brings together people from across the country as well as the region while observing the Holy Month and preparing for the Eid Al Fitr festival,"

said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

"While Ramadan is a time of intense spiritual renewal, those who observe it also plan for Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated during the first three days of the month of Shawwal," said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

Thus, Ramadan Fair 2008 offers an good opportunity for residents and visitors to buy home decorations, unique furniture, ladies accessories, fashion, exquisite furnishing items, children's garments and many more products to meet all their shopping needs this Eid.

The show, a supporting event of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival, will run until October 2 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The fair is one of kind in the region and caters to all segments of the society and the trade community.

"Since preparations for the Eid festival begin in earnest right from the middle of Ramadan, when shopping sessions together with friends and relatives often continue through the midnight and into the early hours of the next day, Ramadan Fair will be a boon for shoppers," said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

This year, a Heritage Village, arts and crafts workshops arranged by Sharjah Museums Department, free health check-up by the Ministry of Health, children's rides area and a Food Court will be added attractions to visitors to the fair. "We hold our traditions and culture close to our heart and wish to inculcate the values to our future generation. The Heritage Village will do exactly this and also act as a reminder of our rich past to our present generation," added Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

"Gourmets have not been left behind. The Food Court will be the centre point of attraction for foodies. It will feature Thai, Chinese and Arab restaurants, a fast food joint and a café," said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

Other major attractions at the fair will include daily raffle draws, a chance to win tickets to Thailand, mobile phones, watches, gift hampers and shopping coupons.
"The fair will provide an entertaining shopping experience as there will be lots of special bargains and good deals, new products and entertainment avenues," added Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

More than 200 exhibitors from Syria, Singapore, Egypt, India, Pakistan, GCC states, and from several other countries from all over the world will showcase a wide range of household goods such as furniture and décor, jewellery and watches, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion garments, footwear, gift items, electronic appliances, food and beverages, stationery and other related services.

Those concerned about their well-being will have an opportunity to check if they are in the pink at the Ministry of Health's counter.
Several other government departments such as Sharjah Museum, Tourism and Cultural Departments, Sharjah Civil Defence and Sharjah Municipality are also taking part and promoting their services at the show.

During Ramadan, the show will be open from 8pm to 12.30 midnight, and during Eid it will be open from 4pm to 10.30pm. Entry and parking are free.