Dubai Customs organizes "Carpets and Arts Oasis" during Dubai Shopping Festival

The well-liked event, organised by Dubai Customs, will feature a varied and remarkably developed range of exquisite carpets and unique art pieces by 71 exhibitors according to the Organising Committee of the Carpets and Arts Oasis.

Abdul Rahman Essa, Head of the Organising Committee, Carpets and Arts Oasis, stated that the exhibition which is being held for the 14th consecutive year, attracts exhibitors and visitors from all parts of the world, especifically from the US, UK, Germany, the GCC, in addition to UAE nationals and art lovers who are in search of rare, one of a kind pieces.

Over 71 exhibitors will participate in the Carpets & Arts Oasis 2009, which covers a massive 12,000 square metres at the West Hall of the Dubai International Airport Exhibition Center. The exhibition will showcase superior quality and luxurious hand-woven carpets made of wool, silk and other premium materials in addition to featuring unique arts and crafts including paintings, brass work, ceramics, wood engravings, and other antiques.

Mr. Essa said that the event has exhibited a growth of 20 to 25% each year and he expects it to continue to grow at the same pace, this year as well. According to him, sales this year are not likely to be affected by the current global economic slowdown, as buying handmade carpets constitutes a secure investment, similar to gold, for many carpet professionals and aficionados who are interested in collecting rare items.

Mr. Essa said:

"The Committee is geared up for this year's exhibition which will feature more than 150,000 masterpieces from the most renowned carpet manufacturers, weavers and artisans based in Iran, India, China, Pakistan, and Turkey. Many of the pieces showcased at the event are exceptional items that have been designed especially for the Dubai Shopping Festival."

"This year the Committee has included some new and exciting surprises for visitors that we intend to reveal during the exhibition. We are very confident that the exhibition will attract a vast number of visitors this year, upholding the exceptional standards we have all come to expect from the Dubai Shopping Festival," he added.

The Oasis will welcome visitors every day from 10 AM to 10 PM, except on Fridays where visitors are welcome from 3 PM to 11 PM at the West Hall of Dubai International Airport Exhibition Center. Furthermore, visitors will be privy to live presentations and workshops on carpet weaving including tutorials on colours and fabrics to create unique personalized carpets.