DTCM events keep traditions alive

The DTCM Manager Events and Chairman of DSF Heritage Events Committee, Mr. Marwan bin Beyat, said: " We have been very successful in creating better awareness and understanding about our traditions and culture among the cosmopolitan population that Dubai hosts. The heritage sites in Al Shindagha along the Dubai Creek promenade are perhaps the best one-stop destination to discover the old world charm of Arabia amidst the modernity that Dubai acquired."

He added: "The overall experience that the visitors get at these must-see heritage sites is unique and memorable. Over the years, we have been trying to showcase the best representation of our history, art, culture and traditions. The sheer variety and quality of events is keeping the visitors engrossed each passing day."

The impressive line-up of edutainment programmes are taking place at more than 10 major venues, including two landmark shopping malls, in Dubai and Hatta. More than 300,000 visitors from near and far places are expected at the Al Shindagha heritage sites during the Eid Al Adha holidays.

Entry to the heritage sites is free to general public and programmes starts from 5 pm and continuing till midnight.

As part of its all-appealing DSF Heritage programmes, the department organised an event that saw the distribution of sweets and gifts among the children of all ages and nationalities during the Eid Al Adha holidays.

The 'Edia' (Eid Gifts) distribution took places in Dubai and Hatta heritage sites, especially the Sheikh Saeed House. Mr. bin Beyat joined the DTCM Manager Sheikh Saeed House, Mr. Abdullah bin Jassim Al Mutairi, in welcoming the children at the venues and sharing their joys and happiness during the festivities.

Children visiting the other places in the spectacular collection of historical buildings like Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House and Heritage Village were also given the sweets and gifts. Students from Rashid School also joined the celebrations which cheered the children from Palestine and Iraq as well.

The extraordinary mix of Heritage calendar of events has been a major draw with the public from the first day of the 10th edition of the annual retailing-cum-entertainment extravaganza.

Backed by an all-time record AED 4.2 million budget and AED 1 million prizes for public competitions, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is hopeful about the 2005 edition attracting over 3.5 million visitors from across the world.