Allure of Arabia shines through as desert fiesta opens

The ceremony was attended by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence along with Honorable President of Algeria & Patron of the World Deserts Foundation, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, South African President, Thabo Mbeki, UN envoy, Al-Akhdar al-Ibrahimi, more than 48 Ministers and members of the UAE Supreme Council.

"The allure of Arabia shines through as we recreate our unique heritage and culture," said Dr. Mohammed bin Fahad, Chairman of Zayed Prize and Vice Chairman of the World Deserts Foundation. "The Dubai International Endurance City now bears the ambience of a previous era, offering a complete diversion from the modern day Arabia," he said.

A series of events and activities will recreate the magic of the cultures and civilizations of people from the desert as practically the whole world is joined together by deserts. The events will focus on lifestyle complete with cultural performances by artistes from the 37 participating countries.

Dr. bin Fahad took the opportunity to thank HH General Sheikh Mohammed, visiting heads of states, ministers, ambassadors and consuls of the participating countries for their co-operation and support.

Speaking on behalf of the DTCM, Manager Events, Marwan Juma bin Beyat said, "The DTCM once again underlines its commitment to promoting the country's heritage and culture and these events will provide both citizens and visitors with a glimpse into the days gone by."

"The desert civilizations are joined together by a common thread - the pride we take in our rich heritage and all the participating nations are displaying their traditional appeal," concluded Mr. bin Beyat.