Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard explores the Emirati Cultural Village at the JA Ocean View Hotel as the Emirates get ready for the UAE’s 43rd National Day on December 2nd.

JA Resorts & Hotels in a joint collaboration with Beit Al Khair Society, have created the village for the second year to allow visitors to get a taste of traditional Emirati life. A photographic presentation highlights the vast changes in Dubai since the 1970s, including the hotel’s location at Jumeriah Beach Residences which did not exist until a few years ago.

Complementing the various exhibitions of Emarati life is the Arabic Food display where I was able to sample various dishes and sweets from the UAE, as well ‘gawa’ - Arabic coffee with its wonderful flavour and aroma of cinnamon.

At the recently held opening ceremony CEO David Thomson, JA Resorts & Hotels told invitees “The Emirati Cultural Village will present guests and visitors with the opportunity to experience an Arabian-inspired setting located within the hotel’s outdoor atrium. They will be served Arabic coffee, dates and traditional sweets, and have the chance to browse the mini souk displaying handicrafts and artworks as well as try out the popular henna design artist.”

Guests and visitors can also catch performances of traditional Emirati dances by local school children. Photo opportunities are plentiful and quests can be ‘clicked’ wearing traditional Emirati attire - the Kandoora, for men,  and the Abaya for women.

The Emirati Cultural Village at the JA Ocean View Hotel at JBR, Dubai is open until December 3rd. For more information www.jaresortshotels.com