The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai last week, started a 14-day program of interesting activities at Al Shindagha and Hatta heritage areas as part of Eid Al Adha celebrations. The expanded activities are in pursuance to the directions of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to extend Eid Al Adha celebrations for two weeks.

DTCM organizes an array of activities, spanning traditional dances (Al Yula), handcrafts, local dishes, shows, heritage fairs, let alone daily competitions with valuable prizes and gifts, local folkloric shows, and other exceptional events in the open air.

Eyad Abdul Rahman, Executive Director, Media Relations Division & Business Development, said the DTCM is honoured to coordinate with the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment to best promote Dubai as a major and exceptional tourist hub worldwide where the past and future meet.

“The Eid Al Adha celebration program this year is quite different and important due to the diverse activities being offered at different areas, apart from the list of bodies involved for the good of the emirate.”

Khalid Ali, Director of Hatta Heritage Village and Sheikh Saeed House, said the celebration program this year comprises 33 fabulous events to attract tourists and visitors from everywhere.

“We have paid much attention – when laying down the schedule of celebrations, to the nature of targeted visitors, apart from the nature and location of the activities to be all in harmony.”

Ali, who is chairman of the organising committee of the heritage events at DTCM, said the UAE and GCC countries in general are known for their own traditions, particularly in Eid Al Adha celebrations. “As such, we have come up with a list of activities derived from our forefathers’ heritage and traditions.”

Elaborating, Ali said all activities are slated to kick off from 5pm to 10 pm every day for 14 days starting from Oct 18 at the three sites of Al Shindagha Heritage area: Sheikh Saeed House, the Heritage Village and the Diving Village. “Young children are also targeted with various shows, competitions, prizes, and gifts.”

Meanwhile, the Heritage Village will see several activities including 14 folkloric shows. “These are added to three types of traditional weddings, heritage plays, fairs for palm leaves and rifles, traditional dances like Al Yula and the Vendor, and some shows for schools.”

The Diving Village will also see some marvelous shows by coastal bands for 14 days, apart from serving Arabian Coffee, Eid Fawala, traditional weddings, plays, fairs, shows, cracking conch, coastal crafts, and children shows.

The Hatta Heritage Village will further see 15 different activities for 14 days. These include 13 folkloric shows, as well as Eid Fawala, competitions, gifts, Al Yula dance for children, singing, camel caravan and show, craftsmen shows, traditional cooking arts “Eid Oven”, theater plays for schools, police music, the cavalry show, agricultural, cooking, and rifles shows.