The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has lined up a wide range of programmes highlighting various facets of Emirati culture and traditions for DSF 2012.

The festival which started on January 5, will take place until February 5, and DTCM will participate for the 17th successive year in it, the statement said.

Khalid bin Gharib, director of Hatta Heritage Village and chairman of DSF 2012, committee at DTCM, said: “The department has been utilising the DSF right from its inception to showcase emirate’s rich culture and traditions. This year also, our programmes have been designed to bring Emirati culture and traditions closer to people who reside here and visit from different parts of the world.” 

The programmes have been finalised under the supervision of the DTCM director general, Khalid A Bin Sulayem with authenticity being the hallmark of all the activities planned.

The events will take place from 5 pm to 10 pm each day at the Heritage Village and Diving Village in Al Shindagha and in Hatta Heritage Village, the statement said.

As many as 27 major activities will be conducted at the Al Shindagha heritage sites complex, while the Hatta Heritage Village will host more than a dozen entertainment activities highlighting various aspects of Emirati culture and traditions.

Among the daily activities to be held at Al Shindagha heritage sites complex are exhibitions on the craftworks of inmates from penal institutions, Bedouin handicrafts and mountain handicrafts, it said.

There will be a traditional Emirati souk in addition to falconry show, camels and horse riding, mock Hadeher and Bedouin wedding ceremonies, classic car shows, police dog shows, sports bike shows and traditional Emirati cooking displays.

There will also be a traditional boats’ display in addition to on-stage competitions and Dubai International Art Centre exhibition and performance by traditional music bands.

Visitors will be able to watch pearl diving and experience the traditional Arabian hospitality, the statement said. At the Hatta Heritage Village, visitors will be able to watch Bedouin traditions, and arts and crafts.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional Emirati food like breads and harees and a traditional kitchen offering biryani and majboos.

There will be displays of traditional games and music in addition to theatre shows and cultural competitions, it said.

The Heritage and Diving Villages, located along the Dubai Creek promenade, has remained a big attraction for the residents and visitors of Dubai and the DSF 2012 events are expected to bring hordes of people from various nationalities to the popular sites.

The heritage sites in Shindagha comprise genuinely restored and fully equipped structures, representing traditional life in the UAE. The purpose of the sites is to safeguard the culture and architectural heritage of Dubai to ensure that present and future generations have an opportunity to celebrate their heritage.

The Hatta Heritage Village, situated 115 km southeast of Dubai city in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Dubai’s historical past, the statement said.

The history of the village can be traced back to 2000 to 3000 years. It consists of 30 buildings, each differing in size, interior layout and building materials, it said. – TradeArabia News Service