UAE’s Folk Art Associations to Share Stage at Dubai World Hospitality Championship
Heritage and Hospitality Exhibition to Spotlight Emirati Culture on Global Stage
Dubai-UAE: – For the first time in the history of the UAE, folk art associations across the nation will unite at the same forum to present vignettes of Emirati culture and tradition to the world. The Heritage and Hospitality Exhibition, a key element of the Dubai World Hospitality Championship (DWHC), will feature a variety of cultural performances by members of folk art associations from different emirates.
Dubai Folk Arts Society, Al Shohouh National Heritage Association in Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain Folk Arts and Heritage Association, Bin Majed Association in Ras Al Khamiah, Ras Al Khaimah Folk Arts and Kayaking Society, Sharjah Association for Folk Arts and Theater, Al Rams Folk Arts and Kayaking Association and Ajman Association for Folk Arts and Theatre will host cultural displays at the dedicated Heritage Village that is expected to be a crowd-puller at the three-day DWHC culinary extravaganza.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Hareb Al Falahi, President of Dubai World Hospitality Championship, said: “We have a wealth of variegated folk art here in the UAE. However, global awareness about these is very limited. Through the DWHC, we hope to showcase our great heritage to both the expatriate community of Dubai as well as to our international visitors.”
As with all other cultures in the world, dances are a strong element of the Emirati culture. The Heritage Village will enable visitors to experience first-hand the various ethnic dance forms of the UAE, with some uniquely colourful Emirati touches such as henna design and home-made crockery.
The associations participating in the Heritage Village will treat visitors to visual displays of Emirati folk arts and theatre. Traditional dance performances including Al Eyaleh, Al Nadba, Al Dawah, Ybuab, Al Razif, Al A’rda, Al Aahel, Al Liwa, Shalat Al Bahar, Al Mdima, Al Nuban, Al Andima, Al Harbya, Al Hudo, Al Nahmat Al Bahrya, Al Hban and Al Suma among others will offer visitors an insight into life in the UAE much before shiny skyscrapers transformed its skyline and lifestyle.
Hassan Lagher from Dubai Folk Arts Association said: “Emirati art forms have a grace and structure that is uniquely our own. Every region has its indigenous dance form, and we have had years of experience in staging dance shows that reflect our heritage. However, this is the first time we are getting the opportunity to combine our strengths, and we expect great things to come from this debut collaboration.”
Organised by the Za’abeel Palace Hospitality under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai World Hospitality Championship will take place from 16-18 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Apart from the Heritage and Hospitality Exhibition, the event will stage a series of competitions that will witness 700 professional and amateur chefs demonstrating their artistic and aesthetic competencies.
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About Dubai World Hospitality Championship 2013:
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Zaabeel Palace Hospitality organises the Dubai World Hospitality Championship 2013, an initiative that seeks to spotlight Dubai amongst the finest multicultural culinary destinations of the world.
In its first edition, the Dubai World Hospitality Championship 2013 will take place from 16-18 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event comprise of three main competitions: The International Competition, The Emirati Competition and The Hospitality Sector Competition. The championship will witness12 globally renowned culinary masters, Emirati professional and amateur chefs and 700 chefs vying for top honours through showcasing their creativity, mastery and professionalism in crafting international and Emirati cuisine. More importantly, DWHC is the first and only event of its kind that highlights the rich and intricate traditions of Emirati cuisine and hospitality to the world.
Supported by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG) and Dubai World Trade Centre, the debut edition of the championship will host a culinary museum and a model heritage village displaying traditional handmade products and offering popular Emirati food for sampling. The event will offer free access to the public.