Dubai: Expo City Dubai’s “Hai Ramadan” is set to be a true celebration of the holy month with an enchanting atmosphere, delicious food, and engaging activities.
Hai Ramadan will take visitors on a cultural journey through the Islamic world, allowing them to have unique experiences.
The festivities, which are regarded as an experiential interpretation of “hai,” an Arabic word with a dual meaning of “neighbourhood” and “welcome,” will run for more than 50 days, beginning on March 3, approximately two weeks before Ramadan.
Ms. Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director – Expo City Dubai, remarked that “just as Expo 2020 Dubai brought the world together once before, Expo City Dubai’s ‘Hai Ramadan’ will bring together different communities from all over during the holy month. “We are thrilled that our guests will be able to celebrate some of the world’s most famous and well-known Ramadan traditions in a single location.”
Worshippers will be able to access a dedicated mosque on site for all prayers, including Isha and the later Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. After the Taraweeh prayer, storytellers will evoke the ancient Arab art of Hakawati, narrating folktales and stories of adventure, culture, religion, and morality.
Al Wasl Plaza will offer a family-friendly theatrical show by Expo 2020. Dubai’s official mascots, Rashid and Latifa, and children of all ages are welcome to join workshops and games to learn about elements of Emirati culture as well as the values of Ramadan, such as kindness, generosity, and compassion. To promote a healthy lifestyle, Expo City Dubai will host sports tournaments for adults with a dedicated zone that will feature games, fitness, and wellness activations for people of all activity levels.
A bustling night market will see home-grown vendors offer perfumes, gifts, and tailor-made clothing, and a corporate Iftar option will be on offer.
Hai Ramadan will take place from 16:00 to 10:00 in the run-up to Ramadan and from 17:00 to 02:00 during Ramadan.