Unity cultural event held in Dubai

Ahead of the 52nd National Day of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai hosted Unity, a cultural event that allowed expats of different nationalities to immerse themselves in Emirati culture.

The event was organised by the private office of Sheikh Humeid bin Khalid Al Qassimi and supported by The Host Theatre, and was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s royal family, and Lead Ventures CEO Mohammed El Banna.

Guests were able to learn about traditional Emirati food and drink, as well as handicrafts including henna painting, folk dancing and falconry traditions. The Dubai Police Orchestra performed ceremonial Arabic melodies and the UAE anthem. The Unity event included a charity auction of paintings by Arab female artists Rana Al Saadi and Farah Malhas.

The event was held in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Dubai’s historic district, which is located between the city’s museum, the Dubai Bay waterfront and Musalla Street. Most of the buildings here were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The whole quarter is declared a historical monument.

The fort located in it is a witness to the transformation of the Emirate. The fort, erected in 1787, served as the residence of the rulers and was the main defence structure of the emirate. It also housed armoury arsenals and a prison.

In 1971, after the formation of the unified state of the UAE, by order of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the fortress was restored and turned into the Dubai Museum. Today, colourful dioramas and installations tell the story of Dubai’s history and cultural heritage, introducing visitors to life in the region before oil was discovered.

The museum’s galleries faithfully recreate Arabian houses, mosques, markets, date plantations, seaside and desert landscapes. There is also an exhibition dedicated to the pearl trade, where you can take a closer look at scales, sieves and other tools of the trade. Some of the items on display date back to 3000 B.C. The museum staff is carefully preserving these treasures for future generations.

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