Dubai Celebrates Ramadan Spirit with Annual Home Decoration Awards
Dubai has once again showcased its vibrant cultural traditions by honoring residents who transformed their homes into dazzling displays of Ramadan spirit. The city recently concluded its annual competition for the best-decorated private residences during the holy month, awarding prizes totaling 200,000 UAE dirhams (approximately $54,450). Organized by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Dubai Government Media Office, the initiative aims to foster community unity and celebrate the values of generosity and creativity synonymous with Ramadan.
Topping this year’s list was Asma Al Yasi from the Muhaisnah district, whose striking installation captivated judges and passersby alike. Her courtyard featured a towering six-meter crescent moon sculpture—a universal symbol of Ramadan—paired with a traditional cannon, evoking memories of historic iftar (evening meal) announcements. Al Yasi’s innovative blend of artistry and cultural homage earned her the grand prize of 100,000 dirhams.
Second place went to Mansoor Mohammed from Al Warqaa 3, who received 60,000 dirhams for his intricate light arrangements and calligraphic designs inspired by Quranic verses. Third-place winner Abbas Al Hajj, a longtime participant from the same neighborhood, took home 40,000 dirhams for his elaborate display of lanterns and illuminated crescents. Al Hajj, who has decorated his home annually since 2018, shared his ambition to construct Dubai’s largest crescent moon installation next year. “Ramadan is a time of joy and giving,” he said. “Decorating my home is my way of sharing that joy with the community.”
Beyond the top three, 17 additional prizes were awarded, including special recognitions for sustainability efforts and children’s creativity. Notably, several winners received tickets to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, adding a spiritual dimension to their achievements.
The competition, now in its fifth year, has grown significantly in scale and participation. This edition saw hundreds of entries, reflecting Dubai’s diverse population and the universal appeal of Ramadan’s themes. Judges evaluated displays based on creativity, cultural authenticity, use of sustainable materials, and community engagement.
In a parallel initiative, Brand Dubai announced that travelers arriving in Dubai during Eid al-Fitr—the festival marking the end of Ramadan—would receive a commemorative passport stamp. Designed with motifs of lanterns and crescents, the stamp serves as a keepsake for visitors, symbolizing the city’s warm hospitality. This gesture aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for cultural tourism.
The awards ceremony, held at Dubai’s iconic Union House, emphasized the emirate’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. “These decorations are more than just lights and sculptures,” said a Brand Dubai representative. “They represent the heartbeat of our community—a blend of tradition, generosity, and shared celebration.”
For residents like Asma Al Yasi, the competition is a testament to Dubai’s unique identity. “Our city thrives on diversity, but during Ramadan, we unite under a common purpose: to spread kindness and beauty,” she remarked.
As Dubai continues to evolve, initiatives like the Ramadan Home Decoration Awards ensure that cultural roots remain at the forefront of its cosmopolitan spirit. With plans already underway for next year’s event, the city’s residents are already dreaming up new ways to illuminate the holy month—one lantern, one crescent, and one cannon at a time.
Source: Khaleej Times
