Dubai, August 27: While malls in Dubai are offering deals and special offers this Ramadan – they are equally focussed on recreating “Arabian culture” in various ways, including putting up Majlis, featuring family shows, and playing Ramadan movies.
Ibn Battuta Mall’s Grand Cinemas are showcasing “Journey to Mecca” and other special Ramadan movies for families.
An evening show of a unique, historical and inspirational documentary that features a specially constructed set of Al Masjid Al Haram (Great Mosque) with the Kaaba at its centre is being shown from 3.30pm to 930pm. It is open to all shoppers and guests. Special Eid offers exclusive to Ibn Battuta Mall complete the shopper’s Ramadan experience.
Bernice Boshoff, General Manager, Ibn Battuta Mall, told Khaleej Times: “We are delighted to be offering an exciting array of authentic activities for our valued customers, whether local, expatriate residents or tourists. In a cosmopolitan region like the Middle East, the need to be aware of the differences between the many cultures that prevail is especially important. We are particularly excited to be showcasing ‘Journey to Mecca’, which will offer shoppers the opportunity to learn about the region’s culture, its traditions and customs, an integral characteristic of our mall.”
He said that the mall’s China Court has been transformed into a decorative Majlis, open for Iftar buffet from sunset for only Dh75 per person. “Families can enjoy a feast in an atmosphere buzzing with cultural activities, including falconry displays, henna tattoo artists and a live oud player. Then, Ibn and Friends will treat shoppers to laban, the traditional refreshment to break their fast.”
In Al Ghurair City, Ramadan deals this year includes an opportunity to drive home a new Infinity car. This is in addition to various shopping offers at some of its renowned brands.
Salem Al Ghurair, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ghurair City, said that the promotion offering shoppers a chance to own an Infiniti QX56 SUV during Ramadan started on August 20 and would end by September 30; shoppers can enter the promotion by just spending Dh200 or more.
“The month of Ramadan is a very dear time for us at Al Ghurair City, as it conveys the traditions of our culture. Like always, we will celebrate this month with our guests, hoping it brings good health and prosperity to all. Aside from the shopping offers at some of our most renowned brands, we want to provide our shoppers with an opportunity to win a gift in the month of giving.”
He said that many world-class brands at the mall were also giving away special deals and discounts as part of their own initiatives to woo shoppers during Ramadan at Dubai Mall, charity and education initiatives mark the Ramadan celebration. The ‘Night Sky’ campaign, hosted in The Star Atrium, is a charity initiative to raise funds for Dubai Cares in UAE. Replete with seven large stars and a moon-shaped crescent, which can be sponsored by companies; shoppers can purchase gold and silver stars at the Star Atirum and all proceeds will go towards supporting the Ramadan campaign of Dubai Cares. A traditional Ramadan tent is in place along the Waterfront Promenade overlooking The Dubai Fountain.
Reminiscent of a ‘night sky’, the Star Atrium is adorned with over 1,000 stars, reflecting the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid. A Silver Star can be sponsored for Dh 60 and Gold Stars for Dh 90 with each star reflecting a shopper’s contribution to Dubai Cares in support of their efforts to help children in developing countries gain access to primary education.
A Dubai Cares photography exhibition is also located underneath the ‘Night Sky’ demonstrating the plight of children around the world and highlighting the educational programmes that the charity is implementing in 20 countries.
Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said that Ramadan was a special time of reflection and giving. “This Ramadan, we wanted our activities to reflect a good cause and provide our shoppers with an opportunity to support Dubai Cares.”
–Agencies