Get ready to plan this year’s holy month of Ramadan with Expo City Dubai, as they are introducing “Hai Ramadan”, starting from 3rd March to 25th April 2023.
Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Expo City Dubai, said: “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 excited that our visitors will be able to rejoice in some of the world’s most famous and well-known Ramadan traditions in a single destination.”
Via @expocitydubai on Instagram
The event is organised while keeping in mind the dual meaning of the word “hai”, which means ‘neighbourhood’ and ‘welcome’, as it aims to bring people to join this 50-day-long event prior to the UAE’s traditional celebration of Haq Al Laila. Visitors are also taken on a nostalgic journey to experience the culture across the Islamic world.
Ramadan activities at Expo City Dubai
Dedicated mosque for prayer will be available on-site including Isha, and later Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. On the other side, using the ancient Arab storytelling technique of hakawati, storytellers will narrate folktales and tales of adventure, culture, religion, and morals after the Taraweeh prayer. There will also be the classic Ramadan figure Misaharati, who will alert their community of people by drumming and singing, generally before dawn, to drink water and participate in Suhoor, celebrating this age-old tradition throughout the day.
Family-friendly theatrical show by Expo 2020 Dubai’s official mascots, Rashid and Latifaat, at Al Wasl Plaza, will be another set of activities visitors can enjoy, while children of all ages are welcome to join workshops and games to learn about elements of Emirati culture and the values of Ramadan, such as kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Since Dubai always showed an interest in fitness activities and events, which we have seen throughout the years, during this Ramadan festival as well, you will see sports tournaments for adults that will feature games, and fitness and wellness activations, with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Via @expocitydubai on Instagram
Entry to Hai Ramadan, including the Al Wasl show and sports activities, is free, with charges for a few workshops and games.
The night market will resemble similar to a pavilion in Global Village, where homegrown vendors will be offering perfumes, gifts, and tailor-made clothing, and a corporate Iftar option will be on offer.