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City lights up lives during Ramadan

Locals, residents and visitors alike are delighted with the lights that blanket the city in all splendour since October 14, enhancing the Ramadan feeling throughout the holy month. DCCI aims to overwhelm with the decoration that consist of crescent moons on side streets, 'Dubai the City that cares' and DCCI flags on the bridges raised high above, emphasising on the need for charity and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan.

There is no doubt that 'Dubai the City that Cares' will be a subject of conversation in every household. Mr Ahmed Bilal, head of the decoration committee, stated: "The light decorations were created to embody the meaning of Ramadan in its entirety, and will also reflect the essence of Dubai, a city that is always in the spotlight. With the light decorations of the holy month of Ramadan blanketing the entire city, the spotlight will now be on Dubai".

The decorations attracted and delighted foreigners visiting the city for the first time, as well as residents. An employee in a multinational firm said: "We are overjoyed that this campaign is being organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and industry since it will encourage residents, and even foreigners to carry out charitable and generous acts to anyone who is in need".

Lise Bain, a resident from Canada, said that it was the first time she experiences the month of Ramadan in such a grand fashion, and loves the feelings of unity and joy spread from the goodwill that is evident throughout the city. She claimed the decorations enhance the meaning of Ramadan and makes it clear that the month is significant to people.

As for local residents, they praised the significant actions that the UAE government is undertaking during the holy month of Ramadan. Bakr from Syria said, "I have visited several Arab countries during Ramadan for the past five years and this is the first time I see a city that decorates its streets and bridges with lights that spread the very feelings that represent Ramadan, with joy evident and abundant in residents, locals and visitors".

Dubai has decorated its city like no other, putting a smile on people's faces, and most importantly, promoting a feeling of wellbeing for the needy, sick and disadvantaged.

'Dubai the City that Cares' 2004 campaign will run till November 19. Charity organisations participating in the campaign include Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity Foundation, Dubai Aid City, Unicef, World Food Programme and Beit El Kheir. Official sponsors which have contributed to the campaign include Dubai Islamic Bank, Abraj Real Estate Developers, Emirates Islamic Bank, Gold and Jewellery Group and Burjuman Centre.

ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

Touf Wa Shouf play at Lamcy Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Al Aam Ramadan (Uncle Ramadan) Play at Al Mazaya Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Al Muwashahat Group at Al Bustan Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Diafah Syrian Corner at Deira City Centre 7pm-12am

Diafah Moroccan Corner at Burjuman Centre 7pm-12am

Diafah Egyptian Corner at Wafi City Mall 7pm-12am

Mini Stories at Deira City Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Al Mesaharati at Masalla Mall 8pm-11:30pm

Al Kharareef Stories at Al Mulla Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Ramadan Quizzes at Palm Strips Shopping Centre 8pm-11:30pm

Ramadan Diafah Corner at Mercato Centre 7pm-12pm

Zayed Chess Championship at Dubai Chess and Culture Club 9pm-12:30am

Al Ahli Activities at Al Ahli Club 9pm-12am

For more information, please visit the website www.ourdcc.com

• UAE