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Libya pavilion makes a mark

A folk dance troupe from Libya which performs on alternate days at the Libya pavilion has been drawing appreciative crowds since the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Among the cultural dances being staged at the main entrance of the pavilion are Al Barada, Al Kaska, Al Tanoor, Al Tawarig and Al Arasa, according to Mohammed Alshireef, one of the stall owners.

A large crowd gathered around the troupe where a woman is seen dancing the Al Barada to the beat of the drums and a bagpipe. Among the musical accompaniments played by the men were the zukra (bagpipe), noba (large drum) and tarbouka (small drum).

Among the new entrants to the Global Village during DSF 2003, the Libyan pavilion is situated opposite the Pakistan pavilion. At the entrance of the pavilion, one cannot miss the Arabic signage which states "The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahriya" (SPLAJ) (the new name of Libya) and right below it is an image of the Libyan Industrial River.

There is quite a variety of products on offer at the pavilion although some of the stall owners were taken by Syrians and Egyptians who sold garments, traditional Arabic dresses, nuts, pickles, perfume, gift items, among other products.

Abdul Hameed, one of the organisers of the Libyan pavilion, said that although it was the first time that the country has participated in the Global Village, the 33 stalls in the pavilion has had a good business.

"Most stall owners are so far quite satisfied with the warm response of visitors to the pavilion. Besides the traditional artefacts and crafts being offered by Mr Alshireef, among our products include garments, textiles, linen, shoes, cosmetics, Arabic perfume and nuts," he said, adding that he looks forward to participating in next year's DSF.

Mohammed Alshireef, who has a traditional art gallery at the Erbaa Market in Libya, said that most of the UAE locals and European tourists who have been visiting his stall were interested in the hand-woven carpets with camel designs.

"These carpets, which come in different carpets and designs, are made of 100 per cent wool. We also have decorative ornaments, hand-woven baskets and wooden statues which will be ideal for the home. The soft leather hand bags and hand-woven backpacks are also a favourite among tourists," he said.

Ibrahim Atta is one of the 33 stall owners who is quite contented with the flow of customers in the Libyan pavilion. He sells a wide range of modern ladies' garments which include skirts, blouses, dresses and trousers of different styles, sizes and colours.

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