12 must-attend events in Dubai this Ramadan

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12 must-attend events in Dubai this Ramadan

Here's a line-up of the events.

By Staff Report

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Published: Tue 7 May 2019, 11:38 AM

Last updated: Thu 9 May 2019, 8:57 AM

A host of activities focusing on Islamic values of compassion, giving and sharing is taking place all over the city during Ramadan. Running until the end of the Holy Month, people will be able to enjoy a wide range of cultural, community and family-oriented events that highlight the heritage of the emirate. Here's a line-up of the events.
Join the run
Returning for its seventh year, the NAS Sports Tournament, taking place at NAS Sports Complex until May 17, is as fierce as ever. The event will have trained athletes compete across a range of sporting events including basketball, volleyball, running and paddle. The spotlight, however, will once again fall on the wheelchair basketball tournament for People of Determination.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the popular Run the Track activity have added a Ramadan edition on May 10 at Dubai Autodrome. Organised as a community event in which runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate, Run The Track is an evening activity with the option to run 3, 5 or 10km, and if you finish your chosen distance you will receive a medal for your efforts. The Desert Road Runner are arranging an Iftar challenge on May 16 at Mushrif Park. The Iftar Challenge will feature a 5km distance and a 2km path for juniors. All junior runners and existing Desert Road Runners club members can join this community run for free with advanced registration. So get cracking and up and running after Iftar for this challenge.
Also the NAS Night Challenge is back for its fourth edition at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex on May 9 and 16. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, the challenge will see competitors, both professional athletes and sports enthusiasts, vying for honours around a 5km course. Athletes can compete as part of a team of four people or on their own.

Head to your nearby mall for more activities
There is something for everyone to enjoy this Ramadan at malls around town. Take in the calligraphy art installations at The Dubai Mall or go for a virtual reality journey that showcases real experiences of refugees and their homes at Ibn Battuta Mall; shoppers will be delighted with the bargains on offer at the Ramadan Night Market at Al Seef while The Beach, opposite JBR, is offering complimentary sunset yoga sessions and arts and crafts displays. Take your pick!

Art Exhibition
A variety of art events are being showcased in town during the Holy Month. Exhibits include works of talented artists like Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, New York and Dubai-based artist Farah Al Qasimi, Hemali Bhuta, Seher Shah and Randhir Singh, all of whom will be displaying their art works at Jameel Arts Centre. Other shows include a Perception and Reflection exhibition by Rana Begum, The Mountain at Meem Gallery, The Permanent exhibition at SVENM, TIBE NOW by Philip Mueller, Architecture of Being and Zino Irema exhibition at Showcase Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Altered Inheritances: Home is a Foreign Place Spring Break exhibition at Custot Gallery and Kamrooz Aram at Green Art Gallery.

Arte Market
Arte Market is the place to go for handmade wonders of art, fashion, home décor, skincare and food. With 150 artisans participating, Arte Market showcases the talent of creative entrepreneurs from the UAE, providing a great chance to pick up customised jewellery, organic soaps, home décor items and fashion accessories. The Arte Market will take place at Times Square Centre on May 10 and Mercato Mall on May 17.
Open Doors, Open Minds
Held in the courtyard of the Wind Tower House in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historic District of Bur Dubai, the Open Doors, Open Minds cultural experience that is running at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding gives people an interactive opportunity to know more about Ramadan, as well as learn about the UAE's history and culture. Visitors can take part in a number of activities, including Arabic classes, heritage tours and guided mosque visits.
Iftars and Suhours
Choose from a wide selection of delicious cuisine as several leading eatries around town will be hosting Ramadan tents for those wishing to break their fast at Iftar, as well as Suhour. Savour the flavours at Fairuz Ramadan Tent, Fairmont The Palm, Al Hadheerah Tent at Bal Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, The Meydan Hotel Ramadan Tent, Al Falak Ballroom at Burj Al Arab, Asateer at Atlantis The Palm, Tawlet X Inked and the Dubai Opera Iftar, to name a few.
Onboard the QE2
The QE2 Heritage Trail will give visitors an insight into the history of the legendary cruise ship, with the experience starting at the exhibition area in the main terminal. The experience will include an interactive showcase of some of the ocean liner's key features such as The Bridge and the Queens Room. During the tour, visitors will also be able to view a selection of rooms and suites, the original dining venues and a wide collection of historical artefacts.
Ramadan Nights
The Ramadan Dubai activities, launched by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD), offers people the chance to visit Ramadan tents and be a part of the Iftar dialogue (an educational programme on Islam) while Ramadan Nights and Squares, held across malls, will feature activities.
Arte Market
Arte Market is the place to go for handmade wonders of art, fashion, home décor, skincare and food. With 150 artisans participating, Arte Market showcases the talent of creative entrepreneurs from the UAE, providing a great chance to pick up customised jewellery, organic soaps, home décor items and fashion accessories. The Arte Market will take place at Times Square Centre on May 10 and Mercato Mall on May 17.
Trunk Show
The Ramadan Trunk Show is back for its 10th edition with Ladyz Fusion offering visitors the chance to experience the latest in fashion, jewellery and style along with matching accessories. Offering an array of bargains, the show will also give visitors a chance to update their wardrobe in time for Eid. The show will be held at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road on May 17.
Platinum Heritage
Enjoy a traditional Iftar experience, and learn about Ramadan and the Bedouin way of life when you sign up for a Desert Safari with Platinum Heritage. During the daily Iftar dinners at Bedouin camps in the desert, guests will also get a chance to tuck into authentic Arabic dishes like Lamb Ouzi, Lentil Soup, grilled Beef Kofta, and more.

Exploring Arabic Art?
Sulty Events & Entertainment will be launching a new series of the Art Perspective exhibition Whispers from the Past for the Ramadan season at 'Le Patio' in Habtoor Palace Dubai. The exhibition, in collaboration with Zimzy Gallery, will run until the first week of June. Whispers from the Past features artworks created by Syrian philosopher Mohsen Khanji. Don't miss this showcase of Arabic decoration, metal engraving and 3-D painting.
The gift of giving?
The gift of giving?Discover the perfect gifts for your loved ones with luxury leather goods brand Aspinal of London's collection this Ramadan that pays homage to the world of ballet. The grace and elegance of the dancers inspire the aesthetic for the Ramadan gift guide collection. Available at the Dubai Mall, Galleria Mall, and Yas Mall. For more info, call 04-3882717.
Creativity calling?
Media educator SAE will be hosting four creative media camps for kids aged 9-14 during the month of Ramadan to introduce students to the basic tools and techniques of robotics, programming, photography and animation. Camps will be led by experienced instructors and participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end. The camps will be held at SAE's Dubai campus, located at Dubai Knowledge Park, and each one is priced at Dh1,500 per head. For more info, call 04-3606456.


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