In honour of Hag El Laila – an integral custom in UAE culture, Mall of the Emirates will host two evenings of fun-filled activities in its unique Emirati cultural hub, Zeman Awwal. Falling in the middle of the Islamic month of Sha’ban, which precedes Ramadan, celebrations at Mall of the Emirates will begin on the eve of 17th March and bring the community together to mark this special time of year.
Celebrating the UAE’s spirit of generosity and tolerance, Hag El Laila teaches children the significance of acts of giving as family and friends gather to enjoy the occasion. To mark the local celebration, Mall of the Emirates will offer a host of free activities for families to enjoy between 17th March from 6pm – 10pm and 18th March from 4pm – 10pm. This includes workshops, entertainment, captivating storytell-ing, giveaways, and immersive classes designed to celebrate the rich culture of the UAE and its tradi-tions.
Hussain Moosa at Majid Al Futtaim Properties – Director, Mall of the Emirates commented: “The UAE is a country full of legacies and rich culture that deserves to be celebrated. Emiratis and residents of the UAE are passionate about preserving the vibrant history of the nation by passing down its fascinat-ing traditions and stories, including Hag El Laila. As we approach the Holy month of Ramadan, there’s no better time to bring the community together to promote the values of sharing and giving than at Zeman Awwal, where endless experiences with loved ones will be found. Our mission at Mall of the Emirates is to uplift the surrounding community, and we’ll do so by connecting with our customers through unique events that help preserve the UAE’s national identity, create a sense of belonging, and embrace the country’s future.”
With an impressive 1,100 sqm space comprised of nine different inspirational areas, families visiting Zeman Awwal will immerse themselves in engaging art exhibitions that highlight the work of talented Emirati artists. They’re complemented by spaces that explore the UAE’s past 50 years, a traditional Emirati souk, and a first-of-its-kind film experience with Majlis Cinema — a boutique movie-watching experience dedicated to Emirati films. The space also presents an exclusive UAE costume exhibit in collaboration with The Zay Initiative, pop-art pieces from local and international artists, and installa-tions inspired by the ocean and desert.