Her Excellency Dr. Maryam Mattar, Director General of the Community Development Authority, officially inaugurated the DSS 2009 Signature Event ‘Min Bladi Al Emarat’ at Dubai Marina Mall on Thursday, July 02, 2009. The event was attended by Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General of DSF Office and Yousif Mubarak, COO of DSF office, in addition to a host of other officials.
Min Bladi Al Emarat is a folkloric festivity showcasing the tradition and culture of UAE. The event is a much-awaited festivity of local traditions and customs and will go on till July 10.
Her Excellency Dr. Maryam hailed Min Bladi as an event that authentically reflects UAE heritage and stressed that “such events should be organized more often in shopping malls where we can reach out to the younger generation and introduce to them the Emarati values.”
Ibrahim Saleh said, “Min Bladi Al Emarat is popular not only as a heritage event but one that has contributed to the understanding of UAE and its traditions. Our aim is to make it possible for visitors and tourists to have an insight into the culture of this country and enable young Emaratis to relate to their identity. Additionally, the venue of this year’s Min Bladi Al Emarat, Dubai Marina Mall, is an indication of the DSF Office’s efforts to promote Dubai’s newest shopping and leisure destinations.”
This year’s Min Bladi sees the inclusion of numerous activities in addition to the popular competitions that have been a characteristic of the event since its start. A Heritage Oasis, Traditional Craftsmen, a Hospitality Tent, and Traditional Shows are part of the attractions this year. While these activities will begin on July 1, the competitions will start off on July 6.
Competitions within Min Bladi have been categorized as follows:
The competitions for this year are mainly focused on local food and tradition. Contests for the Best Perfume and the Best Harees (local food), will be held on July 6. The following day, contestants will compete in the Best Incense and Best Aseeda (local food) categories.
The Best Balaleeth (local food) contest will be the highlight for July 8 followed by the Best Legyumat (local food) on July 9. The last day of the competition will witness contests in the Best Henna Design and the Best Khabees (local food).
