For the fifth year, The Dubai Mall has partnered with Dubai Cares under the theme of ‘The World Gathers Here for Goodness’ to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event includes a special exhibition featuring an impressive display of Arabic art pieces that underline the region’s rich cultural heritage including the World’s Biggest Book highlighting the biography of Prophet Muhammad, as well as artwork by renowned Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.
“The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time to reflect on solidarity and foster camaraderie among friends and families,” said Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group. “The Dubai Mall and Dubai Cares are offering a unique way to make meaningful contributions that support the underprivileged. We are also showcasing elegant Arabic art pieces to honor our region’s culture, which provides visitors with vivid insights into the region as well as our heritage.”
Dubai Cares highlights the values of charity and generosity that are associated with the Holy Month and works to improve children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries. In partnership with The Dubai Mall, the organization enables visitors to contribute to the cause with a donation on top of their spending at various retail outlets. Donation boxes are also placed in various locations in the mall.
In addition, Dubai Cares will showcase an interactive exhibition at the mall’s Star Atrium featuring images of an underprivileged person and how support from the public will help improve the person’s life.
Works by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej inspired by the Holy Quran are used for The Dubai Mall’s Ramadan décor and illustrate ayats through beautifully rendered Arabic calligraphy. One of his masterpieces is the collection of nine unique sculptures in the shape of the moon entitled Moon Reflection that will be on display at the mall’s Waterfall Atrium. Each sculpture represents a different phase of the moon and is dedicated to a specific verse from the Holy Quran.
Other key exhibitions include The Mahmal at the mall’s Souk Atrium presenting a rare artwork handcrafted and embroidered with elegant silver and gold thread calligraphy. It was originally commissioned by the 99th Caliph and 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulhamid II who reigned from 1876 AD to 1909 AD.
Also, Sitara, an artwork representing one of the most sacred of Islamic artifacts and commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Selim III dated (1789-1807 AD), will be showcased at within Bloomingdale’s Atrium.
Another impressive showing is revealed at the Souk Dome featuring the Biggest Book in the World. The book has successfully entered the Guinness Worlds Records as the first in the Arabic language and features the biography of the Prophet Muhammad.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has also set up a stand to provide insights into the traditions and the religious significance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, on the second floor of the mall.
During Ramadan, The Dubai Mall has extended operating hours from 10am to 1am. Food and beverage outlets are open from Iftar until 2am and the restaurants on the Waterfront Promenade are open until 3am.
For more information, visit www.thedubaimall.com.
