Mall of the Emirates’ Emirati Cultural Hub Zeman Awwal Launches a Month of Programming in Celebration of the 51 UAE National Day
- For an entire month, Zeman Awwal will immerse customers in Emirati culture through partnerships with the Emirates Youth Symphony orchestra, host a National Day market, workshops, theatrical performances and more with Mall of the Emirates becoming a living National Museum
- Launching the first Annual Contest for UAE related Content by Zeman Awwal, in partnership with Dubai Culture and Dubai Investments, celebrating the past, present, and future of the UAE with extravagant prizes
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 3 2022: With the UAE’s 51st anniversary fast approaching, Mall of the Emirates has launched a unique UAE National Day Festival at Zeman Awwal, the mall’s Emirati cultural hub. For a full month, the festival will be filled with exciting workshops, contests, markets, theatrical experiences, performances and a partnership with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO). The entire mall will also be turned into a living museum, telling the success stories of UAE achievers through striking art installations.
Newly opened during the 50th National Day celebrations last year, Zeman Awwal’s nine-district cultural space has plenty of activities — and surprises — in store for visitors for the entire month of November to immerse themselves in celebration of the nation’s heritage.
Hussain Moosa, Director, Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim commented: As a home-grown UAE company, we’re proud to play a significant role through our contributions to the country’s fast-developing retail sector. To continue being a part of the country’s vision going forward, Zeman Awwal is truly the ultimate destination to celebrate the spirit of the nation on UAE’s 51st year with diverse activities reflecting the community we serve, with much to learn and so much more to enjoy.”
Annual Contest for UAE Content by Zeman Awwal
Throughout November, Mall of the Emirates will call upon content creators to submit content (photography, videography, or short films) under three themes.
These include: “Blast from the Past” (pre-existing content including historical milestones of the UAE’s past, and personal, good-old days), “Celebrating Today” (modern content showcasing the UAE’s latest developed infrastructure and current-day diversity), and “Eye on the Future” (showcasing the futuristic aspects of the UAE within the technology and tourism sectors).
The judging criteria will be based on uniqueness, authenticity, creativity, and storytelling. Prizes include a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon worth AED200,000, AED50,000 to spend at any of Majid Al Futtaim destinations and unique Majid Al Futtaim hospitality and retail experiences valued at up to AED20,000. The deadline for entries is November 25 and interested content creators can submit their entry via zemanawwalcontest@gmail.com all details could be found on Mall of the Emirates website.
The judging panel for the Contest includes esteemed individuals from the UAE’s cultural, including: Fuad Ashraf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties; Khalil Abdulwahid, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, General Manager Dubai Investments Industries and Masharie and Head of Dubai Investments’ Sustainability Committee.
National Day Market at Zeman Awwal
From November 3 – December 4, visitors can explore various artisanal products reflecting the UAE’s heritage. Vendors include UAE nationals, UAE-based artists, and homegrown businesses. Aside from the physical souk visitors can stroll through at the market, shoppers can also try out the omni-souk experience by shopping from art favourites via Mall of the Emirates’ website.
Exciting workshops for creatives and the art-curious
In partnership with Adwar, creatives with a passion for moviemaking and fashion can participate in exclusive themed workshops at Zeman Awwal during National Day 2022.
The first workshop involves movie making, where participants aged between 10 – 15 years will create a UAE National Day-themed short film or documentary on “Dubai between the past and the present”. Not only will the workshop build participant’s production skills, but they’ll also gain acting tips from professionals. The final movie will be presented in a screening event at Zeman Awwal Cinema.
The second workshop hosted at the hub will be based on National Day Fashion. The two-hour session involves the making and sewing of fun National Day accessories and fashion sketches. This workshop is scheduled for November 5, 12, 19, and 26 between 11am to 1pm, and children aged 7 – 11 years are eligible to participate.
Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra
With the support of Zeman Awwal, Mall of the Emirates is also partnering with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) to support and nurture orchestral talent in the UAE. Mall of the Emirates will sponsor students from the orchestra and provide rehearsal space within Zeman Awwal. Interested participants can attend auditions that will take place at Zeman Awwal. What’s more, the orchestra will play the national anthem on November 3rd and once a week during the month of November as part of the National Day celebrations.
Immersive theatrical experience
Taking the celebrations of the UAE National Day a step further, visitors can experience a unique, immersive homeland theatrical experience at Zeman Awwal. The Arabic theatrical performance, titled “Watan”, will lead the audience on a journey across the past and future of the UAE, narrating a tale of human spirit, sacrifice, will, and dedication. The forty-minute performance will take place between November 25-26, 2022, and begin promptly at 8pm.
To learn more about Zeman Awwal, visit https://www.malloftheemirates.com/en/zeman-awwal.
