The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) on Wednesday launched its ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ initiative inspired by the spirit and values of the holy month in collaboration with government departments and entities in the emirate.

‘Ramadan in Dubai’ is a spiritual and cultural initiative developed to involve the local and regional communities through activities and festivities in the emirate inspired by Islamic values, heritage and tradition.

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DEPE, said that ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ is a special time, with the whole community coming together to share and celebrate the rituals and values of the holy month. “Over the next four weeks, Dubai will play host to our communities, families and friends throughout Ramadan, providing opportunities for sharing, contemplating, reflecting and creating those very special memories after sundown.”

Special highlights this year are the annual Dubai International Holy Quran Award held throughout the first 20 days of Ramadan; the Islamic choir, which will be appearing in malls across the city; a chance to get active at Dubai Sports World, and celebrate iftar and sohoor at the Ramadan Majlis at Dubai World Trade Centre this holy month.

‘Ramadan in Dubai’ is also cooperating this year with ‘Al Ajer’ awareness campaign. Held under the patronage of Shaikh Majid bin Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, Al Ajer Campaign aims at raising awareness among the UAE community on the main values of Ramadan.

Modhesh World will also bring families together to encourage children to discover the traditions, meanings and values of Islam and Ramadan.

A special Group Iftar for children will be held featuring a Ramadan Souq that will serve traditional sweets as well as Hakawati and storytellers sharing their tales and fables. A special fund-raising initiative with Red Crescent at Modhesh World will help convey the importance of charity during this special time and throughout the year, thanks to a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Malls across Dubai will be open for late night get-together, with shopping and dining after midnight. Ramadan tents in hotels across the emirate will be hosting iftars and suhoors throughout the holy month, and Islamic lectures will be held in mosques through the Awqaf initiative.