ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 04th Jun, 2018) Organised by Manarat Al Saadiyat, the first edition of Ramadan Arcade has concluded with the event entertaining more than 8,639 visitors in the capital, with a highly interactive programme for the public to enjoy, including gaming activities, musical performances, workshops, retails outlets and culinary experiences.
From 23rd May to 1st June 2018 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Ramadan Arcade celebrated the essence of the Holy Month of Ramadan by bringing people together through community gatherings; it also presented a wide variety of creative installations that aimed to shed light on the importance of Islamic values by showcasing contemporary and traditional art practices.
One of the key elements at the Ramadan Arcade was the Gaming Centre, which featured a diverse collection of traditional games, such as Karom, Jakaro, Hokm, Hand, and Barjees, as well as classic arcade games such as Pac Man, Mortal Combat, Space Invaders and Mario Kart. Participants were also able to join gaming tournaments on PlayStation’s Fifa.
Through its multiple and diverse activity zones, the event also created an entertaining and immersive atmosphere that welcomed music enthusiasts to relish the melodic tones of traditional Arab instruments. It hosted musical performances of Bait Al Oud. Visitors were also able to participate in music lessons in the Arabic instruments oud, qanun, cello and rebabah.
Hosted at the Manarat Al Saadiyat’s studio, craft and arts enthusiasts of all ages were invited to engage with educational workshops on creating their own to create their own lanterns, recipe books, clay pots, infinity mirrors, and jewellery. Visitors were also able to explore Arabic and English poetry writing workshops.
The event also hosted several musical performances, film screenings, art installations, workshops and discussions. In addition, the Majlis pavilion accommodated a curated selection of popular old television series from around the region.
During the first four days of Ramadan Arcade, visitors were able to explore a full retail experience that featured exquisite local and international vendors and fashion designers, exquisite jewellers, and delicious food outlets by non-profit organisation Mirbad, which was founded by young Emirati girls who collaborated to recreate a traditional souq, but with a modern and vibrant twist, all for charity.
