Journey through 9 immersive zones inspired by 9 common values of Ramadan and the Year of Zayed

This Ramadan at The Dubai Mall, guests will be taken on an enlightened journey with 9-HIJRI, a month- long activation which celebrates the common guiding values between the Holy Month and the nation’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed. Featuring 9 immersive zones spread across the mall, residents and visitors will be taken through an enrichening experience with exhibits, interactive workshops and inspiring showcases of Islamic culture, religion and heritage.

Beginning their journey at the Grand Atrium entrance of The Dubai Mall, visitors will pass through the first Zone, Community which features a large multimedia mural screening Ramadan Kareem greetings to all. Guests can also record Ramadan wishes for their friends and family, for social media sharing.

Moving onto the Souk Atrium, visitors enter the second Zone, Heritage, featuring a unique sensory experience hosted in partnership with Dubai Culture, The Ajala Project and Al Serkal Cultural Foundation. Within this Zone, a 360-degree suspended projection screen will allow guests to enjoy a documentary celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s achievements through a unique artistic audio installation called ‘Listening Place’ created by artist Chris Kapasaroff. A library of English and Arabic books on Ramadan, Islam and Sheikh Zayed will also be available for visitors to enjoy.

The third Zone, Faith, features an enriching visual exhibition in partnership with Dubai Culture and Al Serkal, featuring works curated by award-winning regional artists such as Jaber Al Haddad and Nouf BinShaieg. The exhibition portrays the beauty of faith through art, and will be hosted in the corridor near Galeries Lafayette.    

Togetherness, is the fourth Zone featuring a unique community art initiative hosted in The Village. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s spirit of unity and inclusion, this string and nail installation by location artists Maysoon Masalha and Bassam Al Selawi celebrates diversity by inviting guests to participate in weaving colourful strings through letter cut-outs, spelling Ramadan Kareem.

The fifth Zone, Enlightenment, in the Souk Dome, immersive Virtual Reality experiences will transport adults and children through the wonders of astronomy, explaining the principles of Ramadan’s lunar cycle.  This Zone will also feature exciting science workshops for the whole family zone, in partnership with Mad Science and Dubai Astronomy.

Themed around Family, the sixth Zone will be the hub of 9-HIRJI throughout Ramadan, where the Star Atrium will be transformed into a community event space, dedicated to kids and families. Filled with a daily programme of educational activities, interactive workshops and exciting events such as life performances and street art calligraphy by artists Diaa Allam, the Family Zone will inspire, engage and educate all guests of the virtues of Ramadan in a memorable way.

The seventh Zone, Giving, embraces the value of generosity and giving and will be located near Fashion Catwalk. Hosted in partnership with Dubai Cares, this Zone features a school-shaped installation which will be illuminated over the month with light bulbs available for purchase as donations. All funds raised will go towards providing quality education to children in underprivileged communities in developing countries.

The eighth Zone, Self-Reflection is hosted in the Bloomingdale’s Atrium, and invites guests to walk through an intricate mirror and light art installation. A metaphor of self-reflection and contemplation, this Zone embraces a key value of the Holy Month.

Shifting focus to the importance of health and helping everyone stay fit in Ramadan, the last and ninth Zone, Well-Being, brings together consultants, nutritionists, foodies, fitness instructors and influencers to deliver workshops, talks and demonstrations on how to stay healthy during Ramadan. These will be hosted in various cafés and restaurants throughout the month.  

Enhancing 9-HIRJI will be ‘ASMA – 99 Names of Allah’, a beautiful showcase of 99 individual artworks depicting various forms of the word Allah from Sharjah-based artist Art Noor. This exhibition will be hosted in various locations throughout the mall, including Fashion Avenue and near the mall’s Grand Atrium on the Ground Floor.

Throughout Ramadan, The Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue will be hosting a silent auction in support of Emirates Autism Society, with a bespoke artwork titled ‘Brighter Days’ created by globally renowned artist Robi Walters on sale. Meticulously created as part of a live art installation throughout April, Robi Walter’s piece is a one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by the colour blue, the official colour for Autism Awareness. All proceeds raised will go to Emirates Autism Society.

Experience the true essence of Ramadan this year only at The Dubai Mall, and be sure to share all your special moments with the official hashtag #TDM9HIJRI.

What: 9HIJRI exhibition

Where: The Dubai Mall

When: From May 17, 2018

Time: 10am to 1am, everyday throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Dubai Mall, the flagship retail and leisure destination of Emaar Malls, is part of Downtown Dubai, Emaar Properties’ mega-development.

For an updated schedule of Ramadan activities at The Dubai Mall visit: www.thedubaimall.com/ramadan

For more information, visit www.thedubaimall.com or call 800 DUBAI MALL (800 38224 6255)

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