TREATS AND SWEETS FOR KIDS
Local characters Omeir and Ghobeisha distribute goodies to kids at La Mer, Dubai, on Monday as the part of the Hag Al Leila celebrations, an Emirati event that marks the eve of the 15th day of Shaaban. It is customary for children to collect sweets from neighbours as they go around singing hymns.
DUBAI — Visitors to The Beach, La Mer, City Walk and The Yard got a taste of Emirati hospitality as they, especially children, were handed over colourful bags full of traditional Emirati sweets on Monday afternoon.
With 15 days to go for the holy month of Ramadan, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), held a special celebration of Hag Al Leila to celebrate an important Emirati tradition marking the eve of the 15th day of Sha’aban and serving as a precursor to the holy month.
The HHC stationed a white decorated van in four various locations in Dubai at different times: The Beach (12pm-2pm); La Mer (2.30pm- 4.30pm); City Walk (5pm-7pm) and The Yard (8pm10pm); with mascots Omeir (dressed in traditional kandoora) and Ghobeisha (wearing abaya) distributing sweets.
Chechnyan tourist Aiza who is visiting Dubai for the first time with her four-year-old son Mohammed, said: “My son got so excited seeing the mascots who gave them traditional sweets and I am
Hag Al Leila is a testament to the ongoing customs and values in the UAE, which we inherited from our ancestors.” Hind bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, director of events at the HHC happy that my children were introduced to the Emirati culture in such a friendly manner.”
Ukrainian tourist Mariana, who was also on a maiden trip to Dubai, had just stepped on to The Beach when she got attracted to the traditional music the van was playing. She said: “It is amazing how they give importance to culture here in the city. I was just gifted a bag of traditional Emirati sweets by these mascots and here is a pamphlet inside the bag that explains to us what Hag Al Leila is.
“It is so interesting for me because I have never heard of a beautiful tradition like this before. I will take this message of warmth and happiness to my country.”
Hind bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, director of events at the HHC who was present with the mobile van, said: “Hag Al Leila is a testament to the ongoing customs and values in the UAE, which we inherited from our ancestors and brings joy to children. In order to educate visitors and families coming into the UAE about our culture, we are going to different tourist destinations and handing over bags of traditional Emirati sweets to all.”
Al Qemzi said: “The response we have received was lovely as so many visitors came to our van on seeing the mascots and on hearing the catchy beats of traditional Emirati music. To many of them, the importance of this celebration clicks when we tell them that this is an Emirati version of what they may call Halloween.”
Hag Al Leila is a blessed night because it comes after Rajab and prior to Ramadan, which are considered very blessed months. It is customary for children to collect sweets from neighbours as they go around singing hymns dedicated for the occasion with lyrics that says “Give us and Allah will reward you and help you visit the Holy shrine in Makkah.”
I am happy that my children were introduced to the Emirati culture in such a friendly manner.” Roberto, Italian tourist
It is so interesting for me because I have never heard of a beautiful tradition like this before.” Mariana, Ukrainian tourist