Syrian culture festival returns to Zabeel Park in Dubai on 7 November

The Emirates Loves Syria initiative will hold a public celebration of Syrian history and culture at Zabeel Park in Dubai on Saturday, 7 November. This is the second year of the event, which combines music, art, food and heritage, WAM reported on 5 November.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, is due to attend, together with well-known Syrians and business leaders who live in the UAE. The programme includes talks, shows, community activities and concerts. Syrian singer Assala Nasri is the headliner. Content creators will act as event ambassadors. One segment will honour Syrians living in the UAE whose work spans fields such as art, media, medicine, business and design.

An outdoor exhibition features installations modelled on the Arch of Triumph in Palmyra and the clock towers of Bab Al Faraj in Aleppo and of Homs. It also has a sculpture inspired by the Damascene sword. Visitors can take part in "A Mailbox from Syria" and pull out a letter with words of love, longing and remembrance. A photo zone recreates the character of cities and governorates including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartus and Daraa.

Thirty stalls will offer crafts and heritage products from Syrian home businesses. Around 40 restaurants and kiosks will serve Syrian food and drinks. WAM ties this support for small businesses to expanding economic cooperation between the UAE and Syria, including investment partnerships between private sectors.

For visitors in Dubai, the event offers a day out at Zabeel Park with food and entertainment. Those planning a meal around it can browse restaurants in Dubai.