For the second consecutive year, Manarat Al Saadiyat is set to organize Ramadan Arcade, celebrating community spirit during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event embraces cultural traditions in a contemporary setting and invites the community to come together and enjoy cultural, social and entertainment activities between 9-12 May and 15-18 May.
After last year’s resounding success, which saw Ramadan Arcade welcome more than 8,000 visitors, the event organised by Manarat Al Saadiyat part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), returns with engaging and meaningful ways to celebrate Ramadan with friends. A series of activities will be spread out across five main zones, covering games, art and photography workshops, performances, retail, learning, food and more.
Alia Khalid Al Qassimi, Head of Manarat Al Saadiyat, said: “At the heart of everything we do at MAS is a sense of community, designed to bring us closer together, foster common understanding and create lasting bonds that result in a lifetime of special memories. Ramadan Arcade returns this year in a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere with a selection of culture activities and entertainment. I hope that the unique activities on offer will serve as a memorable way to enjoy the Holy Month with loved ones.”
The arcade and gaming zones located within the Theater area will be home to both modern and retro games, as well as a Karom/Hokmtournaments. A diverse collection of traditional games such as Jakaro and Barjees will be available to play, with the gaming zone featuring classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Space Invaders. Players can also compete in gaming tournaments on PlayStation’s FIFA.
The garden will feature a variety of food trucks for culinary treats. Visitors can also indulge in a full retail experience, with pop-up vendors including fashion and jewellery designers, all run by Mirbad, a non-profit organisation. Mirbad was founded by young Emirati women who have come together to recreate a traditional souq experience with a modern twist, all in the name of charity.
Visitors will learn something new at the series of interactive workshops and talks, on interesting topics such as Majlis traditions, Gahwa, tolerance and astrophotography. In addition, a variety of engaging performances will be offered nightly including Malid acts, poetry and more. Meanwhile, art sessions hosted by the Art Studio will include tile painting, clay fanars and infinity mirrors.
Ramadan Arcade will be open from 9pm-2am and will run from 9-12 May and 15-18 May. For more information on activities and workshops, please visit Manaratalsaadiyat.ae.
