The spirit of the UAE took over the heart of Moscow at Manezh Square last week, captivating more than 300,000 visitors with traditional activities, performances, and cultural displays. The event, organized by the UAE Embassy and the Government of Moscow, ran from June 27 to July 2 and offered a rich cultural experience beyond the UAE’s well-known luxury living.
Key Takeaways
- Over 300,000 visitors attended the event at Manezh Square.
- Traditional Emirati activities included qahwa sipping, henna application, and craft displays.
- The event featured an Emirati wedding show and the ‘Ayala’ dance performance.
- The program is part of a larger cycle of events fostering bilateral relations between Russia and the UAE.
A Cultural Extravaganza
The event transformed Manezh Square into a vibrant display of UAE culture, adorned with the colors of the UAE flag—red, white, black, and green. Visitors enjoyed a variety of traditional Emirati activities, including sipping the traditional qahwa, applying henna, and participating in craft displays. The square was alive with the sounds and sights of Emirati culture, offering a unique experience for all attendees.
Highlights of the Event
One of the standout features was the Emirati wedding show, which showcased wedding traditions passed down through generations. The bride, dressed in traditional attire, was escorted by women to the groom’s house, where various rituals were performed. This captivating display drew significant attention and admiration from the audience.
Another highlight was the ‘Ayala’ performance, a traditional dance where participants line up in two rows facing each other and dance and sing to the rhythm of tambourines and drums. Thousands of visitors were mesmerized by the synchronized movements and rhythmic beats, many capturing the moment on their phones.
Visitor Experiences
Niki Kozilov, a Moscow resident, expressed his amazement at the ‘Ayala’ dance. Having visited Dubai twice, he regretted not experiencing the Emirati culture earlier. "The way the participants moved in sync with the rhythm of the instrument was mesmerizing. My next trip to the Emirates will be solely dedicated to learning and experiencing the Emirati culture," said Kozilov.
Anastasia, a visitor from St. Petersburg, shared her newfound appreciation for Emirati culture. "Whenever we browse about the UAE on the internet, all we see is the modern architecture, adventure, and luxury living. However, there is just more than that to it," she said. After experiencing the cultural richness at the event, she expressed a desire to explore the traditional aspects of the UAE on her next visit.
Immersive Activities
The event provided an immersive cultural experience with activities such as temporary henna tattoos, craft displays, and a photo exhibition showcasing the stunning landscapes of the UAE. Anya Petrova, an engineer at MTC Telecommunications, was thrilled to apply henna for the first time. "I always wanted to have a henna design on my hand. The first time I saw it was when my friend returned from India with a beautiful design. Since then, I have been waiting for an opportunity to get it done," said Anya. "Finally, I got it, and it’s beautiful. All the Russians are so enthusiastic about this that I had to wait for more than an hour in line to get it done."
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The event is part of a larger cycle of events held on a reciprocal basis within the framework of bilateral interaction between Russia and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States (GCC). Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, highlighted the growing partnership between the two countries, particularly in tourism. In 2023 alone, more than 42,000 travelers from the UAE visited Moscow, an eightfold increase from the previous year. This trend continued in the first quarter of 2024, with a significant rise in the number of tourists.
In addition to cultural exchanges, the two countries are actively fostering relations in the tourism sector. Travelers from the UAE do not need a visa to enter Russia, and in 2023, Moscow welcomed 42.2 thousand tourists from the UAE. As of early February, there were 150 flights a week from the Russian capital to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The event at Manezh Square not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the UAE but also strengthened the bonds between Russia and the UAE, promising more such cultural exchanges in the future.