United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 7 February 2025: Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family destination for entertainment, dining, shopping, and attractions, is set to deliver a spectacular Hag Al Leila, a delightful Emirati traditional celebration that marks the countdown to the Holy Month of Ramadan. Observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the Hijri month preceding Ramadan, this joyful occasion celebrates generosity and cultural heritage.
For the first time, Global Village will bring this beloved tradition to life with a four-day activation from Thursday 13 February to Sunday 16 February between 5:00pm till 8:00pm, situated at the heart of the park between the Main Stage and Dragon Lake. Families and their children are invited to indulge in this vibrant experience featuring heritage-inspired activities, workshops, traditional treats, engaging entertainment and plenty of sweets.
Guests will be transported to an authentic Emirati setting, where the celebration space will be adorned with traditional decor, featuring palm fronds, woven mats, lanterns and majlis seating. Adding to the charm, elderly women dressed in heritage attire will share folklore stories, songs and proverbs while distributing Hag Al Leila candy and sweets, enriching the experience for all. Children, captivated by the melodies, will joyfully listen, sing along “Aatona Hag Al Leila” and collect their treats, making cherished memories of this tradition.
Historically, Hag Al Leila has played a key role in strengthening family and community ties while instilling values of kindness and gratitude in younger generations. The act of distributing treats is a symbolic gesture that underscores the importance of giving, a central theme in the lead-up to Ramadan. Beyond its festive charm, this event provides a valuable educational opportunity, allowing children to connect with and appreciate Emirati heritage in a meaningful way. It aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community and Global Village’s commitment to celebrating culturesand sharing the richness of traditions rooted from the UAE and beyond.
The destination has also crafted an array of interactive experiences designed to entertain families. These include meet-and-greet opportunities with Global Village’s beloved characters, The Wonderers, who will engage with the young guests, take photos and share with them specially prepared Hag Al Leila gift pouches.
A Key additional highlight to the activation is launching creative workshops for children which encompass designed arts and crafts’ sessions. Children will express their creativity while learning about the cultural significance of Hag Al Leila. They will also participate in several heritage games. These workshops aim to provide a hands-on experience that fosters appreciation for Emirati heritage.
With a thoughtfully curated selection of experiences, Hag Al Leila at Global Village is ready to be a memorable and heartwarming activation, added to a line up of flagship events demonstrated this Season 29 at a More Wonderful World.
