The heritage and culture promotions organised by the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) during the DSF 2003 received a fantastic response with about 235,000 visitors coming to Shindagha heritage sites during the Eid holidays.
Chairman of the DTCM committee for DSF 2003, Abdulla Hamdan bin Dalmook said that a lot of hard work was involved, which has finally paid off with the success of the event. "The series of activities and events organised by us, backed by timely promotions have generated a great deal of enthusiasm among visitors. Crowds thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the Shindagha heritage sites." Speaking the number of visitors, Dalinook said: "The roads were, unusually congested and the souq inside the Heritage Village was full of capacity. In addition, there were crowds inside the Diving Village and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktaum House as well as the Shindagha Theatre. The Creek side promenade was bustling with visitors and kiosks as well as restaurants made brisk business." Dalmook remarked that culture as substantiated in forms such as music, handicraft, performing arts and literature will be given due importance. Head of the Bedouin Life Festival Committee, Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman called the closing ceremony at the Arabian Bedouin Life encampment a great success as large crowds thronged the venue. "The sheer beauty and artistry of the Arabian Bedouin Life encampment captivated the interest of visitors and residents. The Arabian Bedouin encampment assembled the country's history along with 10 other countries to display a collective Arabian experience that helped visitors gain new insights into the culture and heritage of the region that is no longer available in the real world," stressed Rahman.