A giant sand sculpture based on mosques from the Middle East and Heritage buildings of Dubai has slowly been unfolding during Ramadan at Ibn Battuta Mall and will be finished in time for Eid.
More than 75 tonnes of sand is being used to make the structure, which is being created by world-renowned sand sculptor Jenny Rossen and will be on display in China Court throughout the Holy month of Ramadan.
Originally from Australia, but currently living in Dubai, Jenny is known as the ‘sandcastle girl’ and ranks among the best sand sculptors in the world after winning numerous prizes at European, and World Championships. She travels all over the world with her team of international sand sculptors, creating sand castles for a living. Now, after carving in Spain, America, Canada, Singapore, and Africa Jenny is excited at the opportunity to be demonstrating her talents at the world’s largest themed mall.
Jenny said: “For me the art of sand sculpting is a passion. I really enjoy the competition side of the work; however I also enjoy creating something special with a little more time. The opportunity to make this Arabic Style sand sculpture for Ramadan is something that I really look forward to.
“It’s just a great experience for all involved. Everyone can enjoy the transformation of simple sand into a gallery of art made by kids and those who are still young at heart!”
The giant sand sculpture is being created using wooden boxes, which don’t have a top or bottom; the sand is then packed into the boxes with water, and when one box is full another smaller box is placed on top and the process repeated until the required height is reached.
Jenny said: “The question most people ask is how we get to the top of the sandcastle. It’s really simple; we don’t build sand sculptures – we carve them out. We basically make a very big block of sand and work from the top downwards, carving out the sculpture. Professional display pieces can take anywhere from two days to four months. The more time you have, the bigger the sculpture can be. This Ramadan sculpture will use 75 tonnes of sand.”
Jenny will also be running workshops at which visitors to Ibn Battuta Mall can come and do some building and carving of their own. Volunteer programs, which include a sand sculpture ‘Play Space’ for young children, have already started on and will run throughout Ramadan until Eid.
She concludes: “It is important for families to play together and sand sculpture provides a medium that all can participate in. Every one is communicating and creating not only a sand sculpture, but also cherished memories - people just like to play in sand.
“Come down to Ibn Battuta Mall; we have something for everyone to try at the Ramadan sand sculpture in the China Court. The atmosphere at community sand sculpture building workshops and competitions is amazing. Every one pitches in to help and the vibe is fantastic. I can’t wait to see the finished work at the end of Ramadan.”
