Ibn Battuta Mall, the largest themed mall in the Middle East, is inviting visitors to join in the fun and take part in its fascinating “Global Surprises” experience, which will be held daily in the Egypt, India and China Courts until July 5, 2007.
Inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World, this year’s celebrations will present a unique blend of family fun through workshops on constructing miniature replicas of the seven different wonders using different types of materials such as clay, plastics wood and cloth. Children will be able to paint and design on display easels, where an image each of the wonders are embossed and engraved.
The Seven Wonders of the World is a widely-known list of seven remarkable constructions of classical antiquity, these monuments were listed by the Greek writer Antipater in the 2nd century BC as being the most impressive buildings and works of art in the world at the time.
The Seven Wonders are: the statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece, dated to about 450 BC; the tomb of Mausolus at Halicarnassus, Greece, dated to about 353 BC; the Colossus of Rhodes, Greece; the temple of Diana (Artemis) at Ephesus, Turkey, dating to the 4th century BC; the Pharos at Alexandria, Egypt, built in the 3rd century BC; the pyramids of Giza, Egypt; and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iran, dating to about 626–539 BC.
“The Global Surprises experience is an excellent way for adults and children to take part in Ibn Battuta Mall’s DSS celebrations and to explore different traditions and cultures from around the globe. With a multitude of shows to be offered to the mall’s visitors throughout DSS along with world class entertainment, Ibn Battuta Mall really is a global destination,” said Colin Fenton, Mall Manager.
This DSS Ibn Battuta Mall has also transformed itself into a global world hosting intercontinental Folklore Shows from Europe and Asia and offering shoppers the opportunity to explore the Traditional Wedding Experience in Europe and Asia.
Visitors will also be able to learn and travel around the world with the Traditional Corners, which includes the Russian Traditional Corner demonstrating the art of decorating mosaic, with small pieces of colored glass, stone or other material.
The Chinese Traditional Corner explores Chinese paper cutting, a unique decorative artform. In Chinese culture it can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, or harvest. Some cuttings represent stories about the happiness gained from the accomplishment of common goals.
Ibn Battuta Mall will next be hosting the Knowledge Surprises from July 5 – July 11.
About Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall is located adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road between Interchanges 5 and 6. The Mall combines retail, entertainment, restaurant and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment. The inspiration for the theme of Ibn Battuta Mall is the travels of the legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta. The unique design of the shopping mall and separately themed courts are based on his travels through Asia and the Middle East. Each of the six courts is themed on a country and a shopping zone to reflect Ibn Battuta's travels through Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The spacious Mall, covering an area of 1.2 million square feet, offers a charming mix of shopping outlets, specialty shops, restaurants, a hypermarket and a cinema Megaplex featuring the UAE's first IMAX theatre. Parking space has been allocated for more than 5,000 cars, taking the total site space up to 5.4 million square feet.
