28 October 2008
KUWAIT: The Avenues; the iconic shopping destination developed by Mabanee in Kuwait announced it will host 'Lubnanyat,' a 10-day event in which the various aspects of Lebanese life will be thrown open to the public from October 30 to November 8 2008.
The event will showcase a live exhibition in making Lebanese handcrafts. "Through this event we aim to bring the two nations (Kuwait and Lebanon) closer. We also want to express what Lebanon is all about. Visitors at the Avenue Mall, will be encouraged to interact with the artists making the handcrafts," noted Johny Rahal, Marketing Manager of The Avenues, during a press conference held yesterday at the Holiday Inn Salmiya Hotel.
The event will be officially inaugurated by the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Elie Marouni on Friday October 31, at The Avenues along with senior officials from the Lebanese Embassy and the Avenues' management. The event, organized by The Avenues will feature a variety of cultural and entertainment programs aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation between the communities in Kuwait and Lebanon.
Approximately 100,000 Kuwaitis visited Lebanon last year and the Lebanese population in Kuwait now stands at 45,000. "Lubnanyat, is a tribute to this high level of engagement between the two countries and it will help bring the two communities further closer. We promoted this event in Lebanon as well, hence we expect a high interest and attendance from Lebanon," added Rahal.
Lubnanyiat is the first large-scale Lebanese cultural fair to be held in Kuwait and The Avenues is hosting the event in the new extension of the mall due to its capacity of accommodating the various scheduled activities. According to the organizers, the event will showcase the civilized and refined face of Lebanon as well as its touristic attractions in a remarkable atmosphere.
Visitors to the mall can experience Lebanese culture as reflected in its haute couture, culinary delights, music and art during the festival. Talented Lebanese craftsmen will fly in from Lebanon for live performances with a display of 10 of the most creative designs by world renowned fashion designer Abed Mahfouz. Huge plasma screens will feature cultural documentaries and fashion shows throughout the exhibition.
Lubnaniyat will also have dedicated stands displaying some of Lebanon's craftwork including cedar wood engravings, sand art, soap making, Lebanese heritage paintings, gold engravings, glass works and photo opportunities for visitors who would like to be photographed in traditional Lebanese outfits. Different Lebanese food stands will also be available offering a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine to visitors.
Visitors to the mall can also enter a variety of competitions as part of the festival. The prizes include return air tickets to Beirut and hotel stays for two couples. They will also have the opportunity to vote for the Lebanese Cedars and Jeita Grotto to be included among the new seven wonders of the world.
This is also the first time that the festival is being held in Kuwait. "The Avenues is proud to host Lubnanyat at our premises for the first time in Kuwait.
It gives mall visitors an opportunity to not only appreciate what Lebanon has on offer, but also to experience the Lebanese way of life," said Steve Bunce, Mall Director of The Avenues. "This event is also a good opportunity to interact with the Lebanese culture and its various aspects throughout the period of 10 days," concluded Bunce.
There are many companies covering this event. "I want to especially thank our key sponsors including LG, Lexus, Al Watan Publishing, Holiday Inn Hotel, Mix FM, Idea Marketing, Jazeera Airways and our partners Layla, Kababji, Cafe Blanc, Nazaer, Al Rifai, LIK (Lebanese In Kuwait) and Yours Event Management D1 Show for making this event a reality" concluded Johny. The Avenues has earlier also hosted a range of cross-cultural events including the 'Francofolly,' which was Kuwait's first major French cultural and commercial festival, and the 'Made in Italy' week that was held to promote Italian culture and products.
KUWAIT: The Avenues; the iconic shopping destination developed by Mabanee in Kuwait announced it will host 'Lubnanyat,' a 10-day event in which the various aspects of Lebanese life will be thrown open to the public from October 30 to November 8 2008.
The event will showcase a live exhibition in making Lebanese handcrafts. "Through this event we aim to bring the two nations (Kuwait and Lebanon) closer. We also want to express what Lebanon is all about. Visitors at the Avenue Mall, will be encouraged to interact with the artists making the handcrafts," noted Johny Rahal, Marketing Manager of The Avenues, during a press conference held yesterday at the Holiday Inn Salmiya Hotel.
The event will be officially inaugurated by the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Elie Marouni on Friday October 31, at The Avenues along with senior officials from the Lebanese Embassy and the Avenues' management. The event, organized by The Avenues will feature a variety of cultural and entertainment programs aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation between the communities in Kuwait and Lebanon.
Approximately 100,000 Kuwaitis visited Lebanon last year and the Lebanese population in Kuwait now stands at 45,000. "Lubnanyat, is a tribute to this high level of engagement between the two countries and it will help bring the two communities further closer. We promoted this event in Lebanon as well, hence we expect a high interest and attendance from Lebanon," added Rahal.
Lubnanyiat is the first large-scale Lebanese cultural fair to be held in Kuwait and The Avenues is hosting the event in the new extension of the mall due to its capacity of accommodating the various scheduled activities. According to the organizers, the event will showcase the civilized and refined face of Lebanon as well as its touristic attractions in a remarkable atmosphere.
Visitors to the mall can experience Lebanese culture as reflected in its haute couture, culinary delights, music and art during the festival. Talented Lebanese craftsmen will fly in from Lebanon for live performances with a display of 10 of the most creative designs by world renowned fashion designer Abed Mahfouz. Huge plasma screens will feature cultural documentaries and fashion shows throughout the exhibition.
Lubnaniyat will also have dedicated stands displaying some of Lebanon's craftwork including cedar wood engravings, sand art, soap making, Lebanese heritage paintings, gold engravings, glass works and photo opportunities for visitors who would like to be photographed in traditional Lebanese outfits. Different Lebanese food stands will also be available offering a taste of authentic Lebanese cuisine to visitors.
Visitors to the mall can also enter a variety of competitions as part of the festival. The prizes include return air tickets to Beirut and hotel stays for two couples. They will also have the opportunity to vote for the Lebanese Cedars and Jeita Grotto to be included among the new seven wonders of the world.
This is also the first time that the festival is being held in Kuwait. "The Avenues is proud to host Lubnanyat at our premises for the first time in Kuwait.
It gives mall visitors an opportunity to not only appreciate what Lebanon has on offer, but also to experience the Lebanese way of life," said Steve Bunce, Mall Director of The Avenues. "This event is also a good opportunity to interact with the Lebanese culture and its various aspects throughout the period of 10 days," concluded Bunce.
There are many companies covering this event. "I want to especially thank our key sponsors including LG, Lexus, Al Watan Publishing, Holiday Inn Hotel, Mix FM, Idea Marketing, Jazeera Airways and our partners Layla, Kababji, Cafe Blanc, Nazaer, Al Rifai, LIK (Lebanese In Kuwait) and Yours Event Management D1 Show for making this event a reality" concluded Johny. The Avenues has earlier also hosted a range of cross-cultural events including the 'Francofolly,' which was Kuwait's first major French cultural and commercial festival, and the 'Made in Italy' week that was held to promote Italian culture and products.
By Nawara Fattahova
© Kuwait Times 2008
