Abu Dhabi, 15th Oct. 2011 (WAM) -- The UAE will play host to the 4th Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan from October 17 and 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre as part of a regional tour which will include Iraq, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Palestine from October 17 through 24, 2011.
Dr. Habib Galoum, Director of Cultural and CommunityActivities at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, sponsor of the event, said the selection of the UAE as the host of the first leg of the caravan springs out of the high significance of the UAE-Korea bonds. The event also fits well into the federal government strategic plan 2011-2013. ''Staging of such festivals contributes to bolstering relations and understanding with friendly peoples, fostering openness to other cultures, sharing knowledge and experiences which provide a favourable climate for deep cultural, civilsiational and knowledge interaction,'' he added. Abu Dhabi hosting of the event, he indicated, willprovide a unique opportunity for the UAE people and culture and arts lovers to have an insight into the Korean culture, heritage, and traditions. The opening ceremony in Abu will feature various events, including taekwondo demonstrations, performances by a b-boy group, samulnori percussion quartet, and traditional Jeju dance troupe, a hanbok (traditional Korean garment) fashion show, photo exhibit on tourism, a Korean film festival, and consultations on trade and investment in Korea. The Caravan, an annual event since 2008, is expected to serve as an opportunity to enhance Arabs understanding of and interest in Korean culture, to help boost cultural and economic exchanges, and to further spread "hallyu (Korean Wave)," which is rapidly gaining popularity in the Arab community.
Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.
