All-inclusive destination records nearly a quarter of a million visitors in first half of the year as Ramadan festival gets underway this month

Sharjah, August 17, 2010: Now celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Ramadaniat Al Qasba festival, officials at Sharjah's premier entertainment destination Al Qasba have revealed high attendance number pushing almost a quarter of a million visitors in just the first six months of 2010.  One of the leading cultural destinations in the Emirate of Sharjah, the company's mix of leisure attractions and business facilities has proven to be an attractive combination not only for UAE residents but a growing tourism industry in the Emirate.

Situated in the centre of "new Sharjah", location has become a key factor in driving places like Al Qasba to diversify their offerings to attract a combination of leisure and business visitors in 2010.  "Here families can find a lively evening's entertainment, friends can share in five-star international cuisine, and business people can take advantage of stylishly sophisticated conference facilities all within a single picturesque setting," says Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority.

A number of events have made this an especially rewarding year for Al Qasba, including a community walkathon to support the children of Palestine, an Earth Hour event supporting energy conservation, and the recently concluded 'Scream for Your Team' event held during the FIFA World Cup this year.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah tourism industry has maintained a steady growth as the number of tourists and hotel occupancy rate rose in the first half of the year. 

"As Sharjah's popularity increases, we have worked diligently to offer leisure and business customers not only excellent amenities, but a combination of attractions unlike any other available in the Emirate," adds Sawaf.

The venue has proven widely popular with people of all ages with notable attractions such as the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates--the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East having alone drawn almost 40,000 visitors during the first half of the year. Other cultural ventures include traditional Abra boat rides along the Sharjah's waterfront, with creatives also getting a flush of inspiration at the Maraya Art Centre, presenting three distinct galleries and a number of monthly workshops and lectures. Plenty of cafes and restaurants also line the Al Qasba waterfront, offering guests everything from European bistros to relaxed Arabian coffeehouses. 

Inspired by the success of the first six months, the Sharjah destination is determined to bring even more action to the latter half of 2010 as the Holy Month of Ramadan kicks of this week.

"This is typically one of our busiest times of the year as people across the region seek to capture a glimpse of the past while exploring the many wonders of contemporary Islamic society."  We are especially thrilled this year to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival, supporting the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr," concluded Sawaf.

Giving visitors the chance to walk away with something special this Ramadan, Al Qasba is sponsoring a series of giveaway promotions for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba's facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, customers will be able to take home any number of fantastic prizes including Al Qasba Value Vouchers, free attraction tickets, and or course instant prizes.

Additional information about the seasonal and permanent activities at Al Qasba can be found online at www.alqasba.ae

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About the Al Qasba Development Authority
Al Qasba Development Authority was established as per the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to oversee the development of Al Qasba, into an impressive entertainment, leisure and cultural hub of the Middle East. Chaired by H.E Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qassimi, the Authority seeks to reinforce the Emirate position as the cultural capital of the region and promote the flow of learning and information within specific disciplines. In March 2008, Qanat Al Qasba was re-branded as Al Qasba. Al Qasba offers travellers and local residents an unparalleled entertainment experience.  Visitors can take in the beautiful local surroundings, sample an array of fine international cuisines, and participate in a range of year-round activities.  Al Qasba also hosts a number of art exhibits each month in Maraya Art Centre featuring renowned local and international artists.  Situated alongside the relaxing Sharjah waterfront, it is an ideal retreat for family and friends looking to spend a fun-filled day in the cultural capital of the UAE. 

Be part of the experience.  Discover Al Qasba. 

For further information, please contact
Maan Dalghan
PR Account Manager
O2 Public Relations
Mobile: +971 0504735351   
Phone: +971 43122777 
Fax: +971 43122788
Email: maan.d@o2pr.net

Ayah Saraj
Media & Public Relations Coordinator 
Al Qasba Development Authority 
Tel: +9716 5560777 
Fax: +9716 5560444
Email: a.saraj@alqasba.ae

© Press Release 2010