Ten-day Lebanese festival will beheld under the patronage of the Lebanese Minister of Tourism

Kuwait, 27 October 2008: The Avenues, the iconic shopping destination developed by Mabanee in Kuwait, will host 'Lubnanyat', a 10-day event during which the various aspects of Lebanese life will open its doors to public from October 30th to November 8th 2008. The Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Mr. Elie Marouni will officially inaugurate the launch of "Lubnaniyat" on Friday October 31st at The Avenues along with senior officials from the Lebanese Embassy and The Avenues management.

The event, organised by The Avenues will feature a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes aimed to promote cross cultural understanding and co-operation between the communities in Kuwait and Lebanon.

'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 to due to its ability to accommodate the various scheduled activities. According to the organisers, the event will showcase the civilised and refined face of Lebanon as well as its touristic attractions within 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 and the display of 10 of the most creative designs by world renowned fashion designer Abed Mahfouz. Plasma screens will air cultural documentaries and fashion shows throughout the exhibition.

'Lubnaniyat' will also have dedicated stands displaying some of Lebanon's craftwork including cedar wood engraving, sand art, soap making, Lebanese heritage paintings, gold engraving, glass work and  photo opportunities for visitors who would like to fit 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 among the new 7 world wonders.

"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.

Johny Rahal, Marketing Manager of The Avenues added: "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."

"I want to specially thank our key sponsors including LG, Lexus, Al Watan Publishing, Holiday Inn Hotel, Mix FM, Idea marketing, Jazeera Airways and our partners Layla, Kababji, Café Blanc, Nazaer, Al Rifai, LIK (Lebanese In Kuwait) Yours event management D1 Show for making this event a reality" concluded Johny.

The Avenues has earlier 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 held to promote Italian culture and products.

-Ends- 

About Mabanee:
Mabanee is a leading listed Kuwaiti real estate developer and investment company.

His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah officially launched the first phase of The Avenues "Mabanee's most prestigious development to date "in April 2007.  Construction of Phase One started in 2004 and the second phase is set for completion in April 2008.

The Avenues aims at elevating the shopping experience in Kuwait to international levels and will establish new benchmarks and standards throughout the industry.  The Avenues has the widest selection of international brands in the region spread over 216 stores including Kuwait's first Carrefour hypermarket, one of the region's largest IKEA store, the largest Cineplex, 39 restaurants and cafes within a lively 'Theatre of Food'. Phase One comprises 170,000 square meters of leasable area and over 4,000 car parking spaces stores and a variety of entertainment for families and children.

For more information, please contact:
Nadin Alami / Stacy Lobo
Asdaa Public Relations
Tel: 245312/3, Fax: 2453170
Email: n.alami@asdaa.com
s.lobo@asdaa.com 

© Press Release 2008