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Dubai Empathy for Gaza Reflected by Sombre DSF

DUBAI - When the helpless and innocent in Gaza were being brutally killed, the world was watching.

Some issued rhetoric; several others remained stony. Some protested, others shed tears.

Dubai did not sit idle but showed its support by cancelling the most eagerly awaited event each year, the grand opening of Dubai Shopping Festival. As expected, Dubaiites did not raise eyebrows or frown upon the cancellation. In fact, they welcomed the decision.

Just as it had been doing in the past 13 years, DSF once again proved that it actually meant its theme of ‘One World. One Family. One Festival’.

When Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office Supreme Committee, announced the cancellation of the DSF festivities, it was the first step towards showing the much-needed solidarity towards the people of Gaza.

“DSF 2009 coincides with a turbulent period of political turmoil in the Middle East and as per the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festivities marking the beginning of DSF stand cancelled as an expression of solidarity towards the people and our brothers in Gaza,” he had said.

Each year, the DSF organising committee spends millions of dirhams in making the event memorable. This year, by keeping its decorations and illuminations visibly low, DSF has gently reminded its visitors that Gaza still burns. What better than utilise DSF as a platform to garner support for such burning issues? With millions of people from all over the world visiting Dubai from January 15 to February 15, the sombre mood originating from Dubai can resound in the world during the 32-days of the festival.

While people continue to enjoy the visual treats that DSF offers in the form of exotic events — from circuses to stilt walkers to being introduced to the Arab way of life — the event has an immense potential to grow.

Being an inspiration for many similar initiatives in the region, DSF has excelled in achieving its objectives and is still going strong. The future editions have the potential of creating history.

Alongside the festivities and shopping spree that are the main target of the festival, the event can also help garner tonnes of sympathy and money that can help lessen the pain of the Palestinian people.

Even if Dh1 is donated by each of the 3.5 million visitors, DSF will have achieved its purpose, and truly transcended boundaries to reach out to the world as the voice of Gaza.

· asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com