Harmony in diversity at City Walk, Dubai

Dubai - A festive mood pervaded the air as Dubai showed how tolerance and peace can thrive in a multi-cultural country such as the UAE.

Gongs, banjos and castanets were played; horns, trumpets, flutes and bagpipes were blown; guitars, violins, mandolins and ukekeles were strummed, drums boomed and the performers came in colourful costumes while the audience were busy capturing every moment on their cameras and smart phones.
Music and dance can play a major role in bridging cultural differences and this was evident at the Walkathon of Nations on Tuesday night. A festive mood pervaded the air as Dubai showed how tolerance and peace can thrive in a multi-cultural country such as the UAE.
The traditional Emirati ayyala dance was performed alongside the Austrian polka dance and the Indian folk dance based on Mahabharata and Ramayana while the South Korean performers were graceful and somber in their harvest dance. The Greeks and Italians were in their usual jovial spirit. Likewise well received were the dancers from Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ghana, Malta, Hungary, Slovakia, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
The performers showed their own unique culture and the event has sent one clear message: That there can always be harmony in diversity if we look beyond the obvious differences in our traditions and appreciate the universal language of music and dance.
angel@khaleejtimes.com