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THE WELSH SONG COMES TO DUBAI

Passion, warmth, humour, generosity combined with a deep sense of history and community. Such are the redeeming characteristics of the Welsh, a people known to share a passion for life or 'hwyl' as is known in Welsh, Europe's oldest surviving language.

Now the people of Dubai get a chance to know and learn a little bit about the nation of Wales and its proud and talented people. 'Wales at Wafi City', a one-week cultural fiesta offering a glimpse into the various aspects of Wales, opens today and will run until March 3. The event is poised to unfold a kaleidoscopic cornucopia of Welsh entertainment, contemporary art and design, ancient culture and heritage and its famed cuisine.

Wales lies on the western side of mainland Britain, at the gateway of Europe, and with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales makes up the United Kingdom. It is both an ancient land and a vibrant, modern country, with long stretches of white beaches, splendid castles, glorious wildlife and mountains abundant with heather and wild flowers.

Wales is famous as the Land of Song. They say if two or three Welsh people meet, the talk soon turns to singing, if the singing hasn't already started! Singing heartily in public is an old tradition in Wales. Blessed with a rich musical and cultural legacy, Wales has produced a startling number of gifted poets, actors and singers: Dylan Thomas, Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta Jones, Tom Jones, Charlotte Church, Shirley Bassey, to name a few.

"We've been involved until now in trade missions and participating events. This is the first time, however, we're bringing together so many elements from Wales, including Wales Trade International, Wales Development Agency, Wales Tourist Board and Wales International Consortium, which covers many of the universities in Wales," says Lee Jennings, vice-president Middle East, Wales Trade International.

Wales has traditionally relied on a handful of heavy industries such as coal and steel. But keeping strides with the changing world, it has now forged an economy of modern technology based enterprises.

The event's chief aim is to strengthen Welsh-Arabic relations. It is also timed to mark the first anniversary of the opening of Wales Trade International's office in Dubai. "The event showcases all the aspects of Wales including trade, education, tourism, culture and food under one roof. We're trying to raise the profile of Wales as a country within the UK," points out Jennings.

On the entertainment level, Jennings says, "We're presenting a number of typical performers including musicians from Wales who will perform throughout the week." This will include a traditional Celtic band, a leading Welsh harpist, and a baritone and soprano duo. No Fit State, Wales' award-winning contemporary circus, is also part of 'Wales at Wafi City'. Live performances will take place every day between 11.00 and 9.30 pm. Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, the country's renowned company, will take centre stage at Wafi's Encounter Zone thrilling children through interactive exhibits. "We're hoping to bring some of the schools to come and see this. It is designed to encourage children of all ages to get more involved in science and technology," says Jennings.

On the cultural level, 'Wales in Wafi City' will present a wide ranging exhibition of contemporary Welsh lifestyle products such as ceramics, pottery, porcelain, handicrafts, jewellery, furniture and textiles. About 19 Welsh companies will display products and craftsmanship by various well known Welsh artisans. Among them, handmade fine quality ceramic works including hand-made porcelain creations, upholstery, carpets and floor rugs, forged iron and metal work, jewellery, vessels and objects from wood, a range of children furniture and contemporary textile hangings.

"We want people to come, ask questions and get involved with the displays — not see them just as exhibits — and learn a little bit about the history and traditions of Wales," says Jennings.

The event's highlight will the tasting of delectable Welsh food and drink, topped by competitions to win Welsh food hampers and a holiday to Wales. Jennings is upbeat about the event: "Wales at Wafi City' promises a new and different experience for Dubai's multicultural adventurous people."