The caravan toured the Expo Dubai and distributed sweets among children to celebrate the night.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

On the occasion of Haq Al Laila, a caravan of 50 camels, organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), made their way to the world’s greatest fair, Expo 2020 Dubai, on Friday night.

Haq Al Laila is celebrated on the 15th day of Sha’ban, serving as a precursor to the Holy Month of Ramadan. On this night children are dressed up in traditional, colourful clothing while singing in their neighbourhood for sweets. This authentic Emirati tradition was celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai with a parade of camels and a convoy of 89 participants – Emirati men, women and children, aged between five and 80 years old.

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai interacted with the caravan as they took photos, and learned about the meaning of the celebration.

Led by Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, the caravan toured the Expo and distributed sweets among children to celebrate the night. “The distribution of sweet treats during Haq Al Laila is a long-held tradition by Emiratis and people in the region which we continue to strengthen our national identity especially among children,” said Bin Dalmook.

Bin Dalmook noted Expo 2020 Dubai is an important platform to highlight the rich Emirati heritage to the whole world. He thanked the organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai, led by Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, for all the efforts in promoting Emirati culture.

Earlier, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of Sharjah Heritage Days, revealed that 102,000 visitors had participated in the events and activities of the first week of this year’s Sharjah Heritage Days (SHD) in heart of Sharjah and Central and Eastern Regions.

He noted that Thursday was marked by the presence of large numbers of young visitors to the Heritage Square, who enjoyed the ‘Haq Al Laila’ or ‘Night of the Half of Sha’ban’ event. The event included distribution of sweets and gifts to children, in order to establish, revive, and draw awareness to this traditional custom.