SHARJAH // Traditional arts, music and food are just some of the things people will be enjoying during celebrations to mark Ramadan in the emirate.

For the first time, all of Sharjah’s Ramadan festivities are taking place under one roof – at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The Ramadan and Eid Fair runs throughout the holy month and Eid Al Fitr, until July 31.

Throughout the year Sharjah is celebrating its role as the Islamic Culture Capital with a number of special events and activities.

“So far thousands of people have been visiting the Expo Centre since we launched the fair on June 28,” said Osama Samra, head of the media committee for Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital.

“The emirate is very family focused and the atmosphere in the evenings after iftar time is magical.

“One of the most interesting things for me is the collection of Mamluk Quran manuscripts and rare Islamic artwork we have on display that are worth millions of dollars.”

Every inch of the Expo Centre is taken up with Ramadan-related activities.

“There really is something for everyone, of all ages,” Mr Samra said.

The programme of activities is extensive, with a special majlis running, lectures and talks, Ramadan cooking classes, folk dancing, a mini zoo and a heritage village, to name just a few.

“Perhaps, there is no event taking place in the region in such a big scale during the holy month,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, chief executive of Expo Centre Sharjah.

“We have been working with the relevant government entities and industry partners to ensure that every event will leave a memorable impression with visitors.”

The month-long event features more than 100 companies displaying a wide range of household and lifestyle products.

“Besides the best shopping deals, the fair has a dedicated new segment – Taste of Ramadan – that is catering exclusively to connoisseurs of fine food and beverages,” Mr Al Midfa said. There are also educational aspects to the show, with Islamic lectures taking place in several languages.

Organisers have not forgotten about children either, as they can take part in games and workshops, raffle draws and competitions.

The centre is also hosting nine pavilions, 30 art exhibitions, five theatrical performances as well as dozens of talks and panel discussions from participants from 20 countries.

Although thousands of people have already visited the centre, many more are planning to do so.

“This looks very interesting and makes a change from the usual mall visits that we make after iftar this time of year,” said Muddassir Ali, a Pakistani who lives in Dubai.

“I have two children and I think this is the kind of thing that they would enjoy going to.

“We’ll probably try going over a weekend in the next couple of weeks, before Eid.”

Sharjah residents welcomed the fact that all the celebrations were taking place under one roof.

“In previous years things were too spread out and you couldn’t get around to see everything,” said Amira Al Sharif, from Sharjah.

“This is something I’ll definitely be going to with some friends.

“It looks like a good way to keep the children entertained while you catch up with family.”

Work has also begun to revive the historic Souq Al Shinasiyah at Bank Street by the Sharjah Investment and Development Company.

Once complete it will feature a heritage design over an area of 5,872 square feet, featuring 18 stores.

It is part of the Heart of Sharjah development project, which includes a rage of residential and commercial buildings and is expected to be completed in 2025.

The Ramadan and Eid Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah is open from 8.30pm to 1.30am daily on weekdays and 8.30pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays during Ramadan.

During Eid holidays, the visiting hours are from 5pm to 11pm. Admission is free.

nhanif@thenational.ae