It is the 98th year of celebrating 23 April National Children’s Day and the joy and excitement of these celebrations have taken place for the 9th time in Dubai. The event took place on Friday 20 April at 3pm at The Cultural & Scientific Association in Al Mamzar, Dubai.
23 April is a day, that is dedicated to the children of Turkey by the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. Every year, the children in Turkey celebrate this "Sovereignty and Children's Day" as a national holiday since 1927. In Dubai, this organization aims to provide a great opportunity to enrich the cultural and traditional bonds between the United Arab Emirates and the Turkish Community.
23 April National Children’s Day celebrations are organised under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey, invaluable support of Turkish Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, and brought to life by a group of volunteer Turkish ladies from “Sultans of Dubai”; a group of Turkish Women living in Dubai.
The two-part event was held in this exquisite venue made up of a theatre and external areas with entertainment consisting of folkloric dance show by a group from “Barbaros Hayrettin Ilkokulu” a primary school in Izmir travelling from Turkey with generous contributions of Turkish Airlines; the Consulate’s Turkish class’ choir showcasing their dance, songs and poems; Dubai Drums demonstrating a taste of African Drums; Bogz the Magician with his rather extraordinary magic show and many more activities to dazzle its young guests.
A delicious selection of Turkish and International cuisine generously offered by Turkish Restaurants around Dubai together with numerous entertainment stations for all children and Irem Derlen and her orchestra travelling from Turkey just to give a concert at the event were also part of the program for our children.
Pinar and Turkish Airlines played the main role in the sponsorship arena for these celebrations. They were joined by Burjuman Arjaan by Rotana Dubai, MNG, LC Waikiki and Rani as Platinum Sponsors; Turkish Village Restaurant, HealthBay Polyclinic, Mahmoud Tea, Dr Tosun Dental Clinic, TAV Construction, Deligourme as Silver Sponsors; Marmara Hotel Apartments, Bophorous Turkish Restaurant, Abdulla Al Suwaidi Advocates & Legal Consultants, Pomegranate Institute, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Zouzou Restaurant and Sesame Restaurant just to name a few.
In addition, all sponsor companies offered gifts, favours, vouchers, and experiences for the draw which attracts much interest from all participants.
As has been witnessed in the recent years, the event attracts over a thousand people and is eagerly awaited by the rather large Turkish Community in the UAE.