Dubai South 45th UAE National Day heritage village with more than ten themed zones
For the UAE's 45th National Day in 2016, Purrple Orryx turned the forecourt of Dubai South's headquarters into a walk-through heritage village. More than ten themed zones, from a fort replica and old souq stalls to a dhow, a Bedouin tent, majlis rooms and a kids' zone, told the story of the UAE along one red-carpet route.
- Client
- Dubai South
- Industry
- Free zone and city developer (aviation and logistics)
- Event type
- Cultural / national day
- Venue
- Dubai South headquarters forecourt, Dubai World Central
- City
- Dubai
- Date
- 2016
The brief
Dubai South wanted to mark the UAE's 45th National Day at its headquarters with a celebration that told the country's story in a setting people could walk through and spend time in.
The challenges
Many scenes, one journey
More than ten separate heritage scenes had to read as one route along the forecourt, from the coast and the souq to the desert and the home.
Outdoor site at a working headquarters
The village stood outside a working office building, so set-up, access and the daily movement of people around the entrance had to keep working.
What we did
A red-carpet heritage street
Palm frond souq stalls with life-size figures showed old trades, such as the spice seller, the grocer and the blacksmith, each with a board explaining it.
Landmarks of the old UAE
A fort replica with towers and cannons, a dhow and pearling scene, a Bedouin tent and arish majlis rooms brought the coast, the desert and the home onto one site.
Places to stay and celebrate
A garden lounge marked with a large 45, a kids' zone in the flag colours, a vintage car display, an Emirates Mars Mission display and a falconry corner gave guests reasons to stay.
National colours from the entrance
Entrance arches, flag banners and a red carpet led guests from the headquarters entrance into the village.
Highlights
- Fort replica with towers and cannons
- Palm frond souq stalls with figures showing traditional trades
- Dhow and pearling scene
- Bedouin tent and arish majlis rooms
- Garden lounge with a large 45 marking the anniversary
- Kids' zone and activity tables in UAE colours
- Vintage car display
- Emirates Mars Mission display
- Falconry corner
- Entrance arches and flag banners
Scope of work
- Concept and theme
- Heritage sets and facades
- Decor and flag branding
- Majlis and Bedouin tent
- Lounge seating
- Kids' zone
- Displays and information boards
- Falconry
- Set-up and clearance
The outcome
A heritage village with more than ten themed zones was set up outside Dubai South's headquarters for the 45th National Day, giving the celebration one walk-through route from the entrance arch to the majlis.
Photos
FAQs
What can a company include in a UAE National Day heritage village?
A fort facade, old souq stalls showing traditional trades, a dhow and pearling scene, a Bedouin tent and majlis rooms, with a board at each stop. For Dubai South's 45th National Day, Purrple Orryx added a garden lounge, a kids' zone, a vintage car display, a space display and a falconry corner.
Can a National Day celebration be held on a company's own premises?
Yes. Dubai South's 45th National Day heritage village was set up on the forecourt of its own headquarters at Dubai World Central, outside a working office building.
