Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 7th December, 2009: Bawadi Mall’s ongoing “Celebrate with Flowers” festival has attracted 450,000 visitors from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, other Emirates and neighborhood countries like Oman after two weeks of its commencement on the 20th of November.
The 140,000 square metre Bawadi Mall, which has been positioned as Al Ain’s ultimate shopping, dining and leisure destination, has hosted an international Egyptian Circus from the 27th of November until the 4th of December, 2009 covering Eid Adha and The UAE National Day. This programme targeted both adults and children.
The mall distributed flowers on the first and second day of Eid Adha to lady visitors. Also, elaborate flower decorations have been put up all over the mall, starting from Adha until the National Day, and continuing until the New Year’s Eve.
Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall, said: “A mall is not merely a shopping center but it has to offer a leisurely environment for its segment of visitors. This is exactly what we are doing at Bawadi Mall. We firmly believe that these events will have a positive impact on all economic sectors in Al Ain. This is what we felt after observing the first days of the festival”.
The festival has lined up a range of offers specifically tailored to the needs of mall visitors and their families. This festival comes at a time the mall crossed the 4.5 million visitor mark at the end of November, 2009.
Stores at the mall are offering great offers from the 20th of November until the 31st of December. The festival is timely as Al Ain has moderate weather at this time of the year.
The 10,000 sq. m. “Family Entertainment Center” features a varied mix of fun, ranging from the “Roller Coaster” to the “Fun Ski Village”, amongst many other attractions. Eight movie theatres including Grand Class Hall, a bowling alley, a distinctively rich food-court and several casual dining alternatives offering delicious varieties of cuisines makes a visit to Bawadi Mall a worthwhile and exciting experience.
Bawadi Mall has been opened at a time where Al Ain city is expanding dramatically. Bawadi Mall provides an ideal shopping experience for people of the UAE and beyond.
New brands have made their debut in Al Ain city through Bawadi Mall, such as Zara, Mango, MAX , Marks & Spencer, Kotton, New look, H&M and ACE Hardware, amongst others. The mall has attracted more than 380 retail outlets, including international names.
Bawadi Mall houses a mix of international as well as regional retail brands of fashion, food, jewellery and much more, all in a bright, spacious and inviting environment, distinguished by a wide curved vaulted skylight that soars above the main corridor and its three main spacious courts.

Representatives from the Emirates Gastroenterology Society and Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club addressed members of the press regarding World Hepatitis Day and the global initiative to combat the disease; provided a medical perspective of hepatitis B in the UAE; and touched on the involvement of local stakeholders in the awareness campaign.

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, organisers of World Hepatitis Day, some 500 million people around the world – or approximately one in 12 – are living with either hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Adnan Abuhammour, President of the Emirates Gastroenterology Society said: “Chronic viral hepatitis is a serious health problem in the UAE and has a history of under diagnosis. This, coupled with the stigma associated with transmission of the disease, means that many individuals are afraid to get tested for fear of a positive diagnosis. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there are effective treatments that can manage the disease and allow patients to live a relatively normal life.”

Dr Adnan Abuhammour also added: “The key to overcoming this fear of a positive diagnosis will be realised though educating people about the treatments available and raising awareness. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver damage and potentially liver cancer which can be fatal. Because patients often do not demonstrate symptoms until later stages, early detection can help save lives.”

The Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club also leant its support to World Hepatitis Day activities and addressed the importance of its community involvement. Dr. Khalid Mohamed Abdullah, CEO of the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club stated: “We are committed to engaging with the community in projects that will really benefit the health and well being of our fans and the wider society. World Hepatitis Day provides a great platform from which we can encourage people to seek screening and learn how they can protect themselves and their family from contracting the disease.
In the year since the inaugural World Hepatitis Day on 19th May 2008, hundreds of global and local initiatives have been launched with the aim of targeting not only the estimated 500 million people around the world infected with chronic hepatitis B or C, but also those who may be potentially at risk. The goal of these initiatives is to help prevent the spread of the disease through awareness, testing and prevention. 

For further information on getting screened for hepatitis B and finding out if you are at risk, please consult the preventive medicine centres established throughout the UAE.