The second edition of the E88 Market, the first-of-its-kind outdoor food, shopping and family festival curated by the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC), begins tomorrow (Sunday). It will be offering residents and visitors from across the UAE the opportunity to enjoy an array of entertainment activities, shopping and other unique family-themed events, for three weeks.

Themed ‘Dine, Meet and Shop’, the festival will be open from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily. The theme translates the objectives of the JRCC in providing a family destination that contributes to enhancing family ties and the social fabric in the UAE.

Entertainment activities

The list of recreational activities on offer at the festival comprises live graffiti painting, stage performances by members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, cupcake decoration presented by Rami Abdou Al Jebraiel Director of Culinary Affairs cum Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef Aravinda Leelarathna from JRCC, live fire dancing and stilt walking shows, the mystery box live cooking competition, Arabic oud with live singing, tanoura and traditional dabke performances, football juggling and demonstrations of Arabic fighting performances.

Workshops

The E88 Market’s programme includes a series of engaging and creative workshops where children can learn to make finger puppets, pencil toppers, cupcake toppers, keychains, bag zippers, magnets, LED snowman decoration, jar decoration, pen holders, ice cream and mug decoration, all offered by Jumping Clay UAE.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, CEO of JRCC, said: “With the second edition of the festival, we seek to meet the entertainment aspiration of families, enabling them to spend some quality time together outdoors during the winter break. We want this event to strengthen the bond between children and their parents, bringing them together on a vibrant cultural platform showcasing a mix of art, craft, food, shopping and wholesome entertainment. The festival will be held across 21 days, allowing visitors of all age groups to explore their interests, participate in workshops and competitions, dine in the spectacular outdoors, and do much more.”

Hanan Al Mahmoud also lauded the support E88 Market has received from its sponsors and partners, saying the festival will contribute to promoting Sharjah’s status as a child-friendly city. E88 Market is being organised in collaboration with ‘Special Moments’. Its partners and sponsors include Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sharjah City Municipality (SM), and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (Ruwad), while Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is a diamond sponsor.