Dubai Tourism inaugurates a Traditional Emirati restaurant Al Fanar in Jumeirah

Issam Abdul Rahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, inaugurated the new Jumeirah Town Centre branch of Al Fanar Restaurant, offering traditional Emirati cuisine.

During the opening ceremony Isaam Abdul Rahim Kazim said: “The opening of this restaurant acknowledges the importance of celebrating and preserving our local culture and national identity through the tastes, flavours and traditions of Emirati cuisine. It is vital that we preserve these traditions for the next generations of Emiratis as well as invite Dubai’s visitors and residents to understand more about our local recipes and food culture. We are also delighted to be opening the “Museum of Memory”, featuring photographs and historical documents on loan from the UAE National Archive. These showcase pivotal moments in our history and help to educate our communities about the achievements and development of the UAE.”

Hashem Al Marzouki, founder and owner of Al Fanar, said: “Preserving culture is part of our duty as citizens; thus, though opening Al Fanar restaurant and showcasing the “Museum of Memory”we are fulfilling some of these duties. We want to celebrate the most important landmarks in the history of our nation, and the wisdom and vision of our founders and leaders. This historical exhibition from the UAE National Archive will help to raise awareness of the proud history and heritage of the UAE and our Gulf  neighbours.”

The “Museum of Memory” at Al Fanar presents dozens of historical photographs and documents which capture and communicate some of the most important moments in the history of the Union and the efforts and achievements of the UAE’s forefathers,including His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Zayed Al Maktoum.

Through the “Museum of Memory”, which will be on display at Al Fanar Jumeirah Town Centre until 25 October 2014, the National Archive aims to encourage diners to find out more about the recent history of the UAE and to become familiar with important moments in the collective national memory that the UAE National Archive works to preserve and protect.