Positive trends in statistics affirm growing success of Ramadan Forum

DUBAI- Following the conclusion of the 13^th edition of the Ramadan Forum, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced figures that highlight the resounding success of the annual event, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Since its inception, the forum has been growing from strength to strength, with a  30% increase in lecture attendance this year – approaching nearly 27,400 participants, compared to the last year’s record of 24,006 participants.

A total of 39 participants embraced Islam throughout the forum, including 31 women and 8 men.

“The success of the forum is a result of the hard work and countless efforts of all those who have stood behind it over the years. Today, it stands as one of the major annual events held during the Holy Month in Dubai.  The 13^th edition of the forum was able to attract all segments and classes of society including men, women and children of diverse nationalities. Our statistics serve testimony to the success we have achieved, with the unstinting support of every entity that has upheld our vision right from the start. “

“I would like to congratulate the organizing team for their commendable efforts in raising this forum to newer heights and would like to extend my gratitude to both the sponsors and the supporting teams who have contributed immensely toward the success of this pioneering event,” said Hamad Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism for DTCM and General Coordinator for the 13th Ramadan Forum.

The volunteers of the forum distributed 11,000 gifts, 25,000 pocket notebooks covering a schedule of all the lectures and events of the forum, 7,000 promotional bags for non-Muslims containing brochures in five languages including English, Urdu, Malayalam, Tagalog and Bengali, 30,000 promotional booklets on Islam along with a CD in the same language and an introductory booklet on ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ in English – to the public at the various government offices, hospitals and other public spots in every nook and corner of the emirate.  

Speaking about the support lent by the sponsors, Hamad Bin Mejren said: “The collaboration with the sponsors from both the public and the private sectors has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the 13^th edition of the Ramadan Forum. Their support was not only limited to their sponsorship, but also through their participation in educational lectures and community services. We would like to thank the strategic sponsors of the forum including Al Maktab for Culture and Media, DEWA, The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, Dubai Islamic Bank and twofour54; the key sponsors Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) and iPhoneIslam and also Tamani Marina Hotel and Hotel Apartments our supporters.”

The “Preacher of the Nation 2014” competition comprised one of the key highlights of the event, staging 50 Arab and foreign national participants, of which 11 were shortlisted for the finals.

This year’s version also included a new category featuring religious sermons in English.

The ‘Strategic Family Building  Training Course’ was also organized with the participation of 91 men and women who were awarded attendance certificates.

Over 3,869 participants registered on Ramadan Forum’s official website. This year, the number of Facebook followers grew to more than 19,700 – a significant increase from last year, with 15,000 new followers this edition.

The account, which serves as an online library of the most popular lectures held during the current and previous editions of the Ramadan Forum, has recorded more 467,910 views.

The mobile applications for the forum for Apple and Android operating systems were downloaded more than 20,731 times for each of the two operating systems this year.

Further, the ‘Health of the Fasting’ awareness campaign was held in collaboration with the leading government institutions including prominent hospitals, medical companies and charities.

The campaign was successful at attracting a large number of attendees.

As part of the campaign, 10,000 medical examinations were conducted and more than 24,000 gifts and vouchers for hospital treatments were also offered.

Kids of all ages and nationalities made the most of the interactive activities of the Ramadan Forum including recreational and educational programs and distribution of several gifts and prizes in the Children’s Hall at the DWTC.

Non-Muslims also got the opportunity to enjoy a unique Iftar experience with a program that was designed to introduce the spirit of the blessed month of Ramadan to visitors.

Held as part of the forum, the two Ramadan tents including the one in Muhaisnah 2 and the newly set-up second Ramadan tent in Hor Al Anz 2 area will continue to host group Iftar gatherings, in addition to daily quizzes and multi-lingual lectures until the end of Ramadan.

Together, the two tents will cater to up to 120,000 construction workers this holy month.

“We are always keen on adding distinct events to each new edition of the forum to reach out to as many segments and nationalities. Every year, we are introducing unique components to make the forum’s agenda more insightful, so every participant can gain maximum benefit of the program. We are open to new ideas and are always considering the suggestions and comments of the participants, gathered through surveys,” Bin Majren concluded.