Arabian Nights at Hyatt Plaza

Learn Qatari traditions, values at Hyatt Plaza’s ‘Arabian Nights’

In the spirit of Ramadan, Hyatt Plaza has launched “Arabian Nights: Untold Stories from the Peninsula,” a series of educational, yet fun-filled activities for kids and their families.

Arabian Nights at Hyatt Plaza runs until the 20th day of Ramadan, June 25, at Gate 2, from 8pm to 10pm. The first session caters to kids aged 5 to 8, while the second session caters to kids aged 8 to 12.

Organised by Hyatt Plaza Mall and animated by Maktaba Qatar, the event is the perfect venue for kids who love storytelling, creative workshops, coloring, and playing traditional games. Other activities also include shadow puppet shows in Arabic and special crafts on Ajmal Laylat Garungao.

Hyatt Plaza general manager Feroz Moideen said: “Arabian Nights at Hyatt Plaza aims to nourish kids’ imagination and creativity, as well as instill moral values, while providing quality time for families.”

Moideen added that the venue for Arabian Nights can easily accommodate 70 to 100 children per session. “This early, the turnout of visitors is very positive and by the end of this activity, we are expecting more than 2,000 children to benefit from Arabian Nights at Hyatt Plaza.”

“The stories that we tell are all related to Ramadan, Qatari culture, and bringing out the best in oneself. Ramadan is about being good, forgiveness, sharing, and other important values, which is why we are trying to teach kids and encourage them to adhere to these values using a variety of interactive activities,” said Maktaba Qatar librarian and storyteller, Manel Miaadi.

Miaadi said all the crafting activities relate to the story presented during each storytelling session, and revolve around moon crafts, prayer beads, zakra box, the masjid, sand jars, and clay creations, among others.

“Children will learn stories about the moon and Ramadan-related crafts like charity boxes, moon spotters, and other activities that encourage kids to be generous and kind to others. Two German ladies specializing on puppet shows will be joined by Qatari storyteller, Khalid al-Mohannadi,” Miaadi said.

One of the positive effects of these activities on children, both Qataris and expatriates, is that they learn about culture, values, and meet new friends in a fun way. It could also help trigger their curiosity and encourage them to learn more and be creative.