Following the successful opening of the 24^th edition of Carpet Oasis on 20 January (Sunday) at City Walk, Meraas and the organising committee of Carpet Oasis at Dubai Customs have signed a three-year strategic partnership agreement.

As per the agreement, Meraas will host the next three editions of Dubai’s most awaited and spectacular annual carpet festival, at one of its destinations which include Al Seef, Bluewaters, City Walk, La Mer and The Beach.

“At Meraas, our focus has been to bring to Dubai the best that the world has to offer. Carpet Oasis is a one of its kind annual festival that celebrates not only the region’s timeless weaving legacy, but also the beauty and uniqueness of its craftsmanship. As the city evolves into one of the world most preferred tourism destination, we are proud to have entered this strategic partnership that allows us to host this unique and popular festival that attracts investors and Carpet maker from around the world,” said His Excellency Abdullah Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), said: “Carpet weaving is an integral part of Arab culture, and this legacy can be traced back to as far as the 7^th century BCE. The beauty, quality and intricacies of patterns of the Arabic handwoven carpets have always been the stuff of legends, which is the reason they are coveted as collector’s items by connoisseurs across the world. Through Carpet Oasis, we aim to bring the world’s finest collection of handwoven carpets to Dubai’s discerning aesthetes. We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Meraas in this venture and hope that the partnership will extend the reach and appreciation of the festival.”

The 24^th edition of Carpet Oasis runs until 14 February 2019 at Meraas’ City Walk and showcases more than 15,000 carpets by diverse exhibitors from countries such as India, China, Pakistan and Turkmenistan, with a total value of AED1 billion. Fifteen Dubai-based carpet companies are displaying and selling beautiful carpets from across the world at reduced prices. Carpet Oasis’ singular collection of handmade carpets includes those from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Locally woven carpets are also given a dedicated platform at the festival.

A festival that showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of rare pieces of handmade carpets, Carpet Oasis also holds masterclasses and talks with master weavers and other experts in the field. The annual event, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, is all set to fascinate and entertain not only tourists and families, but also interior design aficionados and collectors of art.

Among the many masterclasses and discussions held are a series of workshops on carpet-making by Suhaila Al Khazali – the first Emirati female carpet manufacturer – exclusively for women. In addition, a kiosk where visitors can learn about cleaning and maintaining carpets to ensure that they last well and long is also a big draw this year.

In alignment with Meraas’ vision to provide wholesome entertainment to both families and individuals alike, the festival promises fun for adults and children. Besides bargains and offers galore on carpets, there are competitions with prizes to be won, as well as a full schedule of live entertainment. Dedicated play zones at the destination will amuse children with fun and games. Visitors can also enjoy the sophisticated, one of its kind ambience of City Walk.