Emirates Integrated Telecmnctns Com : du Celebrates Haq Al Lailah with Children of Determination at the Tender Hearts Arena

du has been at the forefront of entrenching itself within the UAE social fabric and Haq Al Lailah is one more way the company celebrates UAE's colourful culture

du joined hands with the Tender Hearts Arena, a recreation centre in the UAE to mark the occasion of Haq Al Lailah, and make it an unforgettable experience for the centre's children of determination. On May X, 2017, du engaged the children in a number of fun activities to bring the Haq Al Lailah event to life, these included baking the traditional Emirati dessert, Beetheetha; designing Haq Al Lailah bags; storytelling and a number of other interesting activities, along with distributing Haq Al Lailah treats to the children.

'In the year of giving, at du, we are doing our utmost to ensure that we are a part of the social fabric of the UAE by giving back to multiple communities throughout the Emirates. People of determination form a large part of our focus, and we will continue to engage this segment in a variety of ways,' said Abdulwahed Juma, Executive Vice President, Brand and Corporate Communications, du. 'By joining hands with the Tender Hearts Arena, to celebrate the age old Ramadan tradition of Haq Al Lailah, we are giving young, determined children the opportunity to create new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Haq Al Leylah is a festival of love, family and community bonding, and it is our pleasure to have recreated its essence for the smallest members of our community - our children.'

'There is nothing more rewarding than the smiles we see on our children's faces during community events like this, and we are grateful to du for taking the initiative and celebrating Haq Al Lailah with our family,' said Founders, Tender Hearts Arena

The Tender Hearts Arena,concept grew from the experiences, observations and aspirations of parents, families and friends of children with special needs who wish for their children the joy, discovery, laughter and friendships that are the hallmarks of healthy childhood. The children's enthusiasm for activities, such as the ones they experienced with du for Haq Al Lailah, know no bounds. These activities form an essential part of the development of imagination, confidence, physical and emotional wellbeing of the self. They promote independence, respect, responsibility and self-esteem.

Haq Al Lailah, meaning 'for this night', is an annual traditional event that is celebrated to mark the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is observed on the 14th night of the lunar calendar month of Shaa'ban, 15 days before Ramadan begins. On the day itself, children dress in traditional clothes and walk around their neighbourhood singing a traditional song linked to the day and collecting sweets and nuts from their neighbours. The aim of du's participation in the event is to bring the Emirati culture even closer to the children and spread the spirit of love, family and community throughout the UAE.