Article:
ISSUE No.2 January-February 2007

Jumana – Secret of the Desert
An unparalleled journey to ancient Arabia

The long list of Dubai’s entertainment attractions was recently extended by the stunning production of “Jumana – Secret of the Desert” at Al Sahra. The show fascinates the audiences six times per week with its breath-taking mix of spectacular light, laser, sound and pyrotechnical effects in an imposing amphitheatre located in the middle of the desert.

Dubailand has the ambitious goal of becoming the biggest and most varied leisure, entertainment and tourist attraction in the world. While many of the facilities are still under construction, the inauguration of Al Sahra already took place last year. Al Sahra’s main attraction is doubtlessly the 75-minute production of Jumana – Secret of the Desert. The approach to Al Sahra is like a journey back in time to the ancient era of Arabia. A Bedouin working farm, camels, falcons and fire spying artists set the scene for those visitors who want to get an idea of the traditional Arabic culture. The rebuilt souk includes a silversmith’s workshop, stoneware and terracotta potteries, traditional palm leaf products and shows traditional Bedouin crafts like camel saddles and carpets.

Being already impressed by the authentic Arabian setting of Al Sahra, the visitors enter the wowing amphitheatre with seats for 1,200 spectators where the show takes place. “Jumana – Secret of the Desert” celebrates the region’s cultural heritage and combines fable and folklore themes from the whole area to an imposing spectacle of magic, fantasy and illusion. The unique concept of the show is the brainchild of Anita Mehra Homayoun in cooperation with event organizing company Prisme International as a design partner. The scenery is set by animation, video, projected images and sound effects creating a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere which is enhanced by the fabulous performance of the various actors and dancers on the stage. The inimitable combination of live performance, camels, horses, pyrotechnics and visual effects guarantees visitors forgetting that they are only 30 minutes away from the heart of Dubai.

Al Sahra will soon open luxury tented lodges and 132-room boutique hotel to offer highest standards of service in the desert resort that aims to attract some 250,000 guests a year coming from Europe, America, Asia and the whole region. The oasis setting is the perfect scenario for Arabian hospitality and culture and marries the past with modernity.