Dubai Announces Inaugural ‘India by the Creek’ Festival with Free Admission

Dubai, UAE – In a celebration of the deep-rooted cultural connections between India and the UAE, Dubai has unveiled plans for the first-ever ‘India by the Creek’ festival. Scheduled to take place at Al Seef Park from March 8 to 10, the event promises a vibrant showcase of art, music, and performances, with free admission open to all.

Presented by Dubai Duty Free in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Dubai, and Teamwork Arts, the festival aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage shared between the two nations.

According to Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, the festival was conceptualized eight months ago with the vision of creating a curated cultural event that celebrates the unique bond between India and the UAE. Sivan emphasized that beyond trade and commercial interests, the two countries share a special relationship rooted in culture, diversity, and tolerance.

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of artists and performers from India and the UAE, including acclaimed vocalist Malini Awasthi, renowned musician Alif, and the legendary band Indian Ocean. Performances will span from afternoon until night, offering attendees a captivating blend of activities, workshops, and entertainment.

Sanjoy K Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, expressed the festival’s goal of fostering deeper connections between India and Dubai. Leveraging their extensive experience in curating cultural events, Teamwork Arts aims to make ‘India by the Creek’ an annual highlight on the cultural calendar.

Ramesh Cidambi, COO of Dubai Duty Free, underscored the significance of the festival as a platform to showcase the rich cultural collaboration between India and the UAE. With India accounting for 10% of Dubai Duty Free’s business, Cidambi highlighted the importance of engaging with the Indian customer base through cultural initiatives like ‘India by the Creek.’

Reflecting on the journey to bring the festival to fruition, Ravi Menon, representing the festival’s local partner, expressed a sense of fulfillment. Originally conceived as ‘India Talks,’ the event evolved into a cultural extravaganza aimed at capturing the complexities and contradictions of India. Menon emphasized the festival’s role in providing a glimpse into Indian culture and encouraging travel to India.

With its diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and activities, ‘India by the Creek’ promises to be a vibrant celebration of the cultural ties between India and the UAE. As the festival aims to become an annual tradition, it signifies a significant step towards strengthening the cultural bonds between the two nations.

Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience that showcases the best of Indian and Emirati culture, all against the picturesque backdrop of Dubai Creek. Admission to the festival is free for people of all ages, offering an inclusive opportunity for everyone to experience the vibrant cultural heritage of India.