The Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai and Middle East Office, organized the Thai Festival 2016, under the theme of “Thai Street Food” on Friday 26^th  and  Saturday 27^th August 2016 at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. H.E. Mr Komate Kamalanavin, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE, presided over the opening ceremony which was attended by foreign Ambassadors and members of Diplomatic Corps in Abu Dhabi (Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Fiji, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore) as well as Mr Unnop Buranasate, Consul General of Thailand to Dubai and members of Team Thailand.

The two-day culture event aims to mark the 40^th Anniversary of diplomatic relation between Thailand and the UAE and to promote Thai cultures, including Thai food, traditional performances, arts of Muay Thai, fruits and vegetables craving to the Emiratis and foreigners who reside in the United Arab Emirates,

At the event, the 5 best Thai restaurants, namely, Benjarong  (Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi) , Pachaylen (Eastern Mangroves Resort Hotel) , Lemongrass Thai Restaurant (Yas Mall) , Smoking Doll and Desert Lotus and Thai Chef Community in Abu Dhabi offered a variety of delicate taste of Thai food and fruits from every part of Thailand. On the stage, professional Thai Chefs  shared their recipes and teach the audience how to cook authentic Thai food. H.E. Mr Komate Kamalanavin  also demonstrated  live cooking on stage of  a Thai dish “ Spicy Red Curry with duck” to the audience.

Members of the public who were interested in Muay Thai, had the chance to experience the Muay Thai demonstration and workshop performed on the real boxing ring by the Cobra Fitness.  While on the stage, Thai dancers from the famous Siam Mantra Troupe, from Thailand, entertained the audience  with their special cultural performances and the workshop on “Learn the Art of Thai Dance”.

In addition, the event included a fashion show of Thai traditional dresses from the 4 regions of Thailand by the Thai Women’s Club in Abu Dhabi as well as a painting workshop by Professor Jehadbulloh, Assistant Professor of the Department of Fine Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Provice. He is the artist who painted the artwork to mark the 40^th anniversary of  diplomatic relation between Thailand and UAE and his painting technique is acrylic paint which is inspired by the living style of Thai locals in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Other activities in the event also included promotion of Thai tourism by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai and Middle East Office, as well as of Thailand’s holiday package by Etihad Airways who was also a sponsor of the event.

Approximately 100,000 visitors visited the said event. 

More photos on : https://www.facebook.com/thaiembassy.abudhabi/photos/?tab=album&album_id=531980190260008