folklore and mythology. It is about good conquering evil; perseverance. It is performed under the desert skies – at one with nature,” explained Johan Viljoen, General Manager of Al Sahra Desert Resort. This season, 20 performers are added (now totaling 60) to compliment the light, sound, laser, water and pyrotechnics effects. The choreography is tighter and the production has added a couple more effects which will continue in the future. “The timings remain the same – we had a positive response to the
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starting time at 21:00 – it allows people sufficient time to dine before the show, and for the night owls, the evening is but a puppy when the show finishes at 22:05 – many of our guests prefer apres show dinner; they enjoy chilling out in the desert until the wee hours of the morning,” he added. Jumana is unique because it is the only permanent outdoor extravaganza in Dubai and the Middle East. The Al Sahra Amphitheatre employs some of the most advance projection techniques and projection equipment to enhance the excitement of the Jumana show
– animation, video and stills images are projected onto an eighteen meter high dune and the water screens, providing the creative team with a wide canvas to illustrate any story. The technology is rounded off by a lighting system customised for the desert climate, a sound system with an output up to 110dB at any point in the amphitheatre; and the first permanent pyrotechnics installation in the Middle East, including fireworks and flame. The technology used is some of the most advanced in the world and the fusion of different light, water, laser and pyrotechnic effects added to the vibrant soundtrack are sure to mesmerise Jumana audiences. “Jumana offers our guests a unique experience of the desert and the Arabian culture; it is great fun! A real wow!” prides Viljoen. “When people leave the resort after the show, they only have one thing to say, ‘This was our best night out in Dubai’.” The Jumana show is staged at Al Sahra Desert Resort, situated in Dubailand, a multi-billion dollar urban complex situated in Dubai, which is destined to become the biggest, most varied leisure, entertainment and tourism attraction on the planet. Al Sahra – a Dubai Heritage Vision LLC initiative – is set in 40 million square feet (400ha) of undulating sand dunes just thirty minutes from the heart of Dubai. This unique eco-tourism resort offers visitors an experience of Arab hospitality and culture; arts and crafts in a natural environment featuring typical clay-plastered stone pillars and arched structures - all conceived to afford visitors an unforgettable experience in the desert. Al Sahra represents Arabian culture and heritage from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region, Oman and Yemen. The main entertainment complex encompasses an amphitheatre with a seating capacity for up to 2 500 spectators. The amphitheatre façade incorporates a traditional Arabic craft souk, restaurants and a coffee shop,surrounded by indigenous regional flora and fauna in a typical desert oasis landscape. A date plantation; a camel farm; and stables complete the setting.