Following the opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, thousands of members of the Jamat enjoyed memorable and informative guided tours of the new Centre.

 

In the days that followed the opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, thousands of members of the international Jamat took the opportunity to tour the magnificent new Centre. They were received by uniformed tour guides and volunteers who led them on a comprehensive tour of the new Centre, comprising the reception area, social hall, the morning and evening prayer halls, and other spaces, before finishing with a stroll through the courtyard.

A tour guide explains the architectural features of the reception area at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Ally Studio A tour guide explains the architectural features of the reception area at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Ally Studio

During the course of the tour, multi-lingual tour guides presented historic and architectural information about the Centre, as well as more general information about the Jamat in Dubai and other points of interest. Catering to visitors of all ages and language backgrounds, the tours also accommodated those with special needs.

A tour guide invites visitors into the social hall at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Ally Studio A tour guide invites visitors into the social hall at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Ally Studio

Training for the Ismaili Centre tour guides commenced over a year ago. Each tour guide participated in an intensive course conducted by the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. They received training on presentation skills, people skills and crowd management, and were also taught about the details of the new Centre.

Visitors are ushered through the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Photo: Ally Studio Visitors are ushered through the Ismaili Centre Dubai. Ally Studio

With the high numbers of visitors, many Jamati members from Dubai and abroad assisted with crowd management, logistics and other aspects of the tours. From seniors to the Brownies of the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, Jamati members demonstrated warm hospitality, distributing refreshments and ushering people through the Centre.

As tour guides continued their eloquent articulation of the beauty of the Ismaili Centre to new visitors, those departing left with a sense of anticipation and excitement over what the Centre would bring to Dubai in the years and decades to come.