In pictures: Of mascots and costumes at the Arabian Travel Market

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  Olga, decked out in a ballroom town for Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  Nigar, Ruslan, and Olga – this Azerbaijani trio are celebrating the twin Ural traditions of braids and facial hair. Ruslan is armed with a real dagger, to defend himself against the many dangers confronting an exhibitor at the Arabian Travel Market. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  Ollie the Owl sees all. He adores field mice, preening, nest building, Tootsie Pops and, of course, travel, The National was told. Our reporter attempted to interview him, but was met with silence and an oversized glare from the taciturn owl. “The eyes are a very important part of the TripAdvisor brand”, a nearby marketing manager said. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  National dress was in abundance at the Arabian Travel Market, as national tourist boards dusted off the most extravagant costumes from the back of their cupboards. Ajend here is wearing an Indonesian carnival costume. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  Modhesh, emperor of Modhesh World. A fusion of chip and spring, Modesh entertains children in the summer in the Dubai Mall with bouncy castles, pools of rubber balls, and all other things small children enjoy – while the parents shop. Lee Hoagland / The National

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  “I wear what they tell me to wear”, says Kamila Fowdes, who is channelling her inner Alice-in-Wonderland and handing out lollipops to strangers, on behalf of Damac, the luxury property construction company. Lee Hoagland / The National

A growing theme in this year’s Arabian Travel Market is the use of mascots and costumed individuals by the more than 2,700 exhibitors to promote their stands.