Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 attractions unveiled

Dubai: The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (Depe) has unveiled the calendar of events for the sixteenth edition of Dubai Shopping Festival.

Featuring international shows, concerts, shopping promotions, and raffles worth millions of dirhams, DSF 2011 promises to be spectacular in every sense.

Ebrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: “The Depe conducted numerous studies and researches while planning events for the sixteenth edition and this is part of our efforts in infusing innovation into DSF every year. This DSF, visitors can look forward to the gold raffle organized by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, an exclusive Disney show that makes it world premiere during the festival, and experience the traditional souks that will be highlighted throughout the festival.”

“The sixteenth edition is important to us as it crowns fifteen years of achievements ever since DSF was launched in 1996. Looking back, DSF has welcomed over 40 million visitors, recorded a consumer spending of Dh84 billion, and given away prizes worth Dh1.35 billion. These figures are testament to the success of DSF and our commitment in offering the region’s best in shopping, winning, and family entertainment,” he added.

Opening Ceremony

January 20

Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 will open with a spectacular show at the Burj Khalifa Boulevard and the Dubai Creek Park with fireworks to herald the beginning of 32 days of festivities.

Lexus Mega Raffle

The Lexus Mega Raffle entitles coupon buyers the dream opportunity to take home a Lexus LX570 and AED 100,000 in cash every day for 32 days of DSF. To add to the excitement, coupons collected through DSF will be entered into the draw for the grand prize where one lucky winner will get the keys to a limited edition Lexus LS600hL. Every ticket will thus have a second chance at winning an amazing prize. Each raffle coupon costs Dh200.

Nissan Mega Raffle

The Nissan Grand Raffle is giving away shoppers this DSF the chance to drive home a Nissan SUV every day. On purchases form ENOC and EPPCO outlets and participating shopping malls, shoppers will enter a daily draw to win one SUV from among the Patrol, Armada, X-Trail, Murano, Xterra, Pathfinder, and Qashqai. Additionally, all coupons will be entered into the grand draw where ten winners will walk away with a Nissan model each.

Gold Raffle

The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is back this DSF with a gold promotion that is giving away prizes worth millions during 32 days. Every gold shopper has the chance to take home gold and cash prizes.

Disney

Disney fans across the world can look forward to this exclusive production that is making a world premiere in Dubai.

Concerts

Some of the best known stars take the stage during this DSF. Amy Winehouse (February 11), Farell Williams and N.E.R.D (February 10), Tamer Housni (February 3), Faris Karam and Shireen Abdulwahhab (January 28), Rabeh Saker (February 10), Wael Kfoury and Ellisa (February 11), Fadel Shaker and Haifa Wehbe (February 18), and Indian singers K.K. and Sunidhi Chauhan (January 28) are some of the acts performing during the festival.

Main Streets

Al Rigga, Al Seef, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and the Burj Khalifa Boulevard will host a variety of entertainment events throughout DSF to take the celebration to residents and visitors.

Dolphin Show

The Dubai Dolphinarium is putting up an exclusive show during DSF for children and families.  From January 20 to February 20.

Sound and Light Show in Wafi

The Sound and Light Show in Wafi is one of the highlights of this year’s DSF. Inspired by the renowned sound and light show in Egypt, the Wafi show is expected to present a colourful treat for visitors.

DSF desert camp

An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Desert Camp is a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Organised throughout DSF, families and visitors have the options of renting tents for days or choosing from the endless number of activities designed for adventure enthusiasts.

Attractions include camel rides, quad bikes, and horse riding, in addition to barbecue facilities and an exclusive food court that will serve local cuisine amongst many others. Those who would like to indulge in a bit of shopping will even find a souk selling traditional clothes, handicrafts, and other traditional products.

Children can look forward to a kiddy rides zone and an inflatable zone. If these weren’t enough, the camp will stage entertainment shows throughout to provide a real memorable outing. The camp is open to public who can either book the tents or come in for a day of pure excitement.

Gulf Bike Week

Gulf Bike Week, organized in partnership with DSF 2011, is held under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice-President for Sport and President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE.

The event is the Middle East’s only dedicated Bike Festival that showcases the very latest in sport bikes, cruisers, off road and all terrain vehicles, apparel, accessories, custom-designed bikes and motorcycle-related products as well major international lifestyle brands from Europe, the USA and Asia. Highlights of the event are concerts by Amy Winehouse and Farell Williams.

Dubai Carnivals

As the vibrant and colourful face of DSF, Dubai Carnivals is an all-out display by various performers including jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists, and musicians to showcase the festive feeling of DSF across Dubai. Dubai Carnivals will hit the streets and malls during Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with hundreds of performers.

Street Events

Prominent streets such as Rigga, Seef, and the Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence will join in the DSF festivities and host fun fair areas for families and children. These venues will also have restaurants, kiosks, and performers to add to the street experience.

Fireworks

An undeniable part of DSF, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception. The 16th edition is no different with daily fireworks at the Seef area of Dubai Creek at 8:30pm.

Creations

“Creations” is a step towards the vision of establishing Dubai as the hub of fashion in the Middle East by creating and supporting all fashion related events that will cumulatively complete the needs and interests of fashion enthusiasts from all over the world.

More specifically, the event is aimed at launching the city’s and the region’s emerging and existing fashion talents in an event that, in the years to come, will be looked upon as a sure ground for fashion careers of all sorts.  The event will be held at the Dubai Mall from February 10 to 20.

Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival

DSF 2011 has lined-up an array of international events for visitors and residents. The Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011, featuring acclaimed blues stars from around the world, is one of the major highlights and held under the patronage of the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment.

Additionally, Jazz World, an associated event, is being held in partnership with The Walk at JBR and Dubai Shopping Festival from January 20th to January 28th. Jazz World showcases a diverse genre of jazz from renowned international artists, aiming to attract residents and visitors with different tastes in music.

Concert by Ustad Mohammad Reza Shajarian

Acclaimed Persian traditional singer, composer and a living legend of Persian music Ustad Mohammad Reza Shajarian, is set to perform on February 17 at the Sheikh Rashid Hall in Dubai World Trade Centre. Ustad Shajarian is also known for his mastery of Persian calligraphy and has been nominated twice for the Grammy awards in addition to being honored with the Unesco Mozart Medal.

The show will be held on February 17 at the Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre. Show starts 9pm. Tickets are priced at Dh295, Dh550, Dh730, and Dh915. Tickets for the concert can be purchase online at www.oasispromotions.ae.

Carpet Oasis

An exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique carpets and rugs from around the world, Carpet Oasis is an attraction for those who have a penchant for not only carpets but culture and history. Spread across thousands of square metres, the exhibition features products from areas renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkemenistan. Apart from carpets and rugs, handicrafts are also on display.   The event will be held from January 20 to February 20 at the Airport Expo Dubai, West Hall.

Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira 2011

A gathering of renowned poets from all across the Indian sub-continent, Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira re-lives a literary tradition spanning many centuries. The event is popular among millions of Hindi and Urdu speaking audiences across the globe.  The event will be held on January 27 at the  H.H. Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School

Awards

Journalism Award

The DSF Journalism Award was established to honour the efforts of local and regional journalists in promoting Dubai Shopping Festival. With innovative categories and a respected jury, the Awards get bigger every year, witnessing the participation of hundreds of journalists.

Entries are judged on an evaluation criteria based on the style of writing, quality of research, quality of content, overall presentation, creativity in news angle, and the overall impact of the story.

Photography Award

The DSF Photography Award was instituted along with the Journalism Award to honour press photographers for their creativity in capturing the essence of DSF through images.

The DSF Photography Award is an extension of the Journalism Award and received huge participation in its inaugural year. This award acknowledges the important role played by photography and the great dedication of local press photographers to their noble profession.

Innovation Award

Ever since its inception, the Innovation Award has proved to be the ultimate recognition for innovation and creativity in the retail sector during every DSF edition.

The Award has undergone dynamic changes over the years with a novel judging criteria and better incentives for winning retailers. Further, a new and objective evaluation module has been designed for each category of this year’s awards.