Dubai prepares for bigger, better DSF from Jan 2

Dubai - More than 150 events and activities, including musical concerts, sporting events and festive carnivals, will chart the way for a month of festivities. The much-awaited Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is all set to return from January 2 with organisers promising a bigger and better festival this time. More than half a million dirhams will be up for grabs, with a daily Nissan car raffle and several kilos of gold being given out during the 32 days. More than 150 events and activities, including musical concerts, sporting events and festive carnivals, will chart the way for a month of festivities. Unveiling the DSF 2014 calendar of events, Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “With all eyes on Dubai post Expo 2020 win, we are fully aware that we have to rise up to the expectations, as DSF 2014 is the first festival after the announcement.” “We have made extra efforts to make sure that DSF truly lives up to its reputation as a festival for all by identifying a number of additional and special areas of Dubai to host the numerous activities. This will enable maximum exposure and opportunities for visitors to experience the vibrancy of this extravaganza and also reap its benefits.” DSF accounts for 30 per cent of annual retail sales in the emirate and it has helped place Dubai as a global tourist destination. In an unbeatable multi-million dirham promotion, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is offering DSF shoppers the chance to win kilos of gold and quarter carat diamond solitaire rings across the 32 days of the festival. The 19th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival will be launched on January 2 with the opening day featuring roaming, stage and street performers, spectacular fireworks and various other activities. Celebrations and carnivals go hand in hand, and DSF 2014 will be remembered for its visual feasts thanks to a colourful line-up of roaming, stage and street artistes getting together to perform at the DSF Carnival, which will be the biggest carnival in the history of DSF. Make sure you do not miss the DSF Music Nights concerts that will feature some of the popular artistes and entertainers of the Arab world. Held at the Burj Park in collaboration with Rotana, the shows feature Saudi star Rabeh Saqer and UAE heartthrob Balqees on January 2, renowned Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo on January 9 and Hatem al Iraqi and Majid Al Mohandes on January 16. Renowned Egyptian singer Mohammed Mounir, whose musical career spans three decades, and Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram will take the stage at Zabeel Park to produce one of the most magical music nights for their fans in Dubai.— Khaleejtimes