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Spectacular fireworks at Burj Khalifa Boulevard and Dubai Creek Park will herald the opening of Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 (DSF) on January 20.

The 16th DSF, which is sure to attract residents and visitors to 32 days of festivities, shopping and surprises, will feature international shows, concerts, shopping promotions and raffles prizes worth millions of dirhams.

An annual initiative of the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), this year’s edition will unveil new features such as the gold raffle being organised by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, an exclusive Disney show that makes its world premiere during the festival, and an experience of the traditional souqs that will be highlighted throughout the festival.

Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator-General and Deputy CEO of the DEPE, said DSF 2011 promises to be spectacular in every sense.
“The DEPE conducted numerous studies and researches while planning events for the 16th edition and this is part of our efforts in infusing innovation into DSF every year.”

He said this edition crowns 15 years of achievements ever since the launch of DSF 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. The DSF Journalism Award, Photography Award and Innovation Award will continue.

“The Journalism Award will honour the efforts of local and regional journalists in promoting the shopping festival while the Photography Award will recognise the creativity of press photographers to capture the essence of DSF through the lenses. 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 novel judging criteria and better incentives for winning retailers,” he explained. 

Dolphin show
Dolphin show at Dubai Dolphinarium (The dolphinarium is putting up an exclusive show during DSF for children and families.)

Disney show
Jan 28-Feb 18: 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 DSF — Amy Winehouse (Feb 11), Farell Williams and N.E.R.D (Feb 10), Tamer Housni (Feb 3), Faris Karam and Shireen Abdulwahhab (Jan 28), Rabeh Saker (Feb 10), Wael Kfoury and Ellisa (Feb 11), Fadel Shaker and Haifa Wehbe (Feb 18), and
Indian singers K.K. and Sunidhi Chauhan (Jan 28).

Ustad Mohammad Reza Shajarian
Concert by acclaimed traditional singer, composer and a living legend of Persian music Ustad Mohammad Reza Shajarian, at Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, from 9pm on February 17. Ustad Shajarian is also known for his mastery of Persian calligraphy and has been nominated twice for the Grammy awards in addition to being honoured with the UNESCO Mozart Medal. Tickets are priced at Dh295, Dh550, Dh730, and Dh915. Tickets for the concert can be purchased online on www.oasispromotions.ae

Lexus mega raffle
Jan 20-Feb 20: The Lexus Mega Raffle entitles coupon buyers the dream opportunity to take home a Lexus LX570 and Dh100,000 in cash everyday 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 the grand prize. Each raffle coupon costs Dh200.

Nissan mega raffle
The Nissan Grand Raffle is giving away shoppers the chance to drive home a Nissan SUV everyday. 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 a grand draw in which ten winners will walk away with a Nissan model each.

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

Street shows and fairs
Jan 20-Feb 20: Al Rigga, Al Seef, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Burj Khalifa Boulevard will host a variety of entertainment events throughout DSF.

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

Fireworks

Daily fireworks in the Seef area of Dubai Creek at 8.30pm.

Creations

Feb 10-20: Dubai Mall will host ‘Creations’ to cater to 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.

Jazz festival
The Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011, featuring acclaimed blues stars from around the world, is one of the major highlights. Additionally, Jazz World, an associated event showcasing a diverse genre of jazz from renowned international artistes, is being held in partnership with The Walk at JBR and DSF from January 20 to 28.

Carpet oasis
Jan 20-Feb 20: Carpet Oasis, an exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique carpets and rugs from around the world, at Airport Expo Dubai, West Hall. 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.

Poetry evenings
Jan 27: Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira 2011 at Shaikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School. A gathering of renowned poets from across the Indian subcontinent, Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira re-lives a literary tradition spanning many centuries.

Sound and light show
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.

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 a number of activities including camel rides, quad bikes and horse riding, barbecue facilities and food court that will serve local cuisine amongst many others.

Gulf bike week
Gulf Bike Week is being held under the patronage of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice-President for Sport and President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE. The event showcases the latest in sport bikes, cruisers, off-road and all-terrain vehicles, apparel, accessories, custom-designed bikes and motorcycle-related products as well as 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 Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with hundreds of performers.