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Opening Ceremony
Date: January 28
Venue: Across malls in Dubai
After 14 editions, DSF 2010 is coming up with an innovative opening ceremony to spread the festive feel of DSF across Dubai. Focused on providing the ultimate in shopping, malls in Dubai will host jaw-dropping discounts for just one day – the opening day of DSF 2010. To add to the festive atmosphere, a dazzling fireworks display will be held at the Seef area of Dubai Creek to herald 32 days of celebration.
Fireworks
Date: Jan 28 – Feb 28
Venue: Seef area – Dubai Creek
Time: 8:30pm
An undeniable part of DSF, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception. The 15th edition is no different with daily fireworks at the Seef area of Dubai Creek.
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 every DSF weekend with around 150 performers while shopping malls will also host groups of performers during weekdays.
Blood Brothers Musical
Date: 28 Jan - 6 Feb
Venue: The First Group Theatre - Souk Madinat
Blood Brothers, the third longest running show on London’s West End, is the critically acclaimed multiple award-winning musical about twin boys separated at birth but reunited by fate – with tragic consequences. This stunning tale set against the backdrop of an unforgiving industrial Liverpool is one of the most unique and best-loved musicals of the last fifty years. With Willy Russell’s trademark comedy, mixed with epic drama, this funny and moving musical provides a performance of pure theatrical perfection. The production stars a brilliant cast of West End actors and thrilling live orchestra.
Carpet Oasis
Date: Jan 28 – Feb 28
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - West Hall
Time: Sat - Thu:10:00am - 10:00pm and Fri: 4:00pm - 11:30pm
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 Turkemistan. Apart from carpets and rugs, handicrafts are also on display. The event is organized by Dubai Customs.
Khor Dubai Area (Dubai Creek Area)
Popular among residents and visitors alike, the Khor Dubai area or the Dubai Creek area takes an important role this DSF to highlight the heritage and history of Dubai covering its social and economic aspects over the centuries. The Shindagah area, the Heritage and Diving Village, the Bastakiya, Souk al Kabeer, the Gold Souk, and the Spice Market will provide visitors an insight into the old Dubai. The highlight, though, will be the Al Seef area that will host numerous art displays and will take up the art theme throughout DSF.
The Walk at JBR
A unique destination for shopping, leisure, and entertainment, The Walk at JBR turns even more exciting during DSF 2010. Highlights include the World of Jazz that will be held from Feb 3 to Feb 9 as a prelude to the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival. Apart from the amazing shopping promotions, families will also find a fun fair and an inflatable zone for entertainment.
Family Health Festival
Date: Jan 28 – Feb 27
Venue: Shopping malls
Supported by the Ministry of Health and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, Family Health Festival is into its second year this DSF with the highlight on obesity and the challenges faced by our society due to this serious but commonly prevalent health issue. Based in shopping malls across Dubai, numerous initiatives such as health workshops, seminars, fitness workouts, and free health checkups are part of the programme. The initiative last year saw a footfall of 100,000 with 30,000 individual free health check-ups being administered to the visitors at the specially created kiosks.
Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival
Bringing local, regional, and international jazz artists together in a unique event, the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival is divided into two sub-events this years. While the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival will be held at the Dubai Media City from Feb 10 to Feb 19, a prelude to the event, titled World of Jazz is being organized at The Walk in JBR from Feb 3 to Feb 9. Artists performing this year include some of the best known names in the jazz scenario today.
Street Events
Date: Jan 28 – Feb 28
DSF 2010 brings the celebrations back onto the streets during the 15th edition with festivities across four prominent locations in Dubai – Al Rigga, Al Seef, Dhiyfah, and JBR. Each street or venue is being themed to reflect numerous aspects of DSF. While the Rigga Street will comprise of fun fairs and rides, Dhiyafah will be decorated with stunning lights, Al Seef will take the art and culture theme, while JBR will host numerous events including a week of performances by renowned jazz artists.
DSF Family Camp by Watani
Date: Jan 28 – Feb 28
Venue: Al Warqa’a Area 4
An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Familiy Camp, organised by Watani, is a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Organised at Warqa’a 4 area throughout DSF 2010, 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 Festival
Date: 4 Feb - 6 Feb
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Every year, during the Gulf Bike Week, bikers from all over the region come down to Dubai to celebrate their love for everything on two wheels in a festive atmosphere. Held in association with Harley Davidson and Live Nation Middle East & Middle East Communications & Forums (MECOM Forums), the event provides a perfect lifestyle environment for music fans, sports enthusiasts, and thrill seekers of all nationalities and age group. Attractions include exciting biking experiences, freestyle bike demonstrations, spectacular stunt shows, and entertainment for adults and children. International acts performing during this year’s Gulf Bike Festival include Nickelback and Status Quo.
The Little Big Club Show
Date: Feb 5 – Feb 12
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - East Hall
Time: Two shows (4:00pm and 8:00pm)
Coming to Dubai for a Middle East debut, the Little Big Club Show is the hottest children’s attraction this DSF. Featuring fourteen popular characters including Barney, Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, and Pingu, the event promises an exciting journey into the world of cartoon theatre through spectacular stage backdrops, songs, and narratives, all in one show.
The Biggest Biryani Bowl
Date: Feb 12
Venue: Global Village
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
The Biggest Biryani Bowl will be cooked up by expert chefs at Global Village. A popular dish across the whole of Indian Sub-continent, the Biryani Bowl will weigh approximately 2.5 tonnes and include 1,200 kilos of Daawat rice, 48 kilos of Shan biryani masala, 155 litres of oil, 320 litres of yoghurt, and hundreds of kilos of mutton.
Ben 10
Date: Feb 19 – Feb 26
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - East Hall
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
After wooing millions of children on television, Ben 10 comes to Dubai this DSF with an entirely new production and a premiere titled ‘The Power of the Omnitrix’ – a combination of Ben 10 Classic and Ben 10 Alien Force. Watch Ben, Grandpa Max, and Gwen in another thrilling adventure as fourteen characters bring the Power of the Omnitrix to life. Additionally, watch two new aliens, Squids and Rocks, make their debut in this much-awaited show as they join popular superheroes Four Arms, Wildmutt and Heatblast, and menacing villains Vilgax and HighBreed Commander in a ninety-minute theatrical extravaganza. |