Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 (DSF 2011)
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 (DSF 2011) has got under way on 20th January. Dubai Shopping Festival is very popular in the region, and attracts a lot of tourists and shoppers to Dubai. DSF 2011 is packed with irresistible programs that span over 32 days. Emirates Airline has come out with specially designed DSF packages that would offer 4 days’ stay for 3 days’ price. The festival will conclude on Feb 20.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 (DSF 2011)
The 16th Edition of renowned Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has opened on January 20,2011.The 32-day long festival began at the Burj Khalifa Boulevard and the Dubai Creek Park with a spectacular show of fireworks display.
The annual Dubai Shopping Festival is very popular in the region since its commencement in 1996.
It is one of the major tourist attractions of the Middle East. In 2009, this show attracted about 3.3 million shoppers from around the world, who had spent a whopping 10 billion UAE Dirham, making the DSF one of the leading shopping events in the world.
So far, since its inception, DSF has attracted 40 million shoppers with a turnover of over 84 billion UAE Dirham.Major Attractions of DSF 2011
Lexus Mega Raffle
There will be a daily draw in which the winning coupon buyer will get a Lexus LX570 and AED 100,000 in cash. There is a grand prize for which a draw will be held at the end of the show, with all the coupons entered. The winner can take home a limited edition Lexus LS600hL. Each coupon owner thus holds two chances to win a prize. The coupon prize is Dh 200.Nissan Mega Raffle
Nissan Grand Raffle is offering a Nissan SUV to the winner every day. There will be a daily Draw, and the winner can take home a SUV from among the Patrol, Armada, X-Trail, Murano, Xterra, Pathfinder, and Qashqai. There will be a Grand Draw at the end of the show in which all coupons will be entered. Ten lucky winners can take home a Nissan vehicle each.Gold Raffle
The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is participating in the show with a gold promotion plan. There will be prizes worth millions to win all through the 32 days. Every gold shopper has the chance to take home gold and cash prizes.
Disney
Disney is holding the world premiere of one of its productions during the show.Concerts
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) will be entertaining DSF shoppers this year. Indian singers (Jan 28) will be also conducting concerts during the show.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
A Sound and Light Show will be held in Wafi in this year's DSF. Inspired by the renowned sound and light show in Egypt, the Wafi show is expected to be one of the highlights of the entire event.DSF Desert Camp
DSF Desert Camp is a major attraction of this year's show, offering participants a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Cottages will be available on rent for families to engage in activities, including adventures rides like camel rides, quad bikes and horse riding. There will be barbecue cooking facilities, and an exclusive food court where shoppers can taste different varieties of cuisines.
For children, there will be kiddy rides zone and an inflatable zone. In addition to this there will be 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
This event 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, will showcase 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
Dubai Carnivals is a colorful collage of display by various performers including jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists, and musicians to showcase the festive feeling of DSF across Dubai.
Dubai Carnivals will perform in 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 host the DSF festivities that will include fun fair areas for families and children. These venues will also have restaurants, kiosks, and performers to add to the street experience.Fireworks
An integral part of DSF since its inception, firework displays have become a major attraction for participants. Fireworks will be held at the Seef area of Dubai Creek at 8:30pm.
Creations
"Creations" is aimed at promoting Dubai as the fashion centre of Middle East. Events will include fashion shows showcasing the regions fashion talents. The event will be held at the Dubai Mall from February 10 to 20.Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival
This event, 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.
There will be also another event, Jazz World, for jazz aficionados from January 20th to January 28th. The program will showcase 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
Renowned Persian folk singer, composer and a living legend of Persian music Ustad Mohammad Reza Shajarian, will bless the show with his performance on February 17 at the Sheikh Rashid Hall in Dubai World Trade Centre. Ustad Shajarian, a winner of the UNESCO Mozart Medal, is also known for his mastery over Persian calligraphy. He was nominated twice for the Grammy awards.
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
Carpet Oasis will showcase 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. This exhibition will feature carpets from areas renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkemenistan. Apart from this, handicrafts will be 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
This event will present a gathering of celebrated poets from across the Indian sub-continent, bringing to life literary traditions of many centuries old. This event is very popular among Urdu and Hindi speaking visitors. The event will be held on January 27 at the H.H. Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School.Awards
The DSF has instituted various awards in connection with the festival to honor the efforts of journalists and photographers who strive to promote the event. Journalism Award and Photography Award are given to those who excel in these respective areas. There is also an Innovation Award meant for retailers who participate in the show for their brilliance in innovation and creativity.Emirates Airline's DSF Package
Emirates Airline is a major sponsor of the DSF. They have come out with an attractive promotion package during the season. This time, they offer accommodations in top-rated beach and city hotels for 4 nights for the price of 3 packaged as "Stay 4, Pay 3". The offer also includes free to-and-fro airport transportation and an Arabian Adventure welcome pack, besides other benefits.
DSF will come to a close on Feb 20.