Dubai Shopping Festival is round the corner to add glitz to the winter season in Dubai with its festivities and splendor. Its indeed a celebration spread across thousands of outlets and other venues in Dubai to delight residents, expatriates and visitors alike. Besides the shopping malls and souks, one of the spots most popular for shopping is Carpet Oasis, introducing thousands of exclusive carpets from around the world.
Other events include fireworks night, exhibitions of laser light, the international fashion shows, street performances, music concerts and many cultural events. The daily raffle draw prices offer silver, gold, cars and 4x4s. There is also a global village with pavilions offering products from retailers and manufacturers around the world. With around 6,000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls participating, the DSF 2009 promotions are slated to be the best shopping offers designed in a DSF edition yet.
DSF 2009 EventsThe Signature Events for DSF 2009 are as follows:
Dubai Fashion 2009 Date: Feb 9 - 11 Feb
Venue: Arena Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah
Time: 8:30pm
Dubai Fashion was launched in 2004 and is an initiative by the DSF Office to bring top notch international designer labels to Dubai and showcase the latest collections to fashion enthusiasts in the emirate. During 2009, international retailers feature Saks Fifth Avenue, the Etoile brands, and Harvey Nichols that will present a host of leading international fashion labels. The Madinat Jumeirah will host Dubai Fashion from February 9 to February 11.
DSF Desert Camp by Watani Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Warqa'a 4
Time: 24 hours
An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Desert Camp, organised by Watani, is a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Organised at Al Warqa'a throughout DSF 2009, 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.
Creations Date: Jan 23 - Jan 30
Venue: BurJuman
Time: 6:30pm and 8pm
‘Creations' was initiated during DSF 2004 and was conceived as a platform for upcoming local and regional fashion designers aiming to establish themselves in the region. With DSF providing all the logistical support, amateur fashion designers from UAE and the region, and established designers from around the world are given a platform to showcase their works in Dubai.
The eight-day event will feature the collections of established labels such as Lida O'Reilly from Mauritius, Aiisha Couture from Lebanon, Larisa Katz from Netherlands, Oka Diputra from Indonesia, Mich Dulce from Philippines, Carloss Tufression from Brazil, Elena Gracia from United Kingdom, and Samora Couture from the US.
Dubai Food FestivalDate: Feb 1 - Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff and Al Seef Street
Time: 5pm - 11pm
A favourite of DSF visitors, Food Festival attracts people of diverse backgrounds to a celebration of international cuisine. Celebrity chefs, live cooking counters, and culinary workshops, in addition to interactive events and exciting prizes, add to the excitement of this truly one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
Exciting additions for DSF 2009 include a food sampling day in ‘Sampling Sundays' and ‘Buffet Tuesdays' where visitors get to taste different cuisines in an exclusive buffet at a nominal price. The climax of the event will occur on the last day when the Emirates Culinary Guild will attempt a world record for the world's largest dessert featuring 2009 varieties of dessert. While the main venue of Dubai Food Festival will be Uptown Mirdiff, floating restaurants along Al Seef Street will also be part of the culinary delight.
House of TalentsDate: Jan 31 - Feb 9
Venue: Eye of Horus, Wafi
Time: 5pm - 10pm
House of Talents is an annual event that has provided a platform to gifted women to showcase their talents and skills in handicrafts, architecture, fashion design, sculpting, information technology, drawing, interior design, music, jewellery designing, photography, perfume making, poetry and writing. The Eye of Horus area in Wafi will host the 2009 edition of House of Talents from January 31st to February 9.
Dubai RecordsDate: Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff
Time: 6pm
In its inaugural year in 2009, Dubai Records aims at highlighting world records created in Dubai. After a decade of hosting Guinness World Records events, DSF now has its own record-breaking initiative through Dubai Records. The record being planned during DSF 2009 is the world's largest dessert buffet organized in cooperation with the Emirates Culinary Guild. The endeavour will include 2009 separate dessert delicacies in an attempt to gain entry into the record books.
Dubai CarnivalsDate: Jan 15 - 17 and Feb 12 - 15 - Al Seef Street
Jan 22 - 24 Jumeirah Road
Jan 19 - 31 Jumeirah Beach Residence
Feb 5 - 7 Global Village
Time: 8pm
A festivity on its own, Dubai Carnivals features 300 colourful performers who will take to the streets to spread the spirit of DSF across Dubai. To be held during the weekends, each week will see 300 performers gather in one location for a vibrant parade. Different cultures and traditions will be reflected through the carnivals with spectacular costumes and music.
Al Zarooni FireworksDate: Jan 15 - Feb 15 (Weekends)
Venue: Dubai Festival City at 8:30pm and Al Seef Street at 9pm
Fireworks have been a hallmark of every DSF edition and 2009 is slated to be bigger, better, and longer. Dazzling fireworks will be launched from a specially created platform when the display begins on Jan 15.
Carpet OasisDate: Jan 15 - Feb 7
Venue: West Hall, Airport Expo Dubai
Time: 10am - 10pm
Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Customs, the Carpet Oasis is a spectacular display of carpets, rugs, and handicrafts from around the world. Visitors can find exquisite hand-woven products from regions renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkemenistan, and Afghanistan.
DSF 2009 Night Souk Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Street
Time: 6pm - 2am (Sunday - Wednesday) and 6pm - 3am (Thursday - Saturday)
A favourite with DSF crowds every year, the Night Souk, launched in 2003, comes alive late in the night and provides shoppers the unique chance to bargain for the finest goods till the early hours of the morning. Categorized as leisure shopping, Night Souk combines an entertainment area and a food court with raffle draws and amazing shopping offers for the perfect family outing. The Night Souk is located at the Dubai Creek thus providing a picturesque backdrop to one of the favourite DSF shopping destinations.
Global Village Date: Jan 15 - Feb 21
Location: Dubailand, Emirates Road
Time: 4pm -12 am (Sunday - Wednesday), and 4pm - 1am (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Global Village, a member of Tatweer Dubai, gathers cultures from around the world in one place. Over the years, the venue has become a star attraction among residents and visitors from across the world, having been transformed into a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture.
Exciting Venues and Events ‘The Walk Festivities' at Jumeirah Beach Residence
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Time: 4pm - 10pm
The Walk at JBR is the latest addition to Dubai's shopping and leisure destinations. Located in New Dubai, the Walk at JBR will be one among the colourful venues hosting DSF events. The Walk will include activities such as street paintings, recycled art displays, metal art, stand-up comedy shows, sand sculptures, photography displays, and kiosk selling fashion accessories and handicraft.
Al Seef Street
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
In addition to the popular Night Souk, Al Seef Street is an entertainment hotspot during DSF 2009. Activities for visitors include the Fun Fair, Skill Games Zone, and Floating Restaurants. Additionally, the venue will host various cultural shows on a stage specially built for the occasion.
Dubai Mall
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road
Time: Subject to mall timings
As the largest shopping mall in the world and a massive attraction on its own, Dubai Mall is among the new retail, entertainment, and leisure destinations in Dubai. During DSF 2009, Dubai Mall will host the Themed Forest Circus Show from January 29 to Feb 6, except on Feb 3. Featuring 28 performers, the show is a themed event of Chinese acrobat and circus artists involving gravity-defying acts and set amidst spectacular settings to reflect a real forest.
Jumeirah Road Drive-Through
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
Stretching along the scenic Jumeirah Road, visitors will find the street transformed into a carnival of sorts this DSF. Cafes and restaurants will set up tables in the open and a host of international performers are slated to entertain diners, passers-by, and those simply driving along.
Biggest Biryani Bowl
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Global Village
Time: 4pm onwards
To be held at the Global Village, the ‘Biggest Biryani Bowl' will be an attempt into the record books on February 6. The popular dish will be made to weigh approximately 2.5 tons.
Musical Festivals and Concerts Featuring some of the best names in the industry, DSF 2009 is organizing music concerts that will bring together some fine talent from across the globe. Those performing include Zakir Hussain, Tamer Hosny, Fatboy Slim, Iron Maiden, Shaggy, Pankaj Udhas, and Ghulam Ali. Additionally, featured are theatre shows, comedy shows, and the renowned musical The Woman in Black.
Tamer Hosny
Date: Jan 16
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 9pm
Known for his melodies and his range of songs, Tamer Hosny has carved for himself a reputation as being one of the most versatile Arab singers today.
Indian Republic Day - Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
Date: Jan 29
Venue: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School
Time: 9pm
The Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira is a gathering of noted Hindi and Urdu poets from India and resident poets in the UAE.
Zakir Hussain concert
Date: Jan 30
Venue: Tennis Stadium, Dubai Aviation Club
Time: 7pm
An international artist by all means, Zakir Hussain is the face of Indian rhythm across the world.
The Woman in Black
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 6
Venue: The Madinat Theatre, Madinat Souk Jumeirah
Time: Two shows (2pm and 8pm)
Now in its 20th terrifying year in London's West End, this groundbreaking play has been seen by over 3 million people. This fantastic new production features a quality cast of West End actors and can now be seen during DSF 2009.
Ghulam Ali
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
Ghulam Ali is one of the best known Ghazal singers today. Hailing from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali was trained by Bade Ghulam Ali, a maestro of his generation and regarded as the finest Ghazal singer ever.
Fatboy Slim - Live in Dubai
Date: Feb 11
Venue: Barasti, The Le Meridian at Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
Time: 6pm - 11:30pm
Fatboy Slim, the primary recording name of Norman Quentin Cook is a renowned British DJ, big beat musician, and producer.
Boombastic Beats - Shaggy ‘Live in Concert'
Date: Feb 12
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 8:30pm
After one decade, six albums, two of them multi-platinums, five number one hits, and eleven top ten singles worldwide, Grammy winning recording artist Shaggy is still on the grind.
Iron Maiden - Live in Concert
Date: Feb 13
Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Regarded as one among the greatest heavy metal bands to have been formed, Iron Maiden has thrilled fans for more than two decades now. The group's flamboyant stage settings and electric performances have made them popular across the world. Since forming in 1975 they have released fourteen studio albums, nine live albums, and eight compilations.
Pankaj Udhas
Date: Feb 15
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
A legend in his own right, Pankaj Udhas is an eminent Ghazal singer from India. Famous for his lyrics and a soft tone, Pankaj Udhas' most famous rendition is probably ‘Chitty aayi hain' which propelled him to instant fame.
Other events include fireworks night, exhibitions of laser light, the international fashion shows, street performances, music concerts and many cultural events. The daily raffle draw prices offer silver, gold, cars and 4x4s. There is also a global village with pavilions offering products from retailers and manufacturers around the world. With around 6,000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls participating, the DSF 2009 promotions are slated to be the best shopping offers designed in a DSF edition yet.
DSF 2009 EventsThe Signature Events for DSF 2009 are as follows:
Dubai Fashion 2009 Date: Feb 9 - 11 Feb
Venue: Arena Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah
Time: 8:30pm
Dubai Fashion was launched in 2004 and is an initiative by the DSF Office to bring top notch international designer labels to Dubai and showcase the latest collections to fashion enthusiasts in the emirate. During 2009, international retailers feature Saks Fifth Avenue, the Etoile brands, and Harvey Nichols that will present a host of leading international fashion labels. The Madinat Jumeirah will host Dubai Fashion from February 9 to February 11.
DSF Desert Camp by Watani Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Warqa'a 4
Time: 24 hours
An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Desert Camp, organised by Watani, is a getaway from the city and a return to nature. Organised at Al Warqa'a throughout DSF 2009, 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.
Creations Date: Jan 23 - Jan 30
Venue: BurJuman
Time: 6:30pm and 8pm
‘Creations' was initiated during DSF 2004 and was conceived as a platform for upcoming local and regional fashion designers aiming to establish themselves in the region. With DSF providing all the logistical support, amateur fashion designers from UAE and the region, and established designers from around the world are given a platform to showcase their works in Dubai.
The eight-day event will feature the collections of established labels such as Lida O'Reilly from Mauritius, Aiisha Couture from Lebanon, Larisa Katz from Netherlands, Oka Diputra from Indonesia, Mich Dulce from Philippines, Carloss Tufression from Brazil, Elena Gracia from United Kingdom, and Samora Couture from the US.
Dubai Food FestivalDate: Feb 1 - Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff and Al Seef Street
Time: 5pm - 11pm
A favourite of DSF visitors, Food Festival attracts people of diverse backgrounds to a celebration of international cuisine. Celebrity chefs, live cooking counters, and culinary workshops, in addition to interactive events and exciting prizes, add to the excitement of this truly one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
Exciting additions for DSF 2009 include a food sampling day in ‘Sampling Sundays' and ‘Buffet Tuesdays' where visitors get to taste different cuisines in an exclusive buffet at a nominal price. The climax of the event will occur on the last day when the Emirates Culinary Guild will attempt a world record for the world's largest dessert featuring 2009 varieties of dessert. While the main venue of Dubai Food Festival will be Uptown Mirdiff, floating restaurants along Al Seef Street will also be part of the culinary delight.
House of TalentsDate: Jan 31 - Feb 9
Venue: Eye of Horus, Wafi
Time: 5pm - 10pm
House of Talents is an annual event that has provided a platform to gifted women to showcase their talents and skills in handicrafts, architecture, fashion design, sculpting, information technology, drawing, interior design, music, jewellery designing, photography, perfume making, poetry and writing. The Eye of Horus area in Wafi will host the 2009 edition of House of Talents from January 31st to February 9.
Dubai RecordsDate: Feb 14
Venue: Uptown Mirdiff
Time: 6pm
In its inaugural year in 2009, Dubai Records aims at highlighting world records created in Dubai. After a decade of hosting Guinness World Records events, DSF now has its own record-breaking initiative through Dubai Records. The record being planned during DSF 2009 is the world's largest dessert buffet organized in cooperation with the Emirates Culinary Guild. The endeavour will include 2009 separate dessert delicacies in an attempt to gain entry into the record books.
Dubai CarnivalsDate: Jan 15 - 17 and Feb 12 - 15 - Al Seef Street
Jan 22 - 24 Jumeirah Road
Jan 19 - 31 Jumeirah Beach Residence
Feb 5 - 7 Global Village
Time: 8pm
A festivity on its own, Dubai Carnivals features 300 colourful performers who will take to the streets to spread the spirit of DSF across Dubai. To be held during the weekends, each week will see 300 performers gather in one location for a vibrant parade. Different cultures and traditions will be reflected through the carnivals with spectacular costumes and music.
Al Zarooni FireworksDate: Jan 15 - Feb 15 (Weekends)
Venue: Dubai Festival City at 8:30pm and Al Seef Street at 9pm
Fireworks have been a hallmark of every DSF edition and 2009 is slated to be bigger, better, and longer. Dazzling fireworks will be launched from a specially created platform when the display begins on Jan 15.
Carpet OasisDate: Jan 15 - Feb 7
Venue: West Hall, Airport Expo Dubai
Time: 10am - 10pm
Organised in cooperation with the Dubai Customs, the Carpet Oasis is a spectacular display of carpets, rugs, and handicrafts from around the world. Visitors can find exquisite hand-woven products from regions renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkemenistan, and Afghanistan.
DSF 2009 Night Souk Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Street
Time: 6pm - 2am (Sunday - Wednesday) and 6pm - 3am (Thursday - Saturday)
A favourite with DSF crowds every year, the Night Souk, launched in 2003, comes alive late in the night and provides shoppers the unique chance to bargain for the finest goods till the early hours of the morning. Categorized as leisure shopping, Night Souk combines an entertainment area and a food court with raffle draws and amazing shopping offers for the perfect family outing. The Night Souk is located at the Dubai Creek thus providing a picturesque backdrop to one of the favourite DSF shopping destinations.
Global Village Date: Jan 15 - Feb 21
Location: Dubailand, Emirates Road
Time: 4pm -12 am (Sunday - Wednesday), and 4pm - 1am (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Global Village, a member of Tatweer Dubai, gathers cultures from around the world in one place. Over the years, the venue has become a star attraction among residents and visitors from across the world, having been transformed into a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture.
Exciting Venues and Events ‘The Walk Festivities' at Jumeirah Beach Residence
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Time: 4pm - 10pm
The Walk at JBR is the latest addition to Dubai's shopping and leisure destinations. Located in New Dubai, the Walk at JBR will be one among the colourful venues hosting DSF events. The Walk will include activities such as street paintings, recycled art displays, metal art, stand-up comedy shows, sand sculptures, photography displays, and kiosk selling fashion accessories and handicraft.
Al Seef Street
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Al Seef Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
In addition to the popular Night Souk, Al Seef Street is an entertainment hotspot during DSF 2009. Activities for visitors include the Fun Fair, Skill Games Zone, and Floating Restaurants. Additionally, the venue will host various cultural shows on a stage specially built for the occasion.
Dubai Mall
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road
Time: Subject to mall timings
As the largest shopping mall in the world and a massive attraction on its own, Dubai Mall is among the new retail, entertainment, and leisure destinations in Dubai. During DSF 2009, Dubai Mall will host the Themed Forest Circus Show from January 29 to Feb 6, except on Feb 3. Featuring 28 performers, the show is a themed event of Chinese acrobat and circus artists involving gravity-defying acts and set amidst spectacular settings to reflect a real forest.
Jumeirah Road Drive-Through
Date: Jan 15 - Feb 15
Venue: Jumeirah Road
Time: 5pm - 10pm
Stretching along the scenic Jumeirah Road, visitors will find the street transformed into a carnival of sorts this DSF. Cafes and restaurants will set up tables in the open and a host of international performers are slated to entertain diners, passers-by, and those simply driving along.
Biggest Biryani Bowl
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Global Village
Time: 4pm onwards
To be held at the Global Village, the ‘Biggest Biryani Bowl' will be an attempt into the record books on February 6. The popular dish will be made to weigh approximately 2.5 tons.
Musical Festivals and Concerts Featuring some of the best names in the industry, DSF 2009 is organizing music concerts that will bring together some fine talent from across the globe. Those performing include Zakir Hussain, Tamer Hosny, Fatboy Slim, Iron Maiden, Shaggy, Pankaj Udhas, and Ghulam Ali. Additionally, featured are theatre shows, comedy shows, and the renowned musical The Woman in Black.
Tamer Hosny
Date: Jan 16
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 9pm
Known for his melodies and his range of songs, Tamer Hosny has carved for himself a reputation as being one of the most versatile Arab singers today.
Indian Republic Day - Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
Date: Jan 29
Venue: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School
Time: 9pm
The Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira is a gathering of noted Hindi and Urdu poets from India and resident poets in the UAE.
Zakir Hussain concert
Date: Jan 30
Venue: Tennis Stadium, Dubai Aviation Club
Time: 7pm
An international artist by all means, Zakir Hussain is the face of Indian rhythm across the world.
The Woman in Black
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 6
Venue: The Madinat Theatre, Madinat Souk Jumeirah
Time: Two shows (2pm and 8pm)
Now in its 20th terrifying year in London's West End, this groundbreaking play has been seen by over 3 million people. This fantastic new production features a quality cast of West End actors and can now be seen during DSF 2009.
Ghulam Ali
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
Ghulam Ali is one of the best known Ghazal singers today. Hailing from Pakistan, Ghulam Ali was trained by Bade Ghulam Ali, a maestro of his generation and regarded as the finest Ghazal singer ever.
Fatboy Slim - Live in Dubai
Date: Feb 11
Venue: Barasti, The Le Meridian at Mina Seyahi Beach Resort
Time: 6pm - 11:30pm
Fatboy Slim, the primary recording name of Norman Quentin Cook is a renowned British DJ, big beat musician, and producer.
Boombastic Beats - Shaggy ‘Live in Concert'
Date: Feb 12
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Time: 8:30pm
After one decade, six albums, two of them multi-platinums, five number one hits, and eleven top ten singles worldwide, Grammy winning recording artist Shaggy is still on the grind.
Iron Maiden - Live in Concert
Date: Feb 13
Venue: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Time: 9pm
Regarded as one among the greatest heavy metal bands to have been formed, Iron Maiden has thrilled fans for more than two decades now. The group's flamboyant stage settings and electric performances have made them popular across the world. Since forming in 1975 they have released fourteen studio albums, nine live albums, and eight compilations.
Pankaj Udhas
Date: Feb 15
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Hyatt Regency
Time: 9pm
A legend in his own right, Pankaj Udhas is an eminent Ghazal singer from India. Famous for his lyrics and a soft tone, Pankaj Udhas' most famous rendition is probably ‘Chitty aayi hain' which propelled him to instant fame.
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