Great deals, cultural events and a taste of world cuisine – there are even more ways to splurge at the DSF 2013, in the playground of the UAE.
t’s that time of the year again, when the super wealthy (and the gawkers) come together to celebrate one of the region’s top activities. The annual world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival – now in its 17th year – has opened it doors to the world yet again, and there’s plenty to see, do, eat and buy.
SHOPPER’S PARADISE
The basis of the DSF is great shopping at amazing prices. It is a shopper’s paradise and people plan their annual DSF escape to get the best deals on everything from electronic items to clothes and of course, gold (Dubai is known for its gold at great value prices). The festival started in order to promote trade and commerce in Dubai, but over the years has expanded to become a cultural gathering, showcasing not just its retail expertise but also the best in lifestyle, arts and food. No wonder it is termed the best shopping experience in the world.
CULTURAL CARNIVAL
Film festivals, street splays, concerts, international musicians, sports events, food stalls from around the world and plenty of prizes to be won – there’s something for everyone at the DSF.
Events and activities to look out for this year
Some events like the Global Village are a staple at the festival; but there are new and innovative programs and activities each year, that makes the festival special.
Global Village: The Global Village is an official event of the DSF. This open-air theme park encapsulates the countries and cultures of the world through shopping, entertainment and cuisine. In a nutshell, the world comes together and celebrates its differences at Dubai’s Global Village. This year’s new entrants include a Chinese Circus, a 3D mapping show and a performance with Australian Aborigines
DSF Carnival: The colourful DSF Carnival is the face of the festival. Dubai’s Al Seef street is packed with performers, jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists, and musicians who celebrate the festival’s global theme of ‘One World – One Family – One Festival’. The fireworks are the perfect end to this spectacular night out. The Carnival and Fireworks take place every evening during the festival.
World of Souvenirs: After the Carnival, indulge in some souvenir shopping at the corner of Al Seef street at the World of Souvenirs showcase. Countries and their special mementos are represented in stalls dotting the street.
Cultural Night Market: Local and international artists showcase their art and their talents and sell their interesting wares. At the DSF, the shopping never stops!
The Bedouin Lifestyle Camp: This is the perfect chance to get an insight into the fascinating bedouin lifestyle of the Arabs. A section of the Festival Promenade is transformed into a colourful bedouin encampment. Experience the life of the traditional desert dwellers through costumes, music, dance, food and folklore. Desert nomadic groups from the UAE, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and India will be represented at the camp this year.
ART, THEATRE, MUSIC AND MORE
Here are some performances and shows you cannot afford to miss.
The Carpet and Art Oasis is a must-see, even if you don’t intend to buy. Over 170,000 exclusive hand-woven carpets and rugs from Kazakhastan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and India will be on exhibit, along with a show on the history of carpet making. On till January 14, this is one of the DSF’s star attractions every year.
The highly acclaimed musical ‘A Ard El Ghajar’ (‘On the land of the Gypsies’) that is produced by the legends of Arabic musical theatre, the Rahbani family. On from January 10-12 at the BurjPark.
An Arabic rendition of Shakespeare’s Richard II, by the Ashtar Theatre Group. Showing on January 17 and 18 at Madinat Theatre.
The Dubai International Comedy Carnival, on from Januray 15-19
Omar Kahirat’s (one of the Arab world’s most revered composers and pianists) musical evening.
A musical evening with Indian ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas, January 10 at the Dubai World Trade Centre
A celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema, January 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
FOODIE FANFARE
The World Food Market gives visitors a chance to savour different cuisines from around the globe. Indeed, a haven for gourmands.
SPORTS SPECIAL
For the sporty-at-heart, there are a number of sporting activities as well such as the Fazza Championship (that celebrates the heritage sport of falconry), the Dunlop 24H Dubai motorsport event, an international fire-fighter challenge, the 24th Dubai international basketball tournament and a show jumping championship.
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 is on from January 3-February 3, 2013
For more information, visit www.dubaishoppingfestival2013.com
For a full list of events, visit www.dubaievents.ae/en/dsf
