Hundreds of street activities are planned for people of all ages during the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival.
Three main roads are taking centre stage: Al Riqqa Street, Al Muraqqabat Street and Al Seef Street.
A different array of events is planned for each one, with the emphasis on providing entertainment for children.
And although the emphasis is on entertainment, there will also be plenty of things to buy in the streets.
"We have changed most of the street activities and they will be as impressive as they always have been. All the main three streets are getting some really exciting shows," said Saeed Al Naboudah, DSF chief executive.
"It's a total experience of eating out, enjoying yourself and seeing a circus or a stunt show.
On Al Riqqa Street, long established as a focal point for DSF's outdoor entertainment, there will be a Fun Fair Zone, International Circus, Skill Games Zone, Artists Oasis and an area showing traditional UAE life.
The Artists Oasis will have 20 artists from different countries producing what has been described by organisers as "very expensive art", which will be anything from paintings to sculptures.
Italian firm Freij Entertainment has organised the Fun Fair Zone, which has seven new games including roller coaster rides and "superfast" miniature cars.
Games and competitions for children, as well as cultural shows from Italy, Russia, China and Gulf countries will be featured in a 2,500-seater amphitheatre constructed in Al Riqqa Street.
Clowns and other acts from an international circus will be performing in the amphitheatre twice each day, moving up to three times daily during Eid. Tickets cost between Dh20 and Dh50.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre will also echo to the sounds of a local band, Al Nahaam, who are singing verses from local poetic works every evening and inviting the audience to participate.
Visitors can step back in time when visiting the 16 palm leaf stalls of the Traditional Coast Life area.
The goods on sale are themed around the culture and ancient heritage of the UAE, ranging from traditional fishing equipment to foods such as Al Khameer, Al Mahala, Al Gemaat, Al Chebab and several types of juice. One outlet will be a haven for seafood lovers.
Al Riqqa Street will also feature Henna painting, the chance to make traditional fishing cages and nets and hospitality tents with traditional offering of kahwa and dates. Yousif Mubarak, DSF director of events and operations, said this year's street events were set to be the best ever. "We have more than 200 street events more this year than ever before. It's not just that we have more, but they are better quality as well," he said.
Organisers have focused on providing entertainment for all ages and both sexes in Al Muraqqabat Street, which will boast competitions, entertainment games and sports, a food fair, electronic games and a play zone for children.
Muraqqabat Street
Among the sports scheduled for Al Muraqqabat Street are football, volleyball and chess, with private companies, government organisations, schools and universities all set to take part in matches between 4pm and 10.30pm.
"There has been a tremendous growth in the number of participants in the sports events in Al Muraqqabat Street, especially in the women's teams. We have made sure that all sporting activities suit both genders," Jasem Al Awady, head of DSF's Al Muraqqabat Street committee, said.
Petrol heads can enjoy watching rare, souped-up and vintage cars parade during the Extreme Cars Show while spectators will be able to have some four-wheel fun themselves during the Remote Control Car Shows and Competition. Eight flashy unused limousines will parade down Al Muraqqabat Street during the Luxury Cars Parade. Two-wheel enthusiasts will be able to see daredevil riders at the Yamaha Academy, which will also include demonstrations on safe motorbike riding.
As expected with DSF, those looking for bargains as well as a fun evening out are not forgotten, because a car boot sale will run from Wednesday to Friday from 4pm to midnight.
Hairdressers will compete to win the haircut competition for men and, for the first time, a contest for children as well.
Al Muraqqabat Street will also have International Food Days, which will start with vegetable, fruit, sweet, ice-cream and juice days and end with a dairy day. Children are expected to make a beeline for the Kids Play Zone and the Fun Fair Area.
"There are a lot of different activities for kids. There's a funfare, there are rides for kids, workshops for kids. We are trying to focus on kids this year, more than the other years," Mubarak said.
Fireworks will light up the sky every evening between 8pm and midnight at Al Seef Street by Dubai Creek.
Festival management says the water shows, organised by Dubai Civil Defence and featuring jet skis and rescue equipment, will be equally exciting. They are planned for January 20 and 31 and February 10.
A total of 30 abras and 20 jet skiers carrying UAE flags will parade down Dubai Creek beside Al Seef Street on January 31.
Youngsters will get the chance to drive bikes of various sizes on a sand track while there will also be miniature car driving tracks.
Electronic games
Other attractions range from electronic games, a roller coaster and general knowledge competitions.
"We have tried to find new and adventurous games for children of all ages and shows that even adults will enjoy," said Ahmad Al Zaabi, head of DSF's Al Seef Street committee.
"The creekside location and the many playgrounds all along the street make this an ideal festival venue to have shows on the ground, in the air and on the water."
In contrast to previous years, no activities are planned for Al Diyafah Street in 2005.
Traditional Arab hospitality is on offer at the DSF Desert Camp, which will feature everything from horse riding to cookery lessons.
The camp which has separate areas for men and women will boast a cinema for youngsters, buggies, a mini-zoo and a traditional coffee shop.
Those interested in learning about the traditions of the UAE will be able to attend old-style gatherings or majlis.
"The DSF Desert Camp represents the exciting traditional side of the UAE that the country is always interested in showing to the public," Ebrahim Saleh, chief operating officer of DSF, said.
"In the past two years, the camp received a lot of UAE and Gulf families during the spring holidays. The Desert Camp provides tourists with the opportunity to discover the UAE culture through education and adventure."
The DSF Desert Camp, located by Mashrif Park, is organised by Bel Romaitha Club and sponsored by the Development Board.
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