Wednesday, Aug 07, 2013

Dubai: Fireworks, cultural activities and fanfare usher in Eid Al Fitr as UAE gears up for celebrations marking the end of Ramadan with a slew of activities catering to every segment of the society.

The sixth edition of ‘Eid in Dubai’ kicks off with a slew of events across the city featuring international character shows, fireworks and shopping deals that will bring together people from diverse cultural backgrounds and nationalities as they unite to celebrate the joyous occasion.

The celebrations, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment(DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), will be spearheaded by world-class entertainment at Modhesh World, while all leading malls have decked up to offer visitors fun packages and extended shopping hours.

‘Eid in Dubai’ is the third phase of DFRE’s ‘Summer is Dubai’ campaign. The three-month long campaign was launched on June 7 with the Dubai Summer Surprises followed by ‘Ramadan in Dubai’ , featuring a month-long programme of cultural activities.

Modhesh

Families and visitors can now enjoy the experience of staying for long hours in shopping malls and also avail themselves of special offers and discounts offered by thousands of retail outlets in the malls as well as in souqs across the city.

Retails outlets and restaurants in The Dubai Mall will stay open until 2am daily for three days of Eid celebrations, while at the mall’s waterfront area, restaurants and coffee shops will be open until 3am. Retail outlets at the three major malls of Majid Al Futtaim Properties - Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre - will remain open until 1am and restaurants and coffee shops will close at 3am. Retail outlets at Mercato will remain open until 1am and restaurants and cafes will be open until 3am.

At Dubai Festival City Mall, the retail and food outlets will stay open until 1am while the retail and food outlets at Lamcy Plaza and Arabian Centre will remain open until 2am.

Fireworks

A key feature of the Eid celebrations, Dubai’s night sky will come alive during the Eid festivities with some of the best pyrotechnics staged by world-renowned experts. A grand fireworks display will take place on the Dubai Creek at Al Seef Street, commencing at 9.30pm each day while a spectacular light, sound and fireworks show will be held at Dubai Festival City daily during the Eid festivities starting at 10pm.

Cultural events

For those seeking a soothing moment or two they can enjoy melodies of Arabia at the Layali Dubai concerts at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Arab stars Muna Amarsa from Morocco and Emirati heartthrob Hussain Al Jasmi will perform on August 9 while Emirati crooner Ahlam and Iraqi singer Waleed Al Shami will take centre-stage on August 10. Saudi singer Rabih Saqer and Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram will entertain audiences on August 11, followed the next day by the Gulf’s favourite Mohammad Abdo from Saudi Arabia.

Other events lined up for Eid celebrations include the children’s show, Thomas and the Hidden Treasure, to be held twice a day at Modhesh World between August 9 to 21. The Dubai Arabic Comedy Nights, which is being held for the first time in the UAE, features four high quality stand up comedy shows during the weekends at the Vox Cinemas Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.

Sports

For sports enthusiasts of all ages Dubai Sports World at Dubai World Trade Centre offers an unrivalled experience within a purpose-built multi-sport arena. The indoor sports activities like football, basketball, fitness, running, rugby, volleyball, tennis, cricket and action sports, will continue until August 21.

Staff Report

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