DSF 2008 begins with a bang

The unprecedented ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and their Highnesses Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mayed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Also present with their Highnesses were Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF, Ibrahim Saleh, DSF General Coordinator, DSF key and support sponsors, and a host of local, regional, and international media in addition to DSF officials and high ranking dignitaries.

The Opening Ceremony was characterised by numerous visual displays that left the audience spellbound. Divided into three phases, each part conveyed messages including unity in diversity and highlighted Dubai as the converging place for cultures from around the world.

The show opened with a performance by the Dubai Symphony and moved on to the first part of the ceremony that focused on the rich heritage and culture of UAE. Display screens mounted on a platform on the waterfront showed various aspects of UAE's everyday life while highlighting the country's growth through the decades to the present.

The second part of the ceremony took the audience on a world journey in a show of cultures from all continents. The final part of the ceremony conveyed the message of all world cultures coming together in Dubai. At this stage, the night sky lit up with brilliant fireworks in a riot of colours and provided the fitting conclusion to the ceremony.

DSF 2008 will go on for 32 continuous days till February 24 showcasing the best of shopping, winning and family entertainment in the region. This year, the DSF calendar of events will cover activities including entertainment, art, culture, sport and heritage among others.