Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed announces 'Eid in Dubai'

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said:

"Eid in Dubai is another pillar initiative that will further support our relentless efforts towards achieving the larger aim of positioning Dubai as a year-round premier tourist destination, thus adding another important step in our path to reach the 15 million mark of tourists in Dubai by the year 2015. It is also designed to augment the buoyant and unique atmosphere created in Dubai during celebrations marking Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha."

He stated, "Dubai has firmly acquired its reputation as a great success story among its peers of leading cities around the world in terms of economy boom, legendary landmarks, state-of-art infrastructure and prosperous civility. Yet the social and cultural side of the city is nothing short of an achievement on itself, with more than 200 nationalities living together and celebrating their festivities together in peace and harmony."

"Eid in Dubai will be another bond that brings people in Dubai together amidst true Islamic values and traditions while celebrating both Eids," he added

The new concept will be eagerly welcomed by the different business sectors in the emirate, including the retail and hospitality sectors, and will certainly enhance their contributions to the city's GDP, His Highness noted.

On her part, Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival, said:

"Eid in Dubai is a first-of-its-kind initiative that would complement all the other successful initiatives launched by the Government of Dubai, and will be a valuable addition to the calendar of festive events hosted by Dubai throughout the year."

"It's all about showing the world Dubai's unique way of celebrating Eid," Laila said. "We will be highlighting some of the true traditions of celebrating Eid in addition to presenting a comprehensive festivities programme to attract celebrating families locally and regionally," she added. "Eidakom Mubarak, which is wishing a blessed Eid for every one, will be used widely in the service and hospitality sectors for welcoming all visitors to further spread the Eid spirit among all."

"Though the official 'Eid in Dubai' event will commence with the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, which marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the latter half of Ramadan will witness Eid promotional offers in shopping malls and different retail stores, notably gold and jewellery outlets, which will be a huge attraction for all families that want to shop for Eid," Ms. Suhail stressed, "Eid shopping is also a family event and we aim to make it more fun for them."

"Preparations for "Eid in Dubai" are in its final stages and we are confident of delivering an event that will relate to residents and visitors in Dubai while spreading the true values of Eid at the same time," concluded Suhail.

"Eid in Dubai" is being organized with National Bonds as a Founder Sponsor, in addition to ARY Jewelry, Dubai Festival City, Emirates and Dubai World Trade Centre as Key Sponsors, and in association with Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and Dubai Gold and Jewelry Group. The event will present a comprehensive entertainment package that includes:

- Barney's Musical Castle Show:

Barney is popular around the world as the fun-loving purple dinosaur cartoon character in the children's television show Barney & Friends. Targeted at children and families, the Barney's Musical Castle Show will incorporate elements of the television series to present an edutainment show that will appeal to all during Eid.

- Return of the Phoenix by Rahbani Brothers:

In its first Debut out of Lebanon, the critically acclaimed Musical saga Return of the Phoenix will be one of the main highlights of Eid in Dubai. Written, composed and directed by the famous Rahbani Family, this master peace is a sure crowd puller for all genders and nationalities, and a great way of spending a family Eid evening.

- International Concerts:

Featuring a combination of Arab, Persian, and Asian star artists, various concerts during Eid will be held to suit the tastes of all music lovers. Spanning different genres, these concerts will enhance the spirit of 'Eid in Dubai'.

- Children Theatrical Plays:

Kids will also have their share of fun as Eid in Dubai will feature several entertaining theatrical performances for children. Local and regional theatre hits will add excitement and joy to all children celebrating Eid in Dubai.

- Festival District at Dubai Festival City:

Accommodating fun-filled activities during 'Eid in Dubai', the Festival District will feature as one among the main entertainment venues during the event, hosting family oriented activities and cultural programmes.

- Parks and Heritage and Diving Village Events:

Dubai's numerous parks and the Heritage and Diving Village host Eid events every year and in the first edition of 'Eid in Dubai', these venues will be additional great family venues through the Eid Celebrations.

- Eid Fireworks:

Fireworks are a hallmark of festivities in Dubai and it will now lend its dazzling colours to 'Eid in Dubai' by lighting up the night sky each evening during Eid. The spectacular fireworks show will be held at the Dubai Festival City waterfront and go on for twenty minutes.

- Fuwallat-Al-Eid - Eid Confectionery Platter:

Whether in Dubai Airport, Shopping Malls or the main venues of the Event, visitors will be greeted with a warm Eid welcome and a wholeheartedly smile while being offered Arabic incense and sweets in addition to Fuwallat-Al-Eid.

Fuwallat-Al-Eid is a custom that has been recorded in local tradition spanning many generations. It is centered on welcoming guests on the day of Eid-Al-Fitr with Eid food and sweets.

- Eid Promotions:

Eid shopping is another long lasting Eid tradition, where families rush to buy gifts, clothes, jewelry and various other offerings. Eid in Dubai will boost Eid Shopping by presenting a range of tempting promotions that will span across the last two weeks of Ramadan building up to Eid days.

Shopping malls, Hotels, and members of Dubai Gold and Jewelry Group will dress up for the occasion to reflect the joyous spirit of Eid while retail shops will attract shoppers with bargains specially designed for Eid. Jewelry enthusiasts can also look forward to dazzling gold promotions organized by key retailers within the Gold and Jewelry Industry.