DSF Office unveils calendar of events for 'Eid in Dubai' 2009

'Eid in Dubai' was first launched in 2008 as an initiative to promote Dubai as a destination to celebrate Eid festivities and witnessed an overwhelming response in its opening edition.

A spectacular array of highlights lined up for this year include concerts by renowned Arab and Persian artists, a cartoon musical featuring Barney, an Eid Fun Fair, a Toys Market, the 'Eid Celebration District' in Dubai Festival City, and city-wide shopping promotions in malls.

To top it all, residents and visitors will be treated to brilliant fireworks and laser shows during the event along the waterfront at Dubai Festival City.

Yousif Mubarak, Chief Operations Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival, said:

"The launch of the second edition of 'Eid in Dubai' comes after the overwhelming success that the first edition witnessed. It also comes as an additional step towards enhancing the position of Dubai as a festival destination all year round."

"'Eid in Dubai' also emphasizes the fact that the diverse social and cultural fabric of Dubai is as significant as its dynamic economic growth. Dubai hosts over 200 nationalities that coexist in exceptional harmony and despite different orientations and cultural backgrounds, residents and visitors in Dubai come together to share the celebrations that center around Eid," he added.

Yousif also stressed the fact that the DSF Office has ensured that all events and activities in 'Eid in Dubai' will cater to all age segments and tastes and this would be a main factor in attracting visitors from all over the region to Dubai during Eid.

Barney Lets Imagine Show and Experince

Barney, the popular fun-loving purple dinosaur cartoon character comes to Dubai for a debut show with the Barney Let's Imagine Show and Experience. To be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, the show will feature an exciting stage performance by Barney, BJ, Baby Bop, and Barney's cousin Riff. The musical involves a stunning stage set-up and combines multimedia imagery, live actors and giant inflatable prop ups.

Additionally, an entire area at Airport Expo Dubai will be dedicated to Barney where children can find Barney merchandise, a colouring area, a Barney reading zone, a puzzle area, and also meet him after shows.

International Concerts

Featuring some of the most renowned stars in the world of Arab and Persian music, 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'. Artists performing this year include the likes of Rabih Sakkar, Shereen, Saber Rubaih, Abdul Fattah Grini, Fares Karam, and the iconic Nancy Ajram. Popular Iranian singers Afshin, Hussain Tohi, and DJ Hooman will take to the stage in an exclusive concert as well.

'Eid in Dubai' Fun Fair City

As a new addition to this year's Eid Al Fitr celebrations, 'Eid in Dubai' presents an exciting world of fun, games, and exhilaration through the Fun Fair City at Airport Expo Dubai. Attractions include rides, skill games, redemption games, a soft play area, an inflatables zone, and a select area for computer games and PlayStation.

'Eid in Dubai' Toys Market

Another innovative addition to this year's events and activities is the 'Eid in Dubai' Toys Market. Leading international, regional, and local toy makers will present their latest toys for sale. Also located at Airport Expo Dubai, participant retailers include famed names such as Toys R Us, Disney, Modhesh, Spacetoon, Shabiyat Al Kartoon, Hamleys, Freej, and Mattel, in addition to numerous other entities.

Eid 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. Attractions include fireworks and laser shows, a Fuwallat Al Eid display zone, a heritage zone, and Arabic musical bands and solo musicians.

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 that will also include a laser display.

Fuwallat-Al-Eid - Eid Confectionery Platter

Whether in Dubai International Airport, shopping malls or the main venues of the event, visitors will be greeted with a warm Eid welcome and a wholehearted smile while being offered sweets amidst the pleasant aroma of Arabic incense, all in line with the custom of Fuwallat-Al-Eid.

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

Poverty Flu - Emarati Play

Catering to theatre enthusiasts during this year's 'Eid in Dubai', the Emarati play Poverty Flu, is a local production that centers around a family and the problems its members face on a daily basis. The play will be staged in Arabic.