DSF 10th year celebrations kicks off today

With 10 marvellous destinations to woe all revelers at the 10th anniversary celebrates of the Dubai Shopping Festival starting today in the emirate, the city-wide participation has already begun with the various streets and locations providing the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience for all visitors and residents of Dubai. The grand opening including one for the public at 5pm with a opening day carnival and other for the VIPs at 8pm at the Global Village amphitheater encompasses artists from various world destinations for the Grand Carnival.

The opening day carnival with its message of One World, One Family, One Festival provides an opportunity to the members of the public from all walks of life to join in the fun. An exhilarating time awaits all revelers at the Global Village which has pavilions from 46 countries of the world as well as the fireworks, that will lit up the sky, will have them hooked to its colourful display of light and sound. So, will the fireworks at Al Seef Street, the Heritage and Diving Village and the Dubai Creek Park with its Aqua Fantasia and water shows while Layali Dubai will host Iraqi star Kazim Al Saher at the Dubai Airport Expo theatre.

Meanwhile, with an amazing total of 280 events taking off and the calendar of events of a shopping festival has never looked so appealing. The brand new Global Village will also enthrall visitors with its sheer magnificence, and incredible shopping experience. With 46 pavillions, the Fun Fair Zone with its incredible rides, desert bike area, Reptiles Village, Musical Fountain Shows, Diggerland Park and much more to keep the crowds entertained, the Global Village is back in all its glory. A food court with more than 50 restaurants, four main cafes and more than 75 kiosks for retailers has also been added. A unique feature of the new Village is it amphitheatre with 6,000 seat capacity and a man-made lake with a total area of 4,000 square metre built around the cafes. The major attraction here will be the daily light and sound musical shows conducted with the help of the water fountains throughout the evenings.

The "Shindagha Zone Events" is the third destination of DSF hosting a myriad of activities. Various exhibitions, horse and Oryx shows, Hatta Village activities, Traditional Folklore Groups Shows, Traditional Games of Arab Countries, shows by Children of the World, heritage and diving village shows are some of the highlights of this event. The events are held in different locations.

Organised by the Dubai Customs, the carpet oasis is yet another popular destination of DSF visitors. More than 60 exhibitors will participate this year at the oasis held at Hall No 2 of DWTC. The exhibition is spread across 5000 square metres and will showcase about 100,000 rugs and carpets.

The Eighth Destination "Al Seef Road" Sponsored by Etisalat is already a throb of activities this year. Fun Fair Zone, Handicrafts Souq, Children's Play Area, Bike Driving Zone and the Traditional Café "Al Qahwah" will each hold its own surprises for the visitors. The Tea Oasis and the Honey Market, two unique concepts which will give a taste of their ware from different nations in the world will be an added touch. All Al Seef Road activities will start at 4.00pm and continue till 12 midnight throughout the 32 days.

Bigger and better than ever before, the Night Souq, promoting the concept of night shopping during the Dubai Shopping Festival is now on. The multitude of ware in one location and bargains galore together with the convenient timing for a city that stays awake into the night during DSF has proved to be an irresistible attraction for shoppers at the Night Souq. With Al Seef Street turning into a carnival of delights for serious shoppers and entertainment seekers, the street is expected to keep the city awake throughout the month long festivities. The timings for the Night Souq are from 8pm to 2am, Saturday to Tuesday, and from 8pm to 3am, Wednesday to Friday.

The Aqua Fantasia Show at the Creek Park, resplendent with laser lights, dancing musical jet fountains, fireworks, movie effects accompanied by eastern and international music and a multimedia image projection of screens of water is back this year. The enchanting water show that has captured the imaginations of millions over the past nine years will be held at the Amphitheatre of the park. This water-based show will be unique this year with several new features, including laser colours displayed for the first time. The award-winning popular show of DSF is better and more spectacular than before this time with the theme "Dubai - present and future".

The show will be held twice daily from 6.30pm and the second show at 8.00pm. A third show which will be added on weekends and public Eid holidays will begin at 9.30pm. The public can use Gate 7 to directly enter the theatre.

The DSF Desert Camp, organised by Development Board, is another popular annual event that is held next to the Mushriff Park. Open 24 hours, a hotel, café and a games area is available for the public who can enjoy a camping experience. Separate areas for men, women and families are available.

The parks of Dubai will also host a series of fun-filled activities for families during the DSF festivities. With various shows, recreation activities, carnivals, plays and workshops, children as well as adults can enjoy the many events offered.

The Ninth Destination of DSF, the "Al Muraqqabat Road" is the place to be for any kind of entertainment. With an amazing Sports Zone, Bike Zone, Extreme Car Shows, Remote Control Cars Shows and Competition visitors can enjoy a slice of thrills and spills. Fun Fair Zone, Kids Play Zone and the Sand Castling Work Shows will keep the children busy.

Al Huda Oasis organised by the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Department has been set up again this year to educate visitors on the religion of Islam. Various activities including lectures and educational tours have been set up by the Oasis. The Car Boot Sale, a new concept, similar to a garage sale with the exception that the ware will be sold from the boot of cars, has been added on to the Al Muraqqabat Road activities this year.

Al Riqqa Road with its myriad of activities including the Skill Games Zone, Fun Fair Zone, Artists Oasis exhibiting 30 world class artists' creations, the breathtaking International Circus and Traditional Coast Life Area depicting the lifestyle of a bygone era is on from 4.00pm to 12 midnight until February 12.