Special Features
Eid in Dubai 2012
The long break for Eid Al Adha holiday is here and many people are looking forward the festivities Dubai has in store for all residents and visitors.‘Eid in Dubai’ is a Dubai Government initiative launched in 2008 by the Dubai Events & Promotions Establishment. The event celebrates the Islamic festivities of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha and translates them into events for families and children. The aim of this event is to highlight the true values of Eid including giving and sharing; it caters to the needs of the multinational residents of Dubai, visitors from the other emirates, GCC countries, Middle East and Levant markets, as well as tourists from Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South East Asia.
Apart from visiting family and friends, here are some more things to do and places to go during the festive period.
Shreya ready to play
PLAYBACK SINGER EXTRAORDINAIRE Shreya Ghoshal will entertain thousands this Friday at the Madinat Arena.
The event, titled ‘Salaam Dubai 2012’ and organised by Oberoi Middle East, is being held as part of the city’s Eid in Dubai celebrations.
During the three-hour show, Shreya will be backed by a 20-member troupe, with the 28-year-old singer belting out hits from Ooh Laa La (from The Dirty Picture) to Chikni Chameli (from Agneepath).
See www.facebook.com/shreyaghoshaldubai for ticket details.
Moneymakers
YOU COULD WIN one of five prizes worth Dhs50,000 if you shop at Al Ghurair Centre between now and November 2.
The mall in Deira, open till 1am daily for Eid, is holding draws on October 26 and 27, and November 1 and 2, with anyone spending Dhs200 at any of its stores eligible to enter.
A hospitality majlis will also offer relaxation for visitors, a photo booth will be set up for fun snaps, and shows such as Bollywood and Tanoura dancing will run daily from 5pm to 11.30pm.
Water lot of fun
DOES ANYONE YOU know deserve a good soaking?
If so, bring them along to the first ever ‘Water Balloon Bash’ at Zabeel Park (Gate 1) this Saturday from 2.30pm. Teams will divide themselves into yellow and blue colours before engaging in a friendly water balloon fight.
Other activities on the environmentally-themed day will include water-based games, a funfair area, horse riding, a food section plus musical shows.
The water used in the event will serve to irrigate the grass, as Dubai Municipality will cease to water the area for four days to compensate for the water used in the event.
Register now for free at www.facebook.com/dxbevents.
A spot of culture
THE AL KHOR cultural district of Dubai is hosting activities from traditional music to Emirati customs and cuisine during Eid.
The district, which flanks the Dubai Creek, includes areas such as the Historical Souq Neighbourhood, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai and the Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood.
Your clucky dayA CHICKEN BAND is flocking to Jumeirah Beach Residence to perform three times a day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
The band of street performing drummers, dressed in colourful costumes and mounted on chicken legs, will be accompanied by stilt-walkers as they entertain and meet the crowds.
Baby, you’re a firework
WATCH A DAILY fireworks show at 9pm during Eid from Al Seef Street in Dubai Creek.
The dazzling five-minute show will light up the night sky with myriad colours, and has been created by the Al Zarooni Group for Eid in Dubai.
Up all night
POP TO THE Dubai Mall after midnight on weekends and experience a wealth of entertainment as well as 24-hour shopping (until November 2).
As part of its ‘All Night Long’ promotion, visitors spending Dhs300 will enter a draw to win Dhs300,000 in National Bonds, plus there will be hospitality tents and a Yawela band, Arabic dancers, Tanoura dancers, an Arabic music band, falconers and Henna painting.
‘The World of Pinocchio’, an exhibition by Italian artist Bartolucci, will be showcased at the Star Atrium featuring children’s workshops from October 25 to November 3, and flash mobs will be popping up to surprise shoppers at the Fashion Catwalk and the Grand Atrium.
In the air
WATCH THE SUN rise over the city of dreams from the world’s highest observatory deck, as ‘At the Top’ in the Burj Khalifa offers 24-hour access on weekends for Eid (until November 3).
The deck, situated on Level 124 of the world’s tallest building, allows visitors panoramic views of Dubai, plus an interactive journey through the history and evolution of Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.
Entry prices will also be reduced to mark the festival, costing Dhs85 for adults and Dhs65 for children.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.atthetop.ae or directly from the ticket counter.
24-hour fun
BETWEEN NOW AND November 3, Magic Planet and Playnation will be operating 24 hours a day on weekends, as will VOX Cinemas in Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre (with new films including the latest James Bond adventure, Skyfall).
Also offering extended hours will be Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, which will remain open until 3am on weekdays and 1am on weekends.
‘Eid in Dubai’ emphasises the fact that the diverse social and cultural fabric of Dubai is as significant as its dynamic economic growth. The cosmopolitan city 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 joyous moments during different festivities hosted all year round. ‘Eid in Dubai’ is another valuable addition that will enhance the spirit of the city.
Traditional celebrations such as ‘Fuwallat Al Eid’, as well as splendid fireworks, shopping malls and jewellery promotions, hotel packages and several international concerts contribute towards making ‘Eid in Dubai’ a memorable time of the year.
