The Dubai Mall enters festive mode – this time, with all splendour and richness of tradition and national pride to mark the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Adha and 38th UAE National Day.

Expected to be the busiest retail period of the year, surpassing the 1 million visitor milestone achieved over Eid Al Fitr, The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and lifestyle destination will be at the heart of the city’s celebrations with an electric array of traditional events and week long entertainment for the entire family.

A highlight of the festival calendar will be The Dubai Mall’s showcase of Arabic entertainment including the Yaweela Band, a 40 member Emirati dance band performing nightly on November 27- 28 and Dec 1-2 in the Grand Atrium and Fashion Catwalk. A Qanoon and Oud player will also perform in various locations throughout the mall.

Eid and National Day celebrations will also be celebrated through cultural and visual displays including the Watani Exhibit, showcasing interpretations of the word ‘united’ through photography. A celebration of the UAE National Day in line with Watani’s Al Mutahida campaign, the event will be hosted in Star Atrium from November 26 – December 5. In the Grand Atrium, a special Photography and Antiques Exhibit by the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities (NTCA) will depict the evolution of the UAE through imagery, as a tribute to the National Day.

Other cultural activities include traditional tents serving Arabic coffee and dates, falconry shows and henna painting. National Day will be celebrated UAE flags, coloured balloons and badges handed out to mall visitors.

Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The Eid holidays and UAE National Day mark one of the high-points in the region’s retail sector, and we expect to surpass the 1 million visitors received during the week of Eid Al Fitr. The festive calendar has been carefully planned to appeal to all members of the family as well as to tourists, and the events are a true celebration of the ethos of Eid and National Day.”

For the entire family, The Dubai Mall will have a carnival atmosphere with roaming entertainment, musicians and interactive performers creating a festive vibe for visitors of all ages. The entertainment calendar includes interactive living statues; caricaturists who draw fun portraits of mall visitors; Sax Kings, an entertaining 4-member saxophone jazz band; Duo Renaissance, a duet performance by a pianist and flutist; a dedicated story telling area and a special Disney Discovery Centre featuring Disney-themed arts & crafts, movie showings, a dress-up play area.

From November 26 – December 5, The Dubai Mall will have extended opening hours from 10am – 12 midnight, with all food & beverage retailers open until 1am or later.

Visitors to The Dubai Mall can also enjoy Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic sized Dubai Ice Rink, Reel Cinemas, SEGA Republic and over 1,000 shopping options.