One world, One family, One festival: Dubai Shopping Festival
A bustling city that was once a desert, Dubai has grown in a matter of four decades from a city in the middle of nowhere to an important business center of the world. One of the key events that led to Dubai’s growth as a tourist region and shoppers paradise is the foresight of their travel industry, that came up with a unique concept of holding a 32 day long shopping festival under the banner One world, One family, One festival, with vendors coming over to display their wares from across the globe.
Each nation was encouraged to set up their shops in the traditions of their own countries, giving visitors a glimpse of different cultures while they perused the merchandise.
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, commonly referred to as DSF, not only can visitors take advantage of deeply discounted wares, but they can enjoy the hospitality of the city at a time where even the hotels give special deals meant to entice business. The festival is not just about shopping though, there are many events held during the month, the elaborate opening ceremony gives a glimpse of the diversity that is offered during the festival. The ceremony promises to be spectacular, laser light shows and fireworks will combine with a production featuring performances by international artists to dazzle the senses, while giving an overview of what to expect during the month.
Much planning goes into DSF, mini festivals within the main one so tourists can plan their stay around their own shopping interests. The mini festivals are carefully planned to make sure there are events throughout the month so there is never a lull in activities.
What is a festival without food?
For fashion lovers, from the 10 th to the 12th of February, the Madinat Jumeriah hosts a Fashion Festival. Here, international names in fashion converge, showcasing their talents. “Creations – The Young Fashion Designer’s Dream” will begin after the fashion festival ends, from February 14 th through 22nd, allowing the opportunity for those wanting to break out into the fashion business a worldwide venue to gain recognition.
The unique ‘Fringe’ Festival runs from January 24 th to February 8th. During the ‘Fringe’ festival, theater, comedy, dance, music and visual arts are showcased. A new event in 2008 will be ‘Dubai Records’, a spin on the Guinness Book of World Records for local record breakers in the city. Of course, there will still be those attempting to break a world record, and
For the musical entertainment, the A R Rehman concert, so aptly to be staged on the Valentine’s Day, is sure to thrill music lovers from the subcontinent and more while Zakir Hussain will play on the February 1 st. The famous guitarist Carlos Santana will be playing at the
If you liked this post subscribe to our feed to get regular updates.
February 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
This is my first time here and Dubai is fabulous. The festival is going great and its like one huge party where I found stuff I liked and mom isn’t bored at all. We are staying at the jumeirah beach hotel till after A R Rehman’s concert, it means pushing my budget by a little but I’ve got a whole life ahead to save, this is party time!
February 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
There is much more to do in Dubai than just the shopping festival. It seems the desert city wants to boast the facilities and attractions it has built along with the money they spent to make it look immaculate. Its awesome, one visit will tell you that.