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. Dubai would be the host, and the festival would be held annually. The concept was well received, and has grown to become one of the premier events in Dubai; this year’s festival begins January 24^th, and will run through till Feb 24^th.

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? Dubai ’s restaurants and hotels participate in the Food Festival, from January 25^th to February 2^nd. A variety of cuisine is served by vendors from around the world, giving an opportunity for the adventurous to sample authentic dishes from cuisines they desire to explore, finding old favorites or new flavors to tantalize their taste buds.

For fashion lovers, from the 10 ^th to the 12^th 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 22^nd, 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 8^th. 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 Creek Park will cater to those attempts from February 21^st to 23^rd. The hugely popular Carpet Oasis will run from the beginning to end of the festival. Here, the old, new, and innovative in the carpet world are exhibited side by side in the Airport exhibition centre.

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 Dubai Festival City on February 15^th. That is not all for the musicals or the entertainment though, that is just a glimpse of events to happen throughout the month; there will be much more to see and experience for adults and children alike, including fireworks displays each evening. All events culminate in the closing ceremony, held in Al Khor Park, where awards are to be distributed with style. All in all, the performances each year are choreographed to leave you wishing it were the beginning instead of the end of the ‘Fifth Season’, as the festival is touted to be. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, check our selection of discount Dubai hotels.

Popularity: 1% [?]