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19 March 2024

Eid in Dubai: 48 hours of non-stop shopping

Published
By Staff

‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations return next month, serving up 48 hours of endless shopping on the first two days of the festival.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the sixth edition of the festival will run across 10 days, from October 10 until 19, which will see the return of the ‘Dubai 24 hours’ initiative, where visitors can shop around the clock at participating malls where thousands of retail outlets will remain open all through the first two days of Eid Al Adha.

Based on a directive from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the celebrations will be held under the theme ‘Eid Al Adha unites us in Celebration’.

The malls participating in the ‘Dubai 24 hours’ initiative include The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City Mall, Arabian Centre and Lamcy Plaza.

These seven malls will also offer extended shopping hours during the other days of the Eid in Dubai celebrations from 10am to 2am, and dining hours until 3am.

Additionally, four other malls,  Ibn Battuta Mall, BurJuman, Dubai Outlet Mall,  Al Ghurair Centre and Mercato, will also offer extended shopping hours during the ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations from 10am till midnight with some of them staying opening into the early hours of the morning.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) commented: “The ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ is part of our continuous drive to position Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination, a key part of our Vision for Tourism 2020, as approved by His Highness.

“Extending the celebrations to cover a 10-day period will have the dual impact of attracting more visitors and encouraging them to stay for longer, increasing the contribution that each visitor makes to the Dubai economy.”

He continued: “The success of the inaugural ‘Dubai 24 Hours’ shopping experience last year – as reflected by the positive feedback from residents, visitors and our partners in the retail sector – was an endorsement of the contribution that retail makes to the city’s economy.
“Once again it will add to the overall holiday experience for the large number of families who are expected to be in Dubai during this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations.”

Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, added: “‘Eid in Dubai-Eid Al Adha’ reaffirms the capability of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment to successfully pioneer, organise and host mega festivals, retail and entertainment events to support the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry.

“The celebrations create a welcoming ambience for residents and visitors through a number of events and activities combined with a rewarding shopping experience that highlights the longstanding collaboration between the government and private sectors….”

“…It will be yet another occasion to showcase Dubai’s tourism attractions and Emirati traditions and hospitality to visitors from the region and around the world. Families and visitors can also enjoy the experience of staying for longer hours in shopping malls and also avail themselves of special offers and discounts offered by thousands of retail outlets in the malls, as well as in souqs across the city,” Suhail added.

The Eid Al Adha festivities will also see a wide range of events and activities including a daily fireworks display, world-class entertainment with a focus on fashion events including Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience, which is happening in Dubai for the first time; Fashion Forward; and the Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Senior Director – Property Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties said: “… Our three Dubai flagship malls – Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre – will be offering extended shopping hours with 24-hour operations during Eid Al Adha, ensuring that both residents and tourists can experience the best of our world-class shopping, dining and leisure options and our exciting program of musical entertainment for families.”

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group: “To celebrate Eid in Dubai, The Dubai Mall will be open 24 hours on the first and second days of Eid, with additional extended operating hours from October 10 to 19, providing the entire spectrum of shopping, leisure and entertainment choices for visitors.

“The mall will also host an array of activities headlined by ‘Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience’ on October 10. The event will showcase the world’s leading fashion brands, global celebrities and also raise funds for Dubai Cares.”

David Robinson, Regional General Manager – Shopping Malls, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate said: “Dubai Festival City Mall fully supports the Dubai government’s initiative which will significantly energise the city’s retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. By opening for 24 hours during the first two days of Eid Al Adha, we will provide UAE citizens and visitors an opportunity to enjoy this festive occasion through round-the-clock shopping and dining at some of the city’s finest outlets.”

Other events during Eid in Dubai celebrations include:

Global Village

5 October 2013 - 1 March 2014

Global Village returns to its permanent venue, which will host 70 participating countries presented in 36 pavilions, with more than 50 fun rides and 26 restaurants offering food from around the world.

Dhiyafat Al Eid

Three days of Eid, Dubai International Airport, shopping malls, hospitality tents

This traditional Eid activity will see residents and visitors being accorded special attention at Dubai International Airport, shopping malls and hospitality tents in the city. Visitors will be welcomed with traditional Arabic sweets, dates and coffee, as they get a glimpse into Emirati traditions and hospitality. This event is co-organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre.

Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion

3-14 October, Mall of the Emirates

The Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion is an annual luxury and fashion event, which celebrates and showcases the latest Autumn/Winter collections to the readers of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.

This high profile fashion initiative is hosted by Mall of the Emirates and includes a series of catwalk shows, exhibitions, competitions and VIP soirees.

Now in its fifth year, the World of Fashion has attracted over 50,000 fashionable shoppers to-date. Luxury brands that have participated previously include Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Lanvin, Versace, Ralph Lauren and Harvey Nichols.

Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience

10 October, The Dubai Mall

Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience is the first event of its kind to take place in this region of the world. Over 250 brands in fashion will come together to celebrate retail and the fashionable lifestyle at The Dubai Mall.

The event will also host a gala dinner, attended by international celebrities with the aim of raising funds for Dubai Cares, the charity initiative founded by Sheikh Mohammed.

Among the many activities planned at The Dubai Mall during Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience is a fashion show at the Fashion Catwalk in the Fashion Avenue where international designers will showcase their latest collections.

The various activities will also be telecasted live through the mall's multimedia displays with over 400,000 visitors expected.

Alessandro Safina with Orchestra Live in Concert

10 October, Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah

Italian-born Alessandro Safina, the romantic opera singer is coming to woo his audiences in Dubai.

The operatic tenor, who has helped create a new genre of pop opera music for this generation, will be bringing his soulful voice and skill to an eager and adoring audience in Dubai.

Alessandro has performed for the Queen of England and in the TV musical ‘Moulin Rouge’, as well as alongside the multi-talented Sarah Brightman.

Arab Idol Tour Concert

11 October, Al Bustan Rotana Hotel

A part of the Arab Idol series,this concert features three stars of the famous TV talent show - Champion Mohammed Assaf from Palestine, Syrian Farah Yusuf and Lebanon’s Ziad Khoury alongside artiste Faris Karim. Show starts at 9pm.

Sandance featuring The Killers

11 October, Atlantis, The Palm

The Killers, Of Monsters and Men and The Wailers are some of the fantastic acts you can expect at Sandance this October from 2pm onwards.

Fashion Forward Season 2

15-18 October, Madinat Jumeirah

Fashion Forward (FFWD) is a movement incorporating biannual presentations from the region’s most established and emerging fashion designers for consumers, buyers and the media.

The event is now on its second season.

A public programme including talks, panels and workshops by the region's leading fashionistas is a key part of FFWD’s role in developing a dynamic, sustainable and definitive fashion platform for the Middle East.

Karameesh Concert

16 October, Mall of the Emirates

This musical concert featuring different singers is set to enthrall families, especially children. The show will be held from 6-8pm.

Hala Turk Concert

17 October, Fashion Catwalk,  The Dubai Mall

Musical show of young artiste Hala Al Turk from Bahrain who is popular in the region for her repertoire of songs.

Her single, ‘I love you mama’, jointly with Saudi singer Mashael, has become a hit on YouTube.

Hala, who got her big break at the famous ‘Arabs Got Talent’ TV show, will be seen in action from 6-8pm.

Rotana Concert - Rabeh Saqer

17 October, Al Habtoor Grand Hotel

Music fans are in for a super treat from Saudi star Rabeh Saqer, who will come on stage just for a day during Eid.

The veteran singer, who is known for striking a chord with audiences across the region, will perform at 10 pm at Al Habtoor Grand Hotel.
One of his hit songs of all time is ‘Sahratna Al Laila’.

Dandiya Raas with Aadesh Srivastava & Diwali Fair

18 October, Wonderland Theme 7 and Water Park, Oud Mehta

Originating from North Indian traditions of Gujrat and performed during Navratri with every participant dancing with a pair of Dandiyas (colourfully decorated sticks), Dandiya Raas with Aadesh Srivastava & Diwali Fair is an event for the entire family.

Aadesh Shrivastava, an Indian music composer and playback singer who has collaborated with the likes of international artists such as Akon and Wyclef Jean, will be performing at the Dandiya Raas show, which will be held from 5pm to 2am.

Beach Family Fair

10-19 October, Umm Suqueim 2, Jumeirah

Families and children can let their hair down at this fun event on the open beach featuring shows, water-based activities, games, and much more daily from 10am to 9pm.

Those who wish to quench their thirst or hunger can also visit the many food kiosks that will be set up at this beach event.

Stage show and roaming performers

10-19 October, Dubai shopping malls

Stage and roaming performers including solo musicians, clowns, and stilt walkers from around the world will entertain families and children at shopping malls across Dubai, as they spread the festive cheer throughout the 10 days of ‘Eid in Dubai’.

Jason Byrne’s Special Eye Tour

10-11 October, Almas Conference Centre, Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers

Irish comedian and radio host Jason Byrne will be having audiences in Dubai in fits of laughter at an interactive comedy show.

Jason is known for picking on the audiences at his shows and heckling them for laughs. Jason currently presents a mid-morning show on Phantom FM and also hosts a comedy panel show called the Byrne Ultimatum on RTE 2.

Omid Djalili Live in Dubai

11 October, Dubai World Trade Center

Omid Djalili is a British-born comedian with Iranian parents who has climbed the comedy ranks over the years to become one of the most accomplished comedians around.

He has been involved with various high budget and independent films such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Infidel’ and has also been a voice-over actor for animated films and video games like ‘Over The Hedge’ and ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’. This show at Dubai World Trade Centre will start at 8pm.
Fireworks

15, 16, 17 & 18 October, Um Suqeim 2, Jumeirah

Colourful themed fireworks showcasing the Eid in Dubai celebrations will be launched at the Jumeirah, Um Suqeim area.

The spectacular fireworks show will continue to be held for four days at 9pm, as part of the exciting line-up of activities.

Laugh Dubai Laugh

17 October, Crown Plaza Hotel

A stand up comedy show featuring India’s Comedy King Raju Srivastav who will go on a non-stop laughing spree and take the audience along on this whirlwind journey of laughter.

FIFA U17 World Cup UAE 2013

19 October, Al Rashid Stadium (Al Ahli Stadium)

Considered as one of the biggest sporting events in the UAE, the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held at stadiums across the country with the Al Rashid Stadium playing host to Dubai's matches.

Some of the world’s best players have risen from these tournaments such as Ronaldinho (Brazil), Luis Figo (Portugal), Alessandro Del Piero (Italy) and Juan Sebastian Veron (Argentina).

This event occurs once every two years and is one of the biggest international football championships in the world.

A total of 52 matches will be played across the nation over a three-week period.