Let the festivities begin

As the 14th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival kicked-off last night, residents, visitors and shoppers can look forward to 32 days of world-class entertainment and shopping promotions across the city.

This year's theme is Celebrate the Festivities, so while you hunt for great bargains across the 40 participating shopping malls , do not forget to enjoy the action-packed entertainment that will unravel across the city. Emirates Business shortlists the best.

TAMER HOSNY 

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Tonight

After last year's smash-hit concert, the Egyptian superstar returns to the emirate in this charity gig – the singer is donating his performance fee to the people of Gaza.

Organised by Charisma Events, tickets are on sale from Dh195. Call: 04 367 6699

THE WOMAN IN BLACK 

Madinat Theatre
January 28 until February 6

The thriller from London's West End returns to Dubai with Popular Productions. When Arthur Kipps heads to the Marsh House to attend to the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow, little does he know the horror that awaits him.

Tickets are priced Dh160 and can be had at www.timeoutickets.com  

ZAKIR HUSSAIN & SANGAM

Dubai Aviation Club
January 30

Indian tabla master and Grammy winner Zakir Hussain returns to the UAE with saxophonist Charles Lloyd and drummer Eric Harland for an evening of fine jazz.

The trio will be joined by Shankar Mahadevan, U Srinivas, Selvaganesh and Toufic Qureshi. Organised by RNH Events, tickets start at Dh120. Call: 050 421 6250

HOUSE OF TALENTS 

Eye of Horus, Wafi
January 31 until February 9

This annual event allows women to showcase their immense talent in handicrafts, drawing, technology, sculpting and more. Look out for some great treasures.

DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL

Uptown Mirdiff and Al Seef Street
February 1 until 14

Calling all Dubai foodies, the annual culinary fiesta returns this DSF, promising mouth-watering delights, including free admission, parking and food sampling. It really doesn't get better than this.

Event details are available at www.dff.ae

MR AND MRS KARAN JOHAR 

Sheikh Rashid Auditorium
February 6

Brace yourself as Dinyar Contracter returns with his brand of cheap humour in this latest play about marital discord and infidelity. Stars Aman Verma and Dilnaz Paul. Tickets priced from Dh75. Call Signature Events: 04 337 3724

USTAD GHULAM ALI

Hyatt Regency
February 6

The Pakistani ghazal maestro is best known for Chupke Chupke and Awaargi. He has won many awards for his contribution to the arts over the last 50 years, and has often been quoted as saying classical music is fast losing out to pop music.

The concert is organised by Signature Events, tickets start at Dh125. Call: 050 846 5959

DUBAI FASHION 

Madinat Arena
February 9 until 11

A must for Dubai's fashionistas, last year's mega-event saw designs by Christian Dior, Ungaro, Christian Lacroix and of course, Jean Paul Gaultier. Watch this space for the final line-up of designers set to scorch the ramp.

FATBOY SLIM 

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
February 11

The world's highest-paid DJ comes to Dubai for his very first gig here. Expect The Rockafeller Skank, Gangster Trippin' and all the hits.

Tickets priced at Dh350. Call: 800 4669

SHAGGY

Dubai Festival City
February 12

With his third show in Dubai, Shaggy will rock the party this DSF. Expect all the hits by this Grammy-winning artist, including It Wasn't Me, In The Summertime and Mr Boombastic. Promoted by Loud and Live Events. Call: 07 244 4542

IRON MAIDEN 

Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
February 13

Manic metalheads Iron Maiden are heading for our sunny shores once again after 2007's scintillating performance at Dubai Desert Rock. AEG Live has roped in the boys for the final leg of their Somewhere Back in Time World Tour.

Tickets cost Dh295 and Dh595, while early bird (before February 1) VIP tickets cost Dh500. Call: 800 4669

PANKAJ UDHAS

Hyatt Regency
February 15

The Indian singer is best known for merging the classical ghazal form with new-age pop music. Classics include Chitthi Aayee Hai. Organised by Emirates Vision, ticket are yet to go on sale.

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS 

Dubai Festival City
Daily

Catch all the breathtaking action in this 90-minute adrenaline ride as the Shaolin Warriors take centrestage with the Chinese State Circus acrobats. Highlights of the show include the ancient art of Chinese jar juggling and the amazing Lion Dance.

There are daily shows (except Mondays) until February 15, at 6pm and 9pm. Tickets are priced at Dh50, Dh100 and Dh150. Call: 800 4669

DUBAI CARNIVALS 

Across the city
Daily

If you can't make it to DSF, then the festival will come to you via the colourful street carnivals that will move to various locations across the city. This parade will see 300 performers, including jugglers and stilt-walkers.

Catch the action on Al Seef Street (until January 17), Jumeirah Road (January 22-24), The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (January 29-31) and the Global Village (February 5-7).

FAZZA CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Across the city
Daily

Celebrate the traditional Emirati sports this DSF with all the favourites, including youla, falconry, and shooting. For details call: 600 545 555

(With inputs by Rachel McArthur and Keith J Fernandez)