Bumper DSF bounty: Dh100m worth in prizes; 94 cars; gold and diamonds to be won

The 32-day shopping extravaganza kicks off from January 2, with three cars and Dh100,000 cash up for grabs everyday
It’s raining prizes this January, with a bumper year for the largest ever Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza that serves up am estimated jackpot of Dh100 million worth in prizes, including 94 luxury cars.

If these mind-blogging numbers weren’t attractive enough, this collective bounty breaks down to a Dh100,000 daily cash prize, with bumper draws at the end of the DSF to the amount of Dh850,000 in cash.

Tally in the three cars per day to be won over the 32 days of the festival, along with the glittering gold and diamonds on offer this DSF, and almost everyone can walk away a winner.

The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), unveiled the calendar of events for the 19th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, which will be held from January 2-February 2, 2014.

This year’s festival theme ‘Shop at your Best’, boasts over 150 events and activities that will be held across the city at key DSF destinations, with one of the many highlights being the Infiniti Mega Raffle returning this year.

Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, DFRE, said in a statement: “With all eyes on Dubai post Expo 2020 win, we are fully aware that we have to rise up to the expectations as DSF 2014 is the first festival after the announcement…

“DSF accounts for 30 per cent of annual retail sales in the emirate and has also helped reinforced the city’s reputation as a global tourism landmark.”

Between 1996-2012, DSF has attracted around 47 million visitors that pumped Dh114 billion in Dubai’s economy, said organisers, adding, retail purchases by visitors is set to reach almost Dh33 billion by 2017, accounting for more than a quarter of total sales, which is expected to increase at 5.7 per cent annually over the period 2013-2017; the Tourism Vision for 2020 is to attracting 20m tourists and Dh300bn in revenues annually.

Everyone’s a winner

What’s a shopping festival without millions worth of prizes to compete for?

The mega raffles and promotions in the 2014 edition rings in the ever popular Infiniti Mega Raffle, whereby DSF visitors who buy a raffle ticket for just Dh200 will get the opportunity take home daily not one but two luxury Infiniti cars — a QX60 and G25.

Add to that winning ticket is a daily cash prize of Dh100,000.

Tickets are available at the Gold Souk, main shopping malls, selected Enoc and Eppco petrol stations and Global Village.

Also returning this year is the Nissan Grand Raffle, which is giving away shoppers a chance to drive away with a Nissan car every day.

Raffle coupons will be available at Enoc and Eppco stations during DSF and can be obtained on a minimum purchase of Dh20 for all non-fuel purchases.

The lucky winner can choose his prize from one of 14 Nissan models.

For those of you wondering what is DSF without a gold nugget or two to be won, the unbeatable multi-million dirham promotion by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is offering shoppers the chance to win kilogrammes of gold and quarter carat diamond solitaire rings during the 32 days of the festival.

Meanwhile, the ‘Shop and Win’ is a brand new shopping promotion during DSF, offering one lucky shopper the chance to win a cash prize of Dh500,000.

The promotion is designed to target communities well beyond Dubai’s major malls in areas that have less than 100 shopping outlets and includes the participation of community malls and mid-size shopping centres.

Against each spend of Dh200, the shopper earns a raffle coupon and automatic entry into a mega draw with the chance to win the cash bounty on the final day of the promotion.

Among the malls and shopping centres that are participating in the promotion are Al Ain Centre, Al Bustan Centre, Barsha Mall, Bin Sougat Centre, Century Mall, Etihaad Mall, Madina Mall, Mazaya Centre, Karama Centre, Times Square Centre and Union Cooperative.

If the shop till you drop promotions seem overwhelming, an innovative promotion covering the food services sector will offer customers spending Dh100 at food outlets, the chance to win a whopping prize of Dh350,000 in cash.

The lucky winner will be picked at the draw to be held on the last day of DSF.

DSF calendar of events

The opening day, January 2, will feature roaming, stage and street performers,  spectacular fireworks, a DSF trademark, and various other events and activities.

Included below are the must-see entertainment spectacles this shopping fest.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil

December 30–January 14, Dubai World Trade Centre

Capturing the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop through a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy, artist Jamie King teams up with Cirque du Soleil for this visual spectacle.

Being held at DWTC, tickets start at Dh295.

Music Nights

January 2, 9, 16, Burj Park

Enjoy some of the lilting melodies of Arabia and get a close glimpse of top Arabian entertainers.

Make sure you do not miss the DSF Music Nights concerts, that will feature some of the popular artistes and entertainers in the Arab world.

Held at the Burj Park in collaboration with Rotana, the shows feature Saudi star Rabeh Saqer and UAE heartthrob Balqees Ahmad Fathi on January 2, renowned Saudi singer Mohammad Abdo on January 9, while Hatem Al Iraqi and Majid Al Mohandes will perform on January 16.

Jamie Rivera Live in Dubai

January 10, Al Nasr Leisureland

The inspirational diva, Jamie Rivera will be in the Middle East for the first time, to perform in front of thousands of her adoring fans.

Jamie has had her share of honours gained for the Philippines among which was her performance in the role of Kim in the award-winning musical ‘Miss Saigon’.

Her latest album entitled ‘Inspirations” also won the Best Inspirational Album in the 2011 Country Music Associations Award. Jamie is also now part of the Walk Of Fame in Eastwood, Manila.

Naseeruddin Shah Theatre Fiesta

January 16-18, Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates

Famous Indian film and stage actor Naseeruddin Shah is promising to give theatre goers three fascinating plays in three languages this DSF.

The Naseeruddin Shah Theatre Fiesta will feature famous Urdu play ‘Ismat Apa Ke Naam’, English play ‘A Walk in the Woods’ and Hindi play ‘Katha Collage’.

Omar Khairat Concert

January 16, Emirates Golf Club

The Emirates Golf Club will play host to one of the well-known musicians in the Arab World.

Omar Khairat is one of the most applauded and influential composers and pianists in the Middle East, and his music brings a western harmonic flair to classical Arabic music.

Vertical Fashion show

January 20, Burj Khalifa

The attention grabbing Vertical Fashion Show will be done at lofty heights with the the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall offering the perfect backdrops. The first of its kind event will feature trained dancers who will perform choreographed vertical acrobatics.

Market Outside the Box

January 23-February 2, Burj Park

Dubai’s newest pop-up fashion and lifestyle festival brings an alternative shopping experience in a city always buzzing with excitement.

Creating a new market concept incorporating recycled elements, it will have a mix of local funky labels and global brands existing side by side, cafés, food kiosks and continuous entertainment in an outdoor setting.

It will be the first market that caters to non-mass-produced sustainable fashion and lifestyle brands where visitors can come together in celebration of DSF.

The Market Outside the Box will also encourage healthier and alternative lifestyles and experiences that are conducive to the city’s overall festive spirit and growth as a cultural and retail hub.

Nancy Ajram, Mohammad Mounir Live

January 24, Zabeel Park

Renowned Egyptian singer Mohammad Mounir, whose musical career spans three decades, and Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram will take the stage at Zabeel Park to produce one of the most magical music nights for their fans in Dubai.

ASAP Live in Dubai

January 24, Dubai Festival City

The Filipino Channel (TFC) brings its longest-running and top-rating musical show, ‘ASAP Live in Dubai’ to the entertainment capital of the Middle East at the Dubai Festival City.

The show will feature a line-up of more than 40 of the most respected recording artists, the most awarded performers and the most exciting showbiz personalities from the Philippines including Total Performer Gary Valenciano, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, Dynamic Diva Vina Morales and Concert King Martin Nievera.

Zakir Hussain Nirvana

January 25, Madinat Arena, Jumeirah

The legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain is back in Dubai to perform during DSF.

The award-winning tabla maestro will take the audience on a musical extravaganza of percussion and melody featuring some of the greatest artists of our time.

The Grammy winner will be joined by Bollywood sensation Shankar Mahadevan, Jazz virtuoso Louis Banks, Maestro of the Sitar Niladria Kumar and percussion extraordinaire Taufiq Qureshi, brother of the maestro.

Chinese New Year – The East China State Circus

January 28-February 2, Madinat Jumeirah

The East China State Circus is the embodiment of a traditional art form, which can trace its history back to over 2000 years.

This spectacular presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes and is a must-see attraction for audiences of all ages.

Indian Republic Day – Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira

January 30, Indian School, Shaikh Rashid Auditorium

A literary tradition spanning many centuries, this event has become an integral part of the annual cultural itinerary of the UAE and a DSF highlight.

Being held for the 12th successive year, this creative gathering will feature a galaxy of popular Hindi and Urdu poets.

IT Closet

January 2–February 2: various malls

A unique virtual and high-tech shopping experience where people can transform their look without the hassle of a trial room.

This virtual shopping experience will have different points of retail activation where people can transform their look — the ideal platform to engage the visitors in a new and interactive activity.

Fireworks

Daily, Dubai Creek

The 19th edition of DSF takes the concept of fireworks as a festival attraction to a new high.

In addition to the spectacular fireworks show on the opening day, there will be daily fireworks at 9pm at Al Seef Street, that is brought to DSF by the Al Zarooni Group.

During the weekends, there will be special fireworks at various locations long the Dubai Creek at 8pm in addition to the daily fireworks at Al Seef Street.

A big hit with visitors, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception.

The drama of each display allows everyone to escape their daily lives for a few minutes and become transfixed by the dazzling array of patterns and colours, which fill the sky above Dubai every night, in a reflection of the city’s vibrancy and joy throughout the 32 days.

DSF Carnival

Weekends – Key DSF Destinations

Celebrations and carnivals go hand in hand, and DSF 2014 will be remembered for its visual feasts thanks to a colourful line-up of roaming, stage and street artistes getting together to perform at the DSF Carnival, which will be the biggest carnival in the history of DSF.

Performers in funny, freak and fashionable attire, musicians, dancers, acrobats performing antics, gymnasts, clowns, stilt walkers, inflatable and animal characters will be performing in key DSF Destinations like the Al Seef Street, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Street, Al Riqqa Street and Global Village.

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