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Music lovers have an exciting month ahead as the Dubai Shopping Festival welcomes a host of big names to Dubai.
The fiesta, staged between January 24 and February 24, will feature the likes of world-famous guitarist Santana, Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman and Egyptian singer Amr Diab, to name a few.
'Bigger and better'
Concerts and events will be spread out across the emirate all the way from Dubai Media City to Dubai Festival City with many venues in between.
Yousuf Mubarak, DSF events, operations, and logistics director, said: "We have over 200 resident nationalities in Dubai and we have organised concerts involving artists from all over the world. Every year, DSF's bouquet of cultural activities gets bigger and better and 2008 will be no different."
Highlights
One of the highlights of the musical offering by DSF will be outstanding talent of Carlos Santana. The nimble-fingered guitarist who has fans of all ages will perform at Dubai Festival City on February 15.
Taking a cue from the popularity of Pakistani Punjabi music, Naseebo Lal and Megha will perform live at the Al Nasr Leisureland on January 24.
The following night, a special Salaam India Concert will feature legendary Indian singers Asha Bhosle, K.J. Yesudas, and S.P. Balasubramaniam at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on January 25.
Also performing during DSF will be the world-renowned tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain. Aptly named the Nirvana Concert, Zakir Hussain and his entourage will perform at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 1.
Music maestro
Another talented singer and composer to take to the stage will be the Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman. Popular for composing Indian film hits, A.R. Rahman shot to world fame with his music composition for Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical, Bombay Dreams.
Joining him on February 14 for the Dubai concert will be some of the best talents in India, including Hariharan, Kailesh Kher, Chitra, and renowned percussionist Sivamani.
For the younger generation of Indian music fans, a concert featuring Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Sukhwinder Singh will take place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 17.
Celebration
Jazz music will get its moment in the spotlight when the Dubai Media City hosts the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, starting on February 21 and going well beyond DSF till March 1.
While the celebration of jazz will feature a host of free performances by the likes of Magnus Lindgren, Jonah Hallberg and Mishka Adams from February 21 to 27, it will culminate with ticketed events after the close of DSF including the famous musicians David Gray on February 29 and Bee Gee Robin Gibb on March 1. If it's music with a touch of humour you're after, Kev Orkian will not disappoint. Known for his one-man piano comedy shows, he will perform at the Madinat Theatre from February 6 to 8.
Other cultural activities during DSF include events to attract poetry enthusiasts such as Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira being held at the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium of the Indian High School, Dubai, on January 31.
And there's more
A host of other singers, including Amr Diab and Tamer Hosni, are also slated to perform during the 32-day festival. Other musical attractions include the Rough Diamond, a musical show from January 31 to February 2 at the Madinat Theatre; the Dubai International Peace Music Festival for Young Virtuosos from February 15 to 23; and the Global Indian TV Awards at the Airport Expo Dubai on January 25.
With numerous concerts and shows lined-up for visitors, DSF 2008 truly has something for everyone.
Feast on this
Following an overwhelming response in its inaugural year, the Dubai Food Festival is aiming to be even better this year during DSF.
The second year of the food extravaganza will take place between January 25 and February 2, featuring a mix of culinary events and entertainment at Uptown Mirdiff, in Dubai.
This year's Festival menu features an abundance of tempting options ranging from dinners served with a side of entertainment, glitzy world records, mouth watering menus, Gourmet food tasting and demonstrations by top chefs in Dubai. Add to this a generous free tasting and fabulous dining offers. At the main tent, visitors will find talented local restaurateurs and chefs preparing their signature dishes. Interesting cooking competitions are also being held, giving people a chance to test their culinary skills.
The festival will run between 4pm and 10.30pm on weekdays, and from 12.30pm to 4pm and then from 6pm to 11:30pm on Fridays. Entrance is free.
It's carnival time
Forget Rio. Dubai is the place to be for a carnival in the coming month thanks to DSF. Dubai Carnivals, featuring performers from around the globe, will be held throughout the festival from January until February 24.
Different locations
While 150 performers will feature in different locations during weekdays, an impressive 300 performers will gather together for shows during DSF weekends. Performers will include the famed Tanourah dancers, African artists, Indian folk groups, stilt walkers, clown, jugglers, and a host of Turkish, Serbian, and Senegalese entertainers.
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