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Spectacular fireworks, a breath-taking aqua show and a host of colourful carnival performers kept everyone entertained at the launch of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2008.
Held at Dubai Festival City, under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the opening celebrations this year took place over three days in order to allow residents and visitors the chance to be a part of the festivities.
Praised
The VIP ceremony took place on Thursday and welcomed sponsors, members of the royal family, the media and other VIPs from across the emirate. The show was then repeated on Friday and yesterday for the general public — a move which was welcomed and praised by those who caught the extravaganza.
Youngsters played among an array of carnival characters while parents enjoyed hearing about the various competitions and prize give-aways on offer throughout the month-long shopping festival.
Dance troupes
Acrobats, contortionists, clowns and dance troupes took to the impressive stage one after the other for a seemingly endless but spectacular launch show.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), now in its thirteenth year celebrates the joy of shopping in Dubai while at the same time attempts to offer something for everyone under the motto of One World, One Family, One Festival.
Barry Lawer, 42, and his wife Kathryn, 40, watched the show on Friday with their two children Melissa, 5, and Peter, 13.
Funny
Barry said: "The show was amazing. It is great they seem to go that extra mile to make shopping more fun in Dubai. The children have loved being entertained and there was clearly a lot of work put in to bring this launch together."
Melissa said: "I like the acrobats. They are very clever and funny. But the fireworks were a bit loud and I was scared sometimes."
Tom Miles, Senior General Manager Retail, Dubai Festival City, said: "The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most impressive shopping and entertainment extravaganzas in the world and we are very excited to be hosting a show of such magnificence for the first time."
Santana
Dubai Festival City, the DSF's main venue this year, will stage a Carlos Santana concert on February 15 as a key event of the Dubai Shopping Festival. This will be Santana's first ever, and exclusive, Middle East performance.
As part of its pledge to offer new, innovative events and promotions to ensure that guests enjoy their time at the Centre and walk away winners, Festival Centre is also offering an action-packed 32 days of non-stop family entertainment, exclusive promotions and chances to win 4 brand new vehicles.
Other highlights
Other highlights include themed shows and performances from silk acrobats and dancers taking place every evening at Festival Centre.
Throughout the Festival month, there will be outdoor live music performances at the Canal Walk and Marina Promenade. The Dubai International Jazz Festival will have music lovers tapping their feet from February 21-27 at the north-side square of Festival Marina.
For more information about the Dubai Shopping Festival and its activities, visit www.mydsf.com.
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