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The launch of this year's Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza went off with a bang as fireworks and hot air balloons lit up the night sky across the city.
Streams and sprays of pinks, blues and greens tore through the pitch-black skies above Creek Park and Global Village to officially launch the much-awaited 45-day long festival for 2006 and 2007.
And, as the first balloon lifted from the ground, the excitement was too much for some — like Joshua Meekin, 6, who is visiting Dubai with his family from England.
Excited
The youngster stood mesmerised as the giant balloons rose from the ground.
Between excited yelps and screams he said: "Look at the balloons. I would like to fly all the way home in one.
"How are they flying so high? They are very pretty and I think we should all use them instead of cars."
Joshua's mum, Delia, said he had been obsessed with hot air balloons for almost three years ever since he saw his first one at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in the UK.
She said: "We visit Dubai for the Shopping Festival every year and look forward to the added entertainment on our annual holiday.
"When we read there would be hot air balloons it just added to the excitement for us. Joshua has been on the ceiling all day and could not wait to see them.
"The night glow was very impressive, and what an amazing venue. Absolutely fantastic, well done Dubai for a wonderful launch to the festival."
Twin surprises
The night glow officially began the 45-day combined 11th and 12th editions of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2006-07.
Shopping, entertainment and competitions galore will flood the city from the shopping malls to the parks and beaches until February 4.
Identical twins Jade and Michelle Ferryman have lived in Dubai for two years with their mother, father and younger brother Julian.
Jade added: "The fireworks were my favourite bit because they went on for so long. I wish they could last longer but I don't like it when they scare animals so maybe it's better that they are finished."
Dancing
The 18 balloons, including peacock and dancing man shapes, lifted and sank to and from the ground in time to music as the crowd cheered and sang along to popular classical music.
The event, called the Dubai Balloons Festival, under the patronage of Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is jointly organised by the Al Ahli Group, ETA-Ascon and Star Events and sponsored by etisalat and DIFC.
The balloons will continue to light the skies over Creek Park and Global Village, Dubai Outlet City, every weekend until December 30, touching dizzying heights between 3.30 to 6.30pm and 6.30 to 9.30pm.
Experienced balloonists from all over the world have been invited to participate in this unique event which made its debut this week.
Balloonist Christian Taylor-Parks said he was very proud to be a part of the festival in Dubai.
He added: "Dubai has been one of the most interesting places to see from the safety of my balloon basket. It is incredible to see the expanse of desert which then changes and becomes masses of houses, villas and apartments.
"I think it's safe to say that DSF has got off to a flying start!"
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