Dubai is gearing up to offer a memorable Eid Al Fitr experience to residents and visitors with an exciting line-up of family-oriented events and activities, as part of the 9th edition of ‘Eid in Dubai’ organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism).
This year’s ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr celebrations’ will feature a live concert by Nawal El Kuweitiya, one of the most popular singers in the Arab world, international cartoon character shows, Modhesh World, the largest indoor seasonal edutainment theme park in the region, and numerous family-oriented events hosted by malls. In addition to the entertainment offering, Eid shoppers can avail themselves of the opportunity to win prizes up to AED 1.5 million in the ‘Shop. Spin. Win’ promotion rub by DFRE in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.
‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr’ is a social initiative that was launched by DFRE in 2008 to bring together people from diverse communities and cultures from within and outside the emirate under a common theme ‘United in Celebration’. ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr’ is also part of DFRE’s efforts to position Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination and to ensure that Dubai remains a busy hub for retailers throughout the year. This has been made possible through the longstanding collaboration between the government and private sectors, specifically DFRE’s Strategic Partners.
DFRE’s Strategic Partners for 2016 are: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates, AW Rostamani Group, Al Futtaim Group, The Dubai Mall, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Mercato, Paris Gallery, ENOC, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Duty Free, Meraas and Etisalat.
‘EID IN DUBAI- EID AL FITR’ CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Dubai Concerts– Eid Al Fitr 2016
7 July, Dubai World Trade Centre
Regional music icon Nawal El Kuweitiya will take the lead in providing world-class entertainment during the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Enjoy some of the most lilting melodies from Nawal who will entertain “Eid in Dubai’ crowds at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 4-hour concert commencing at 9pm is organised by Rotana in collaboration with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, during which she will launch her new album on stage “Nawal 2016”.
Modhesh World
27 June – 27 August, Halls 1- 8, Dubai World Trade Centre
Modhesh World will be the main destination to go to during the Eid in Dubai festivities. Hosted by Modhesh, the ever-smiling mascot of Dubai, the themed family indoor edutainment destination offers families and children the opportunity to indulge in endless fun with numerous events and attractions. With its exciting theme, “Every step is a new adventure’, families can enjoy unique experiences including the Dewa Action Planet, Zip Line, Fly Jump, Haunted House, and an Ice Rink in addition to international cartoon characters and interactive learning experiences for children.
MTV India Undivided
8th & 9th July, Zabeel Hall 3, Dubai World Trade Centre
An Eid Musical Concert for two nights featuring the fantastic line up Indian and Pakistani artists with Komal Rizvi, Papon, Shafqat Amanat Ali on the 8th of July & Arif Lohar & Kailash Kher performing on the 9th of July.
‘Shop. Spin. Win’
Eid days, participating malls
A rewarding shopping experience awaits residents and visitors to Dubai during the upcoming ‘Eid in Dubai- Eid Al Fitr’ celebrations, as an innovative retail promotion by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Dubai Shopping Malls Group offers shoppers the chance to win prizes worth AED 1.5 million. The innovative Eidiyat Dubai promotion, which commenced on 23 June, titled ‘Shop. Spin. Win’ will culminate with prizes being offered on the three days of Eid. Adopting a novel format for participation this year, upon purchases of AED 200 during the Eid days, shoppers will receive a coupon with a unique promo code card, entitling them to register online to get a chance to Spin the Wheel and win instant cash prizes. The winners will be announced live on Sama Dubai TV.
MALL ENTERTAINMENT
The Dubai Mall
6 - 8 July, The Souk, The Village and Grand Atrium First Floor
The Dubai Mall will be celebrating Eid al Fitr with a series of beautiful performances by international musicians. Hosted in co-operation with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, the performances by Musical Maestros will take place in three areas of the mall - The Souk, The Village and the First Floor above the Grand Atrium. There will be five performances daily with the musicians rotating between the different areas. Reflecting Dubai’s position as an international hub, the seven musicians are from diverse backgrounds including Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Serbia, and play an eclectic mix of international instruments such as the cello, accordion, bagpipes, harp, nay and an ouz-kora drums. Join Emaar Entertainment this Eid al Fitr holiday and enjoy a series of fun activities and great deals. Whether you’re trying to keep the kids entertained, looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to sit back and immerse yourself in the movies, there’s something for everyone. Over the Eid holidays Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall will be open 24 hours a day.
Dubai Marina Mall
6 July – 17 August, Dome Atrium
Treat your little ones to a trip to Dubai Marina Mall this summer for colourful and memorable experiences. From the first day of Eid Al-Fitr until the final week of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the mall’s Dome Atrium will be transformed into an interactive Play Zone featuring child-friendly fun and entertainment activities. A paradise for kids, the Play Zone will feature an arts and crafts section, Play Area and even a Baby Soft Play GYM for the youngest visitors. Children will be treated to interactive games, singing and dancing sessions and puppet shows. They will also get the chance exercise their creativity through a series of arts and crafts activities. Face painting and balloon artists will also be on hand to ensure children are kept entertained during their time at the Play Zone.
Mall of the Emirates
City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Al Shindagha, City Centre Me’aisem
6 - 12 July
Majid Al Futtaim’s five malls in Dubai are offering unique experiences starting on the first day of Eid. As well as daily winning opportunities, visitors will be treated to roaming entertainment by international performers. At Mall of the Emirates, children will delight in the hilarious ‘Those Funny People’ show featuring giant puppets perform funny improvisations, flashy dance moves and bursts of songs. These adorable characters will entertain the little ones around the mall five times a day from 6 – 12 July.
City Centre Deira will host a ‘cat-ivating’ Cat Choir featuring two purring feline puppets with the ‘purr-fect’ rapport! At City Centre Mirdif, the exciting vocal performance, ‘VOCA People’ are set to entertain visitors with an out of this world experience. For the first time, City Centre Al Shindagha and City Centre Me’aisem will launch unique Eid promotions offering mall guests Eidiyat prizes worth up to AED 1,500,000 in partnership with Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG). Another first time experience will offer mall visitors at City Centre Me’aisem the unique chance to re-live the popular ‘Hello and Goodbye’ hit from the English rock-band, The Beatles, in a virtual karaoke setting.
Dubai Festival City Mall
7 – 9 July
Lots of free activities for the family at Dubai Festival City Mall will be organising lots of free activities for the family this Eid including the famous mascot parade, traditional Dance, performance by an Oud player, USA Dancers specializing in the breakdance, as well a free Arts and Crafts activity zone and the chance to take your photo at the free EID Photo Booth at the Festival Square (Ground Floor). The USA break dancers are a fun, family friendly performance group. They have brought their high energy comedy and award winning break dancing to festivals, half time shows and special events around the world since 1989. They perform a high energy action packed show that will have you amazed and bursting with laughter. Their spectacular show is packed with acrobatic stunts, hilarious antics, and the hottest dance moves, combining their comedic talents with cutting‐edge dance choreography.
Mercato
6 July – 20 August
Mercato sets the scene for a fantastic fun filled summer activities line-up during Eid Al Fitr. Visitors will be flocking to Mercato to shop, be entertained and enjoy the various events and promotions during Eid Al Fitr. During Eid Mercato will host a breathtaking circus fiesta which will be one of the most talked about circus acts across the city; shoppers will be entertained with amazing acrobatics from The Beijing Chinese Circus and the hilarious antics of Jacopo, the Italian comedy juggler in addition to incredible roaming acts and kids circus workshops. Visit Mercato this Eid and indulge in great shopping and discounts in some of your favourite stores. Spend AED 200 at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah between 23rd June until last day of Eid Al Fitr and you will be entitled to one raffle coupon to enter Eid Al Fitr shop and win promotion and get the chance to win one of three luxury family weekend stays at Bab Al Shams Desert and Spa, AED 10,000 to spend at Monsoon Children or AED 10,000 worth of shopping vouchers to spend at Nomination Italy.
Ibn Battuta Mall
First day of Eid -11 July
Looney Tunes – one of the world’s most popular cartoon series – has landed in Dubai to lead a range of attractions at Ibn Battuta Mall this Eid Al Fitr. Ibn Battuta Mall will stage a live parade featuring favourite Looney Tunes characters, stilt-walkers, jugglers, a unicyclist and a marching band, with daily shows running from the first day of Eid until Monday, 11 July. There will also be a host of other entertainment, including kids’ interactive workshops and play zones. The events will appeal to families who live in Dubai and the millions of tourists expected to visit the UAE during Eid. Footfall at Ibn Battuta is expected to increase by around 25 per cent during the Eid holiday, bringing the daily visitor numbers at the mall to around 75,000. Ibn Battuta Mall’s full line up of events for Eid Al Fitr: The Looney Tunes parade, 3pm to 8p; Play-Doh Activity Zone, 2pm to 10pm (India Court) and Sweet Melodies Workshop, 2pm to 10pm (India Court, Persia Court)
Dragon Mart 2
First day of Eid until 11 July
Bugs Bunny, one of the world’s best loved cartoon characters, is racing to Dragon Mart for live daily performances of Looney Tunes’ Wun Wabbit Wun show this Eid. The shows, on every day from the first day of Eid until Monday 11 July, are part of an exciting line up of family activities on offer at Dragon Mart 2, including interactive workshops, activity zones and more. The mall will also host a Sweet Celebration cupcake decorating/creative pretzels workshop, 3pm to 11pm. Dragon Mart 2, which opened earlier this year, is located next to the original Dragon Mart complex.
BOXPARK
6 July – 20 August
For the second year, BOXPARK, the offbeat destination by Meraas, overhauls into a district filled with all things LEGO® with BRICKS at BOXPARK’ this DSS. The hip destination that is also home to first–of–a-kind retail and F&B outlets gets a re-jig this summer with LEGO® inspired decorations. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the exclusive set up LEGO® Brick, a pop-up store that retails a variety of games for children and young adults up to the age of 16 years. The outlet is open from 12 noon to 10pm daily until the end of DSS. LEGO® has also lined up free-to-attend workshops for kids between three and 16 years at the urban district.