Dubai gears up for spectacular celebrations

Cultural activities, incredible discounts on shopping

DUBAI, UAE, Dec 1: As the UAE gets ready to celebrate its 45th National Day this weekend, Dubai is welcoming visitors from across the region to experience the “Spirit of the Union” that brings people of varied nationalities and cultures under an umbrella of world-class entertainment, themed activities and exceptional shopping experiences from Dec 1-3, 2016.

The citywide celebrations on this joyous occasion are being organised in collaboration with the partners of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and includes shopping malls and retailers, featuring family-centric social, cultural and entertainment activities, as well as events aimed at showcasing Emirati culture and customs. Malls, in particular, will be transformed into entertainment centres with free-to-attend concerts featuring Arab music icons.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “National Day celebrations are a reflection of the UAE’s national pride and enhance the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the leadership and homeland. In Dubai, the world-class events, activities and retail promotions would help create a festive environment that will focus on UAE’s rich heritage and help bring together people of different nationalities in a celebration of the country’s cultural diversity.”

One of the key highlights of this year’s celebrations is the inaugural National Day Super Sale offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy superb discounts ranging from 30 to 90 percent on a variety of home-grown and international brands, featuring a diverse range of merchandise, including electronic, apparel, fashion, home décor and much more.

Reinforcing Dubai’s position as a year-round destination for shopping experiences, the three-day sale offers locals, residents and visitors the perfect opportunity to stock up their wardrobes ahead of the cooler season. For more information, visit www. nationaldaysale.com

Local and regional music icons will perform live at various free-to-attend concerts to celebrate National Day. Top Arab music superstar Hussain Al Jasmi, Balqees and other artists will be in action at Burj Park on Dec 2 at concerts sponsored by Emaar Properties. On the same day, the renowned singers Abdulla Bel Khair and Aryam will perform at Dragon Mart 2 while highly popular regional singers Mohammed Menhali and Walid Ibrahim will perform at Global Village.

In a separate series of Emirati Young Artists Concerts, families visiting malls can enjoy melodious hits from UAE stars including: Mohamed Al Shehhi (Dec 1, City Centre Mirdif); Shamma Hamdan (Dec 1 — Dubai Festival City Mall); Mohamed Al Menhali (Dec 1, Mall of the Emirates), Faisal Al Jasem (Dec 1 — The Beach) and Hamad Al Amri (Dec 1, Ibn Battuta Mall).

With the entire country getting into celebration mode, visitors can look forward to creating memories of a lifetime with near and dear ones at a number of new and existing family entertainment destinations across the emirate. From the newly opened Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest multithemed leisure and entertainment destination, to IMG Worlds of Adventure — the world’s largest indoor theme park and Global Village, the leading seasonal cultural extravaganza in the region — families can choose from a wide array of experiences that cater to all ages.

In addition, visitors heading to Global Village will discover more about the UAE’s rich historical past at the “Emirate: Land of Peace” operetta from Dec 1-6, while shoppers to Dubai Festival City Mall can gear up for the UAE 45th National Day Special Projection Show.

A diverse collection of cultural activities will make the UAE National Day celebrations even more special across the city as shopping malls and outdoor venues and prominent promenades light up in colours of the UAE national flag. From spectacular National Day Fireworks at The Beach opposite JBR on Dec 2 to the lively National Day Carnival at City Walk on multiple days and UAE and GCC traditional bands serenading mall-goers and their families with cultural tunes and live performances — visitors are in for a wonderful treat that promises a great time for the entire family.

For more information, visit www.nationaldaydubai. com.