Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) turns 20 tomorrow (January 1), as it sets off on a 32-day “Journey of Celebrations” that promises to offer sheer excitement, world-class entertainment and unique shopping experiences, showcasing Dubai as one of the best family tourism destinations in the world.  

On the special occasion of DSF’s 20th anniversary, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has taken the festival’s three pillars of shopping, entertainment and winning to a completely new level, offering residents and visitors from around the world the opportunity to enjoy a series of exciting journeys in Dubai.

Organized by DFRE, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), DSF is the longest running festival of its kind in the world and has truly become a citywide achievement.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general, DTCM, said: “The launch of the 20th edition of DSF is a landmark moment in a journey that began in 1996, based on the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. The success of DSF not only set the template for the city-wide festivals that followed, but it is also symbolic of the successful journey made over the last two decades in becoming one of the world’s most visited destinations and must-experience cities. As the world gathers in Dubai to celebrate the 20th edition, we look forward to welcoming visitors who have never been to Dubai before and those who return year-after-year, and providing them with an experience to be remembered.”

The success of DSF is evident by the fact that it annually attracts on an average 4 to 4.5 million visitors with a total spending of Dh15 billion ($4 billion). From 1996 to 2014, DSF has attracted approximately 56 million visitors with a total spending of Dh145 billion ($40 billion).

Held under the special theme “A Journey of Celebrations”, the DSF 2015 line-up comprises over 150 events and activities. 

Some of the events featured at DSF include:

DSF Celebration Nights – January 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre: A mega concert series that will give residents and visitors from around the world the chance to dance the night away with 20 superstars of the Arab world. The series of concerts will be the biggest of its kind in the region, and is being produced in collaboration with Platinum Records, and in association with Dubai Media City.

The line-up of famous Arab singers who will feature in DSF Celebration Nights includes Mohammad Abdo, Hussan Al Jassmi, Amr Diab, Ahlam, Nancy Ajram, Elissa, Majed Mohandes, and many more. 

Arijit Singh Live Concert - January 15, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre: A Bollywood music concert featuring the highly acclaimed Indian playback singer Arijit Singh will see the artist perform for the first time with a 50-piece symphony orchestra. Singh is a trained classical singer who has performed in many stage shows.

The Diamond Fashion Show - January 14, Armani Pavilion – Burj Khalifa: Shining brilliantly in DSF’s 20th edition calendar of events will be the world’s most expensive Diamond Fashion Show. Diamond jewellery designers can look forward to showcasing their most exclusive collections to a private audience during the event.

The Smurfs Live on Stage – World Premiere –January 16 to 19, Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre: One of the main attractions of DSF 2015, the world premiere of Smurfs Live on Stage will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Catch the world famous Smurfs live in action in Dubai as they weave a magical music story that is bound to enthral fans and families. Smurfs Live on Stage will have four shows during DSF, each show being of 90 minutes duration.

Dubai International Kite Fest –January 29 to 31: Dubai International Kite Fest (DIKF) would be the first large-scale events of its kind to be held in Dubai featuring a mix of adventure, fun and colours. Visualised as a family fun day out on the beach, DIKF would also see an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most kites flown simultaneously. The world record bid will be made on the last day of the festival. – TradeArabia News Service