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THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 2010 Events and Attractions The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (formerly DSF Office) has revealed an exciting calendar of events for a landmark 15th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival that will be held over 32 days from January 28 to February 28. Focusing on the core aspects of shopping, winning, and entertainment, DSF 2010 aims at showcasing the best of the past editions to make the 15th edition a memorable one. Dubai: The world's tallest building is 828 metres and has been named Burj Khalifa by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Until now, the building has been known as Burj Dubai. Report by the Gulf News Calendar is full of activities reflecting UAE's political, social, economic and cultural growth Dubai: As a new decade begins, the UAE's 2010 events calendar is already brimming with a plethora of political, social and cultural activities. With the ‘noughties' consigned to the history books, Gulf News highlights some of the big things to look out for in 2010 — starting with arguably the biggest occasion of them all: the opening of Burj Dubai. The tallest building in the world is scheduled to officially open on January 4, which is also the fourth anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE's accession as Ruler of Dubai. However, it is not the only new landmark to be unveiled in 2010. The new Meydan Racecourse will also officially open in January with the Dubai Racing Carnival holding its first race meeting there on January 28. Overall, it is another huge year for sport in the UAE with the world's best golfers, jockeys and tennis players all competing in 2010. The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship both take place in January. The Dubai Desert Classic follows in February and March sees top class international action at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships and Dubai World Cup. The famous Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), also takes place early in the new year, running from January 28 until February 28. On February 1 it is the second anniversary of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's accession as Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's appointment as Deputy Ruler of Dubai. On November 3 President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will mark his sixth anniversary as President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. It's also a big year for literature enthusiasts with two major book festivals taking place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in March. Amit Chaudhuri, Yann Martel and Alawiyya Sobh are among the authors taking part in the 2010 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from March 2-7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). Later that month, the second Emirates Airline Festival of Literature will be held at Dubai Festival City from March 10-13. The festival will be attended by over 80 authors including Kate Adie, Martin Amis, Alexander McCall Smith and Suzanne Husseini. The Sharjah World Book Fair takes place from October 6-16. The UAE will celebrate press freedom day on September 25. Exhibitions scheduled including Cityscape in the capital from April 18-21, the Arabian Travel Market at The Address Hotel in Dubai from May 4-7 and Gitex at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 17-21. The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) returns in December Dubai: The opening of Burj Dubai is expected to attract thousands of visitors, but most managers of restaurants in the surrounding area are refusing to accept reservations. Restaurants are maintaining their usual policies of no reservations, even though requests are pouring in. "We can't guarantee reservations since customers will probably not make it on time because of the crowds. We don't want to keep empty tables waiting for them," said Fadi Salloum, restaurant manager at Shakespeare and Co, located across from the world's tallest tower. "We are not taking any reservations for January 4, especially for the terrace. If I take them, it will be hectic to control them," said Gassan Mezher, branch manager for Scoozi, Dubai Mall. "We already had too many people asking to reserve but we had to say no," he added. The restaurant has 64 seats outdoors and 140 inside, and is planning to add 20 more to accommodate more customers. "We believe the restaurant will be full on the night and our full staff will be on duty," he said. The restaurant usually closes at midnight, but it will extend opening hours as long as there is business, Mezher said. Salloum said: "We are taking reservations until 8pm. After that it's first come first served. Forty people have already booked for January 4. These bookings are not guaranteed because every day is already busy." If all restaurants opened up their reservations for the opening night of Burj Dubai, they would be fully booked by now. One restaurant taking advanced bookings is Baker and Spice, a restaurant in Souq Al Bahar that faces the Dubai Fountain and Burj Dubai. "We don't usually take reservations at the restaurant, but we are making an exception for the night of the Burj Dubai opening," said Deejay Delon, restaurant supervisor. However, customers will have to pay a cover charge for the privilege. To accommodate the extra customers expected on the night, the restaurant will add almost 30 seats on its terrace. "Most of our seats outside are already booked, so we're adding more," he said. At Dean and Deluca, a cafe facing Burj Dubai, business is on a first come first served basis. "If we were a restaurant and offered a full meal, we might take reservations," said Sinu Joy, manager of the cafe. Although the night of the opening will bring crowds to the eating establishments, business is expected to increase as offices open in the tower, and business during lunch hour is also likely to increase. "The fountain has given us a lot of clientele. The Burj will give even more," Joy said. Wafi Gourmet, another restaurant that offers outdoor seating with a view of Burj Dubai, will not be taking any reservations. "Usually, there are no reservations. The outdoor seating is busy everyday, especially because of the weather," said Esmail Naba'a, manager of the restaurant branch at Dubai Mall. Article by the Gulf News Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree on property rent cap in 2010 to ensure the stability of property market in the emirate. The decree also aims to regulate the relations between landlords and tenants and charting a legal framework for this matter. The decree sets rent increase caps for 2010 at the same rates for 2009 and earlier, according to the decree issued on rental cap in 2009. The decree endorsed the Real Estate Regulator Authority (Rera) rent index as the main reference to determine the average rent, upon which the rental increases in 2010 will be decided. Increases can only occur if the property was more than 25 per cent below the average index price. If the rent was 26 per cent to 35 per cent less than the average rent for a similar property, the maximum increase shall be equivalent to 5 per cent of rent value for the year 2009. If the rent was 36 per cent to 45 per cent less than the average rent for a similar property, the maximum increase shall be equivalent to 10 per cent of rent value for the year 2009. If the rent was 46 per cent to 55 per cent less than the average rent for a similar property, the maximum increase shall be equivalent to 15 per cent of rent value for the year 2009. If the rent was 56 per cent to 55 per cent less than the average rent for a similar property, the maximum increase shall be equivalent to 20 per cent of rent value for the year 2009. The decree shall take effect from date of issuance and is to be published in the official gazette. Article by the Gulf News. Report by the Gulf News 30th December Opening of the station is synchronised with the opening of Burj Dubai. Dubai: Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced today that the RTA will officially open the Burj Dubai metro station on Monday January 4, 2010 to mark the opening of Burj Dubai. “Burj Dubai is one of the elevated metro stations with the concourse and platform situated at a level upper than the elevated metro track, extending 132 metres in length and 29 metres in width. The station has a capacity to handle 11 thousand passengers per hour per direction, and has two entry points fitted with escalators together with lifts. According to the currently available indicators, the station is expected to be used by about 10 thousand passengers everyday; and the daily number is set to rise during weekends and holidays to 19 thousand persons”. RTA Chairman and Executive Director added: “Burj Dubai Station mainly serves Burj Dubai district, which spans an area of 45 million square feet. It harbours residential, commercial, and recreational facilities as well as restaurants, retail outlets, the world’s tallest tower Burj Dubai, Dubai Mall, 30 thousand residential units, 9 world-class hotels, 19 residential towers, and a Boulevard measuring 73m in width and 3.5km length. The Station also serves in the other side of the road Jumeirah 2; which has a high population density. “RTA has deployed 11 buses to operate on two routes to feed Burj Dubai Station, where six buses will operate on Route F13 at 10 minutes interval. The Route links Burj Dubai Station with Burj Dubai area; which includes Dubai Mall, The Palace & The Address hotels, the Boulevard and other locations in the area. Route F16 has 5 buses operating at 10 minutes interval to link Burj Dubai Station with Jumeirah 2. Buses start off the Station and pass across Mazaya Center, Al Wasl Road and Al Uruba Road before heading back to the Metro Station. The shell-shaped metro stations had been purposely built to enhance safety and security of the public as the design was intended to be clear, simple and with minimum walking distance. Entry points of stations are integrated with other transport modes; providing a link with pedestrian movement and communication with the ambient environment of the station. The interior design of the metro stations is inspired by the four elements of nature; air, earth, fire and water, and a heritage-themed design will be applied to Al Ras and Al Ghubaiba Stations. The circular passenger movement at the stations will flow smoothly allowing a visibility range that does not rely on excessive signage. Therefore the areas available at the station lounges were intended to be free from clustered elements and barriers as much as possible in order to maintain optical communication. The stations have been designed to be fully equipped with accessories and facilities. Dubai is one of the locations set to be a tourist favourite next year according to the ‘Travel Trends Report 2010’ published on Tuesday. The report was released by The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA, which represents over 5,000 travel agencies and around 900 tour operations in the UK. ‘If you are after a bargain, Dubai will be a place to go in 2010. The state-backed Dubai World debt announcement at the end of November, has triggered a price war in hotel room rates to stimulate demand and a currency which is losing its value,’ the report said. Hotels.com reported that prices for hotels in Dubai were set to drop by up to 17 percent in early 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. ‘Dubai also deserves to be a hotspot in 2010 for the opening of the world’s tallest tower, Burj Dubai, complete with an observation deck on the 124th floor on 4 January 2010,’ the ABTA report added. Article by; Caroline Garnar at Time Out Dubai The outlet has seen a steady increase in annual sales from Dh73 million in 1984 to an estimated Dh4 billion by the end of this year. On December 20 last year on Dubai Duty Free's 25th anniversary, the operation recorded sales of $20 million (Dh73.4 million) in the 24-hour period with 130,000 transactions. "We began introducing a discount offers on our 20th anniversary back in 2003 and it has since become an annual tradition. We hear of people choosing to fly on the 20th December and looking at how busy the shop floor is today, I can certainly believe that to be the case," said Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free. Dubai Duty Free also had a Staff Finest Surprise draw which resulted in a total of Dh120,000 being won by employees. Sales have been seeing a steady rise as more passengers fly through Dubai and retail space expands. This year, average spend per passenger passing through the airport was $50. On average, DDF handles around 60,000 sales per day, resulting in over 20 million transactions this year. Currently, DDF has 15,000 square metres of retail space at Dubai International Airport. Last October, 8,000 square metres of space were added with the launch of Emirates Terminal 3. The next big jump in space will occur with the opening of Al Maktoum International Airport. Its first phase will add 3,000 square metres of space across four outlets. DDF investment to develop its retail outlets for the first phase of the project will be Dh40 million, McLoughlin said. Last year, the Middle East region saw duty free and travel retail sales hit $2.4 billion, with a market share of 6.7 per cent. The region was ranked fourth, with Europe leading duty free sales at $15.2 billion, followed by Asia and Oceania and the Americas, according to Research Generation study. Globally, Dubai International Airport topped the sales for an individual operation sales point for duty free sales. It was the single highest sales outlet in the world, accounting for sales of just over $1 billion, overtaking London Heathrow Airport and Incheon International Airport, both of which exceeded the $1 billion sales level, the study showed. In Dubai, shares worth Dh93.13 million have been transacted, while in Abu Dhabi shares worth dh32.56 million have been traded. Abu Dhabi: UAE stock markets opened lower on Monday, DFM index is down 1.29 per cent at 1,808.54, while Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange index is at 2,728.28, 0.76 per cent lower at 11am. In Dubai, shares worth Dh93.13 million have been transacted, while in Abu Dhabi shares worth dh32.56 million have been traded. Published by Abdul Rahman Shaheen, Correspondent from the Gulf News - 20th Dec Riyadh : In the first response to the recent decision of Dubai World's restructuring, Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, GCC Secretary-General, said that not only Dubai and UAE, but other GCC states have also faced tough economic challenges in the past. "However, these states came out of these challenges successfully, showing more vibrancy and potentiality." In a press statement, Al Attiyah said Dubai holds great potential and high competitiveness, reinforced by its vast infrastructure facilities and regulations that can attract huge inflow of foreign capital in the long run. The GCC chief hailed Dubai for the transparency and outspokenness it has shown while tackling economic issues as was evident in the latest Dubai World restructuring and financial consolidation. This has also shown that Dubai's economy is an inalienable and integral part of the UAE economy, he noted. Referring to the GCC monetary union pact that took effect at the Kuwait summit last week, Al Attiyah said it shows the determination of GCC leaders. This is a major achievement of the summit that would bring the Gulf states closer toward launching a single GCC currency. Al Attiyah said member states will be successful in their efforts to become one of the major economic blocs in the world with a strong single currency. It has been noted that investors in Dubai have become more at ease with the recent financial support of Abu Dhabi. After the US$10 billion injection into Dubai World was recieved stock market shares increased across the globe. Indexes across Asia posted gains, while the UK’s FTSE 100 was up by 1 per cent at the close of trading. HSBC and Standard Chartered, a pair of British banks estimated to be owed more than $1bn each by Dubai World, rose by 2.4 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively in London. “Dubai is, and will continue to be, a strong and vibrant global financial centre. Our best days are yet to come,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee, when announcing the cash injection. The Dubai Financial Market rose by 10.4 per cent, while Abu Dhabi’s finished up 7.7 per cent. Article source - The National - 15th December 2009 2nd Dec: The following is a translation of his statement made for the 38th National Day! "Dear compatriots, May Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. I greet you all on our 38th National Day, and congratulate you and myself for the accomplishments and successes of our country in the past year, led by my brother His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On this glorious day, I thank and praise God Almighty, and invoke Him to perpetuate his divine grace on us, and help us to succeed in our work, to perform our duties, to strengthen us in the right path and to guides us towards all that will bring good of our country, our people and our nation. As we celebrate today our union, we reminiscence the march of our life and cherish the memories of our accomplishments. Our hearts throb with love for those who are not with us today, but are always present in our hearts filling us with pride and glory. I pay tribute to our father, who founded and built and cared for our nation, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to his brother, deputy and partner in placing the first brick of our federation, father late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. May God give them the abode of peace. We also remember their brothers, the rulers who participated in the founding of the state, and contributed to making the 2nd of December 1971, an epoch in our modern history. We also offer tribute to the first generation of citizens who came forward to dedicate themselves for national work and gained the honor of participating in the founding and building of our nation. The faces of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed and his brother and deputy Sheikh Rashid surface in our hearts. With them emerge the history of glory in which we live and which live in us. They also present us with the exemplary model, which instill in our souls the values of good character and ethics, fill our minds with ambitions, sublimity, optimism, humility, power of will and determination, and entrench the values of justice, compassion, fairness, solidarity, tolerance, benevolence, love, patriotism and the penchant for achievements. Dear compatriots, It was the decision of God that I should live the details of the 2nd of December 1971 and the events that went ahead since the Arqob Al-Sadeera Meeting in February 1968, where the two founder Sheikhs agreed between themselves to form a federation of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Whenever the 2nd of December falls again, I reminiscence as scenes flashing on a screen, our blessed march into progress and all its events, persons and symbols. Then my heart becomes filled with peace and gratitude to God Almighty for our success, progress and development. With the passing of every New Year on this day, the tape of scenes gain in length, the images emerge clearer, and become increasingly interconnected. Year after year, these huge and historic accomplishments gain more in significance and radiance. They become more established as models to follow because of their implications, as well as their success in bringing their fruits, as testified by our present state of prosperity and glory, as well as by our ambitions for more glory and prosperity. Of course, these achievements were not possible without that God had set for us a tryst with history and with the founding fathers. Thus the 2nd of December became starting point for the march of glory that Sheikh Zayed had epitomized in his noble personality, carried in his heart and mind as the vision of unity that closed the ranks. A vision that turned dreams into realities, shortened the distances and time, compensated the people for what they had missed, and led them by hand within a short span of time in the march to civilization and progress. Here is the march of glory and it is setting foot into the era of empowerment and is building the road into the solid future. It is leading the country and its people under the vision of the leader of the march, my brother His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from success to success, from achievements into achievements and from excellence to excellence. Here is our Union in its thirty-eighth year, getting stronger, younger and more generous. Its institutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and efficient. Here is our country, which has become more developed, its security more safeguarded and its position more revered and more effective at home and abroad. Here is our economy which has become stronger and more cohesive. Our people enjoy the good and stability, rally behind the leaders with love and loyalty and engage effectively and efficiently in all works, thus participating in the building and development of our nation. Dear compatriots, the federation's last year recorded several shining achievements in our march of empowerment that culminated with the re-election of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the country's president in a reaffirmation of the confidence of the UAE Supreme Council in its Head. It was also another expression of the loyalty of the people, the honesty of their nationality and the sincerity of their love for their leader, behind whom they rally. With this precious testimonial the march of empowerment is heading towards wider horizons relying upon the achievements accumulated over the years in all areas. Today our economy is one of the largest economies of the world in terms of power and stability due to its diversity, its vast potential, its reliance on strategic planning, its adoption of the language and tools of the Knowledge Age. These qualities gave it the ability to interact positively with the ups and downs in the global economy and provided it with the efficiency for overcoming the crises and for grabbing opportunities. In spite of the weight of the consequences of the global financial crisis, the wheel of progress and achievement in our country did not stop turning. Our winning of the bid to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was a remarkable success on more than one level. It is also the fruit of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed to make UAE a global hub for the export of renewable energy technologies, and let it remain a major source of energy both in the presence of oil as well as after its depletion. With that, our country will maintain its position in the world, ensure an effective presence in the future, and provide the future generations with the requirements of sustainable development and decent living. This win is also the fruit of hard work and the direct supervision of my brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for the launch of renewable energy projects, at the helm of which is the Masdar city. It is also the fruit of the effort made by Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, his successful leadership to his team and his efficient management of the battle of the fierce competition to host the headquarters of the agency. Dear compatriots, we are marching in the course of empowering the nation and the citizens guided by the programme of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa for national action. We are determined to achieve the great renaissance in all areas, to get to the highest levels in education, to reach to the first place in the world with our infrastructure, facilities and services and to the best known practices in the world with the excellence in government performance. The political empowerment continues with the expansion of the powers of the Federal National Council, thus strengthening its role in the national action and reasserting the Shura (Consultation) approach in governance. The economic empowerment continues through the development of legislation, improvement of the business environment, enhancement of the levels of quality and competitiveness, and boosting of emphasis on productive sectors and the basic services. The social empowerment continues through the development of our human resources through quality education and appropriate training, development programs of nationalisation of jobs and expansion of housing programs. It also continues through the enhancement of the role of women enabling them to take up national responsibility and building of nation. The social empowerment is also continued through the intensification of efforts to address the troubling social phenomena like excessive attention to show-off and increasing dependence on domestic workers. On the side of the administrative empowerment, we are moving forth with strong will for enhancing integration between the federal and local frameworks, for raising the efficiency of government authorities through the effective application of the government's strategy, the development of civil service legislation, improvement of the structures of the ministries and institutions, initiation of procedures for the transition to e-governance and launching of programmes for young leaders and Sheikh Khalifa Award for Government Excellence. And we move forward at fast pace in the process of cultural and knowledge empowerment, especially since the UAE has become the Arab cultural capital that is open to the cultures of the world. It has become the Knowledge Capital with its universities, institutes, colleges and branches of the world's most prestigious universities on its soil. Knowledge is the visa for our safe passage to future. Culture is the vessel of our identity and values, as well as the framework of our human and psychological equilibrium. It is also an important element in the overall development and its sustainability, and an element for building the national model and achieving its goals. It has an active role in the success of the country's plans to achieve the balance in demographic structure. We always said that the national human capital is the main element which is indispensable in achieving the desired balance. So the building of this capital, its development and the expansion of its base encompassing all citizens, men and women, will not be possible except in an environment that radiates with the values of a culture that develops national self, grows upholding work, sanctifies the respect for time, quality and excellence, and encourages creativity and innovation. Dear compatriots, We will receive tomorrow a new federal year rallying around our leadership, becoming more certain of its vision and approach, more unified, integrated and dignified of our union and more proud of our country, more confident of ourselves, more experienced of our world, more capable to face challenges and overcome difficulties and more faithful about that there is no distant goal that we can't reach and sublime position that we can't conquer. Ambitions will remain the ally of our plans, big goals will remain our objectives, nobility of our nation and welfare of the citizens will remain the compass that guides us and orientates our work. We will not rest until our people are ensured their comfort and all the requirements that guarantee a dignified life they deserve. You, Dear compatriots, are the wealth and weapon of our nation; you are its pride, joy and delight. I know that your motherland is the most expensive thing you have and the love for your country is deeply planted in your hearts. But the highest degree of love is self-giving. You are the people of generosity. So gather your thoughts, light up your minds, roll up your sleeves, work hard and take initiatives, always look forward, and believe that God will not let good work go without reward. When a person does good deed, it stands for him, and when he does a bad deed, it stands against him. And Say: Work, soon will Allah observe your work and His Messenger and the believers'. With warm temperatures all year round and stunning beaches this really is the ideal place to drop anchor for a few hours or days to soak in the vibrant atmosphere that beholds Dubai. Costa Cruises has been coming to Dubai for its winter programme stop over since 2006, and as Costa enjoys Dubai very much he has decided to hold the naming ceremony of his newest ship addition here in Dubai. He has already decided the name of his new ship which is to be called Costa Deliziosa. This has helped the cruise sector slightly since the plans for the new QE2 to be stationed here and turned into a floating hotel have been put on hold since the global economic crisis began. By 2010 Costa estimates he will carry over 100,000 passengers each year, equating to 3 ships sailing out of Dubai’s port.
RTA’s board chairman and CEO Motar Al-Tayer recently spoke to reporters explaining that the consortium that is currently developing the Dubai Metro would complete all the works of the 18 stations that make up the Red Line on the 25th April and that the opening to be 30th April 2010.
"The seven stations to be opened late this month are the Emirates, the airport's Terminal I, Al-Karama, Burj Dubai (Dubai tower), Dubai Internet City, Marina, and Ibn Batuta," Al-Tayer explained.
"The three stations due to open on May 15 are the GG Co., the Trade Center, and Al-Qous with the remaining eight stations of the Red Line, which serves key areas in the emirate, being opened in the coming months," he continued.
"The stations slated for early opening were decided according to a number of criterions including the population density in the respective areas of the stations, the commercial activities and public buildings in the vicinity, and the closeness to other means of transport," .
A recent survey carried out on the neighbourhoods that the Metro crosses as a prelude to the launch of new public bus stations close to the Metro Stations.
Al-Tayer also went on to explain that up to 28 buses were added to link the metro stations to the existing road network in the neighbourhoods within a span of time between trip ranging between 13 and 20 minutes.
Incredibly since 9th September 2009, Dubai Metro has had a daily average of around 80,000 commuters and has carried 13.68 million people.
The CEO added that he is expecting to top 35 million passengers when it is at full capacity towards the end of the year.
Retail Promotions and Raffles
With around 6000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls participating, the DSF 2009 promotions are slated to be the best shopping offers designed in a DSF edition yet. Offers, added value promotions, sales and discounts reaching up to 80 per cent on international brands covering a wide range of consumer goods await shoppers in Dubai.
Lexus Mega Raffle
An unfailing attraction of every DSF edition, raffle enthusiasts stand the chance to win a brand new Lexus LS 460 luxury sedan and 100,000 dirhams in cash when they purchase a raffle coupon for just AED 200 in the Lexus Mega Raffle this DSF.
Nissan Mega Raffle
Another raffle highlight of every DSF, the Nissan Grand Raffle is giving shoppers the chance to win a brand new Nissan every day during DSF 2010. To celebrate the 15th edition, the raffle is giving away a Nissan SUV daily in addition to 3 Nissan sedans over the weekend.
DSF 2010 highlights
Opening Ceremony
Date: January 28
Venue: Across malls in Dubai
After 14 editions, DSF 2010 is coming up with an innovative opening ceremony to spread the festive feel of DSF across Dubai.
Fireworks
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 28
Venue: Seef area - Dubai Creek
Time: 8:30pm
An undeniable part of DSF, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception. The 15th edition is no different with daily fireworks at the Seef area of Dubai Creek.
Dubai Carnivals
As the vibrant and colourful face of DSF, Dubai Carnivals is an all-out display by various performers including jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists, and musicians to showcase the festive feeling of DSF across Dubai.
Carpet Oasis
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 28
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - West Hall
Time: Sat - Thu:10:00am - 10:00pm and Fri: 4:00pm - 11:30pm
Spread across thousands of square metres, the exhibition features products from areas renowned for carpet-making such as Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkemistan. Apart from carpets and rugs, handicrafts are also on display. The event is organized by Dubai Customs.
Khor Dubai Area (Dubai Creek Area)
Popular among residents and visitors alike, the Khor Dubai area or the Dubai Creek area takes an important role this DSF to highlight the heritage and history of Dubai covering its social and economic aspects over the centuries.
The Walk at JBR
Highlights include the World of Jazz that will be held from Feb 3 to Feb 9 as a prelude to the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival.
Family Health Festival
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 27
Venue: Shopping malls
Supported by the Ministry of Health and Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, Family Health Festival is into its second year this DSF with the highlight on obesity and the challenges faced by our society due to this serious but commonly prevalent health issue.
Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival
Bringing local, regional, and international jazz artists together in a unique event, the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival is divided into two sub-events this years.
The Little Big Club Show
Date: Feb 5 - Feb 12
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - East Hall
Time: Two shows (4:00pm and 8:00pm)
Coming to Dubai for a Middle East debut, the Little Big Club Show is the hottest children’s attraction this DSF. Featuring fourteen popular characters including Barney, Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, and Pingu, the event promises an exciting journey into the world of cartoon theatre through spectacular stage backdrops, songs, and narratives, all in one show.
Ben 10
Date: Feb 19 - Feb 26
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo - East Hall
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
After wooing millions of children on television, Ben 10 comes to Dubai this DSF with an entirely new production and a premiere titled ’The Power of the Omnitrix’ - a combination of Ben 10 Classic and Ben 10 Alien Force.
Street Events
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 28
DSF 2010 brings the celebrations back onto the streets during the 15th edition with festivities across four prominent locations in Dubai - Al Rigga, Al Seef, Dhiyfah, and JBR.
Gulf Bike Festival
Date: 4 Feb - 6 Feb
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Every year, during the Gulf Bike Week, bikers from all over the region come down to Dubai to celebrate their love for everything on two wheels in a festive atmosphere.
Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
Date: Jan 28
Venue: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium - Indian High School
Time: 9:00pm
The Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira is a gathering of noted Hindi and Urdu poets from India and resident poets in the UAE.
The Biggest Biryani Bowl
Date: Feb 12
Venue: Global Village
Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
The Biggest Biryani Bowl will be cooked up by expert chefs at Global Village. A popular dish across the whole of Indian Sub-continent, the Biryani Bowl will weigh approximately 2.5 tonnes and include 1,200 kilos of Daawat rice, 48 kilos of Shan biryani masala, 155 litres of oil, 320 litres of yoghurt, and hundreds of kilos of mutton.
DSF Family Camp by Watani
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 28
Venue: Al Warqa’a Area 4
An outdoor event that will surely attract families, the DSF Familiy Camp, organised by Watani, is a getaway from the city and a return to nature.
Nickelback
Date: Feb 5
Venue: Dubai Festival City
The Grammy award nominated Canadian rock band, Nickelback is one of the most commercially successful Canadian groups, having sold 30 million records worldwide.
Status Quo
Date: Feb 6
Venue: Dubai Festival City
Status Quo, the English rock band that has recorded over 60 chart hits in the UK, more than any other rock group in history is coming to Dubai for a memorable performance as part of the Gulf Bike Festival.
Sean Kingston
Date: Feb 11
Sean Kingston, the Jamaican-American reggae fusion singer and rapper known for his debut single and number one hit Beautiful Girl, will perform during DSF to thrill the thousands of fans here.
Tamer Hosny
Date: Jan 29
Venue: Media City
A heartthrob for millions of Arabs, Tamer Hosny comes to Dubai to perform his hit singles.
Salam Dubai Concert - Sunidhi Chauhan ’LIVE in Dubai’
Date: Feb 18
Venue: Madinat Arena - Souk Madinat
Time: 9:30pm
Sunidhi Chauhan is best known for her Bollywood film songs. She is credited with over 2000 songs.
Global Village
Global Village, the region’s premier shopping and cultural destination is back for the 2009-2010 season with the participation of 31 pavilions, 45 cultures, and around 6000 cultural shows and performances.
Unveiling the nameplate, Sheikh Mohammad said: "We built the high rise for people with strong will and determination. The highest point in the world should be linked to the big names and I announce today [Monday] the opening of Burj Khalifa Bin Zayed."
He added: "Today, the UAE has put a new spotlight on the world map."
Extended hours
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Cheap hotel rates are predicted for next year to bring in tourists
Shares in Samsung, the principal contractor on the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest skyscraper, rose 2.2 per cent after the announcement.
“Abu Dhabi is providing a backstop,” said Amir Sadir, the head of global wealth management for the Middle East at Merrill Lynch. “There will also be more protection for creditors and more transparency – everything that institutional investors have been looking for.”
I begin to see more and more. I start to wonder: how huge and great and historic was the achievement on that day. I'm not talking here only about the constructional achievements of physical importance, which surely have their uniqueness, excellence and international standards. I am alluding also to a range of strategic accomplishments that have changed the region's political geography through the emergence of a new state that joined the seven entities by mutual consent and free choice. It changed the social landscape and paved way for the emergence of a new society and a new identity. It also changed the intellectual landscape presenting the model of a promising federation in the Arab region in front a people who were eager to embrace unity, as the previous models had agonised their consciousness.
It safeguarded the power of our economy, placed it on the road to recovery and boosted it by way of the intensification of government investment in infrastructure at the national level. This is in addition to the timely completion of huge quality projects such as the Yas Circuit which put the UAE on the map of one of the world's most watched sports, and like the Dubai Metro, which joined the prominent landmarks of civilization in our country, and introduced the railway systems for the first time into the infrastructure of the region's cities, where these systems are being built in Abu Dhabi and across the country.
For the first time the headquarters of an international organization is housed outside the developed world. Moreover, this organization is of paramount importance to the entire world as it is the umbrella of the international effort in research and technologies of renewable energy, and a platform to develop environmentally friendly energy sources for the provision of mankind's energy needs in the post-oil era.
This Winning was not a stroke of luck, but was well-deserved. It is the fruit of respectable status enjoyed by our country in the world, and the fruit of credibility enjoyed by our leadership, by our foreign policy and our development model as well as our economic methodology.
