Eid in Dubai celebrations kick off; top acts to winning Dh1.5m in prizes

The ninth edition of ‘Eid in Dubai’ will kick off today (Thursday), with an array of entertainment activities including concerts by music icons, world-class entertainment acts, spectacular fireworks displays, and shopping deals across the city.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), the ‘Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha’ celebrations will run for 10 days, from 8-17 September.

The line-up of events and activities will reflect the ‘United in Celebration’ theme of the citywide festivities dedicated to people from all communities and cultures.

Among the highlights of this year’s ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations are live concerts featuring renowned Arabic singers, Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan, and Pakistani singer and Sufi maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Alongside, a Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, fireworks displays and plenty of family-oriented events at malls in Dubai.

Eid shoppers will also get the chance to win prizes of up to Dh1.5 million in the ‘Shop. Spin & Win’ promotion run by DFRE in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.

Where to celebrate during Eid:

Dubai Concerts
13 and 16 September, Dubai World Trade Centre

Iconic Arab singers, Mohamed Abdo Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan will take the lead in providing world-class entertainment at live concerts  organised in collaboration with Rotana, as part of the line-up of events  during the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations’ this year.

Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan will perform on September 13 and Mohamed Abdo will take centre stage on 16 September.

Fireworks shows
11-16 September, The Beach, opposite JBR

Residents and visitors can watch a breath-taking fireworks display light up the skies above The Beach daily for six straight nights, starting at 8.30pm.

‘Shop. Spin & Win Dh1.5 million’
Until 17 September, participating malls of DSMG

A rewarding shopping experience awaits residents and visitors to Dubai during the upcoming ‘Eid in Dubai-Eid Al Adha’ celebrations, as an innovative retail promotion ‘Shop, Spin & Win’ by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Dubai Shopping Malls Group offers shoppers spending a minimum Dh200 the chance to win prizes worth Dh1.5 million.  

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – Live in Concert
16 September, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

Pakistani singer and Sufi maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform live for one night in Dubai for his only performance of 2016, as part of the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations.

At a brand new show featuring a live acoustic segment never seen before, Rahat will play all his biggest Bollywood hits and Qawwali classics in a spectacular three-hour musical show.

Looney Tunes ‘What Stole My Chicken’ Live Show and Workshop
8–18 September, Ibn Battuta Mall

The Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Taz in ‘What Stole My Chicken’ will provide live entertainment for the whole family that will run for 10 days in Ibn Battuta Mall as part of the ‘Eid in Dubai-Eid Al Adha’ celebrations.

Come and enjoy the fabulous show, ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions and a workshop.

Make a film strip bookmark, engage in spot the difference and colouring activities and wear a Daffy Duck mask.

Eid in Dubai TV show
8–17 September, Souk Atrium, The Dubai Mall

A live TV show featuring the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebration that will be aired by Sama Dubai TV, offering prizes to the winners of games and competitions.

The show, which will have a full studio set up at the Souk Atrium in The Dubai Mall, is highly interactive and is based on various games and questions revolving around Eid in Dubai.

Over Dh20,000 worth of prizes will be offered to the winners.

Iftah Ya Simsim Live Show, Workshop and Parade
8-18 September, Dragon Mart 2

Based on the popular Arabic entertainment series for children, the Iftah Ya Simsim live show, will make its debut in Dubai in Dragon Mart 2, accompanied by a fun and educational workshop.

Characters from this show will also roam the mall before the shows to meet excited guests.

Colour Workshops
8-18 September, Dragon Mart 2

Join in the colourful workshops and enjoy a range of arts and crafts activities for kids.

Eid Al Adha entertainment
10-17 September, Mall of the Emirates

Visitors to Mall of the Emirates are in for a treat this Eid as they get to watch amazing themed entrance entertainment concepts - Human Puppet, Top hat tapping bunnies, and a Toy Music Band, plus three more themed roaming acts and shows – the Toy Maker, The Dolls, and The Soldiers.  

Comedy Illusion Show
8-17 September, City Centre Mirdif

Bringing an original and fresh specialty illusion will be the Comedy Illusion Show combining stunning illusions, mind-blowing magic and hilarious comedy into one action packed show you will never forget.

The Jungle Book
21 August - 17 September, City Walk expansion, located at Multaqa Al Adua’a (next to Hub Zero)

The Jungle Book experience is all about the family exploring the jungle environment together and creating fun memories.

Visitors are taken on the journey deep into the Indian Jungle with a feast of visual and audible surroundings. With some real animals, twisted vines, foliage and large trees, you can also enjoy experiences like taming the tiger, feeding the monkey and planting a tree.

Larger Than Life Mimes
8, 9, 13, 14  September: Mall of the Emirates; 10 & 12 September: Mall of the Emirates
15 & 16 September: Dragon Mart 2; 17 September: Ibn Battuta Mall

These exciting larger than life mimes will not only put on a great performance as they walk above everyone on stilts, but they will also turn heads with their silence.

Refusing to use the sense of sound to attract an audience, these performers will draw in a crowd in a visual way with their colourful lined costumes complete with shaggy lace, and crazy facial gestures that will surely tell a wonderful story.

Nickelodeon PlayPark - Live at Dubai Festival City
8-26 September, Dubai Festival City Mall

Visit Dubai Festival City Mall to experience a free interactive Nickelodeon PlayPark for the first time in Dubai, as part of the ‘Eid in Dubai’ celebrations.

Loads of family fun at four themed zones in the mall’s main atrium, Festival Square, with Shimmer and Shine, Paw Patrol, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

This unique PlayPark is free for kids of all ages.

The Spark!
8-17 September, Dubai Festival City Mall

During the upcoming ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations’ families are bound to enjoy The Spark!, a magical live music, movement and lighting spectacular, in which mysterious characters composed of light and sound transform the landscape around them.

The Spark! Is a medium scale street theatre show performed by seven characters that combine high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs.

Roaming acts and Dh30,000 in prizes
12-17 September, Mercato

Mercato is offering families the opportunity to enjoy an Eid to remember with special entertainment activities roaming acts, and a kids’ workshop conducted by the artistes and including painting and themed arts & crafts activities.

From 8-17 September, in a ‘Shop & Win’ promotion, shoppers spending Dh200 at any shop or outlet at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah during Eid, will be entitled to receive a coupon that will be entered into the raffle draw, offering one of these prizes: Gulf Cruise for a family of four by Imagine Cruising; jewellery prizes worth Dh30,000 or one of two Macbooks from iStyle.

Teddy & Otto
8 & 9 September: City Centre Deira; 10 & 12 September: Dragon Mart 2
13 & 14 September: Ibn Battuta Mall; 15 & 16 September: City Centre Deira
17 September: Mall of the Emirates

Meet Otto the Otter and Teddy the Fox, the friendliest, funny and furry characters you're likely to meet, as they wander through the crowd telling tales of fairies and woodland magic. Otto and Teddy invite anyone who wishes to test their knowledge at a quiz of fairytale fantasy!

The Couch
8 & 9 September: Mall of the Emirates; 10 & 12 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
13 & 14 September: Dragon Mart 2 ; 15 & 16 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
17 September: City Centre Deira  

As one of the events of the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations, two artists will join hands to pose as a Living Couch, singing and creating a fun ambience for all those seated on this Couch!   

Al Capone Jazz Band
8 & 9 September: Ibn Battuta Mall; 10 & 12 September: City Centre Deira
13 & 14 September: Mall of the Emirates; 15 & 16 September: Dragon Mart 2
17 September: Dragon Mart 2

A roaming music act from Italy, this live comic Dixieland will feature unique repertoire of classic Jazz and Swing music that will involve the entire audience in singing and clapping, as part of the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations.

Circus Follies
8 & 9 September: Dragon Mart 2; 10 & 12 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
13 &14 September: City Centre Deira; 15 &16 September: Mall of the Emirates
17 September: Dragon Mart 2

Visitors to the ‘Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha’ celebrations will be amazed by this magnificent comic juggling street act from Italy featuring super equilibrist performers using unique techniques and comedy animation.

Forever Friends Picnic
8 – 18 September, Dragon Mart 2

The Forever Friends Picnic is a delightful garden themed event, which will welcome families with storytelling, arts and crafts and ‘Meet & Greet the giant Forever Friends bears!

Eid Al Adha at WAFI
10 – 15 September

Celebrate Eid with your family at WAFI. Enjoy several activities including traditional dance shows, henna tent, display of falcon, and much more.
Enter the online Photo Contest and take a photo of an entertaining show, mall décor or whatever triggers your creativity and upload to the mall’s Facebook for a chance to win one of 3 prizes – Dh10,000, Dh7,000, Dh3,000.