By By Lily B. Libo-on www.khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI – Against the backdrop of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, a magnificent show of choreographed performances was staged to mark the beginning of the 32-day 16th Dubai Shopping Festival.
His Excellency Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Department of Economic Development, Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), Ibrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO of DEPE, and other senior officials attend the official opening at the Boulevard-Burj Khalifa
Colourful as they were, dancers, acrobats and other performers on the surface of the water formed the highlight of the ceremony that used a giant DSF shopping bag structure as the background for the event.
The Burj Khalifa show was divided into four acts symbolizing the festive and vibrant atmosphere of DSF and of Dubai itself. The event’s unique water screen projection displayed images of the past and new Dubai in a back drop of light that matched the music beat and the rhythm of performers.
Thousands of families thronged to this area to witness the performances. The water fountain came alive with lively music melodies at the event and a spectacular firework display lit the Burj Khalifa sky.
The fireworks show covered the entire city as four other locations in Shindadgha area, Outlet Mall, Global Village and Dubai Creek Park also started the firework display simultaneously at 8:30pm.
The event was enhanced by jet skis, water screen projections, traditional Ayala dancers, and a cultural parade featuring dancers from across the world to reflect the DSF tagline, ‘One World, One Family, One Festival’.
Hours before the start of the official ceremony at 8pm at Burj Khalifa, thousands gathered a huge crowd gathered at Dubai Creek Park, the site of the public opening of the festival.
At the Dubai Creek Park, carnival revelry was all over with families from difference countries witnessing the performances of various artistes from different countries that made every inch of the park alive.
From music to dance acts to jugglers, musicians and clowns, everything made the children and adults, particularly families enjoy as the event stretched until 12 midnight.
The coming month will see events across Dubai in addition to shopping promotions and the opportunity to win prizes worth millions of dirhams. – lily@khaleejtimes.com
