Unveil Dubai’s Spectacular Festivals: A Journey Through Cultural Extravaganza

Dubai is synonymous with luxury shopping and futuristic skylines. But beneath the gleaming facade lies a vibrant cultural tapestry, unveiled during its many spectacular festivals. So, pack your bags and ditch the itinerary – Dubai’s festivals are your guide to authentic experiences!

Dubai Shopping Festival (December-January)

This granddaddy of all Dubai festivals transforms the city into a shopper’s paradise. Unbelievable discounts, dazzling fireworks displays, and live entertainment paint the town red. But beyond the retail therapy, witness cultural performances and traditional souks come alive, offering a glimpse into Emirati heritage.

Dubai Food Festival (February)

Foodies, rejoice! This month-long extravaganza is a celebration of global flavours. From Michelin-starred galas to international food trucks, your taste buds will embark on a culinary adventure. Don’t miss the chance to savour Emirati delicacies and participate in cooking demonstrations, learning the secrets of fragrant spices and slow-cooked stews.

Dubai International Film Festival (December)

Calling all cinema enthusiasts! This prestigious event showcases the best of world cinema, with red-carpet galas and screenings by acclaimed directors. It’s a platform for cultural exchange, where you can rub shoulders with filmmakers and discover hidden cinematic gems.

Dubai Desert Classic (February)

Experience the thrill of world-class tennis amidst the majestic desert backdrop. Witness top players battle it out on the court while enjoying the atmosphere and cultural performances that complement the sporting action.

Dubai Summer Surprises (June-August)

Escape the summer heat with a calendar brimming with the most interesting things to see and do in Dubai. World-class musicals, family-friendly entertainment shows, and mall promotions with extended shopping hours keep the city buzzing. This is the perfect time to experience indoor attractions and cultural centres at your own pace. Retreat back to the comforts of your room at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort if the heat gets unbearable.

Don’t Miss These Amazing Events & Festivals in Dubai – Fun-filled Experiences for All

Beyond the towering skyscrapers and stunning landscapes, Dubai plays host to some of the world’s most remarkable festivals. Each of these events offers an unforgettable experience which can be enjoyed by all ages. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at four Dubai festivals and events you should not miss.

Dubai Shopping Festival 

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual retail extravaganza that transforms this emirate into a shopper’s paradise. Held annually, this month-long event usually takes place from December to January and features jaw-dropping discounts and promotions at malls and retail hubs across the city. You will also find outdoor markets, fantastic prize draws, live entertainment, fireworks displays and more. Once done for the day, head back and unwind at a luxury private villa; Dubai offers plenty more shopping fun the next day as well!

Dubai Food Festival

The Dubai Food Festival is a culinary dream come true for foodies. This annual event generally takes place over two weeks and offers the perfect opportunity to savour flavours from around the world be it at fine dining restaurants or street food stalls. Masterclasses by renowned chefs, food-themed events, guided food tours and limited-edition menus all add to the appeal of this festival. During this period or any other time of the year, look to stay at properties like Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort which offer diverse dining delights too.

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Art Dubai

Held every March, the annual Art Dubai is a true celebration of art and creativity, showcasing the fusion of traditional and contemporary creations from the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. It attracts artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from across the globe and features various avant-garde installations, digital art, thought-provoking exhibitions, education programmes and special workshops including those for children. It also provides a fascinating perspective on the region’s cultural and artistic evolution worth experiencing.

Dubai International Boat Show

Held against the breathtaking backdrop of the marina and coastline, the annual Dubai International Boat Show is another great event to visit. Yachts, boats, and marine equipment from around the world take centre stage, attracting not only boat enthusiasts but also those who appreciate craftsmanship and are interested in the latest innovations. Highlights of this event include Superyacht Avenue with its stunning luxury yachts, the Boats on Land section and the Dive Pool, while thrilling water sports are also on offer.

Festivals in Dubai – Add Colour Your Vacation

Dubai is a major tourist destination in the world and in order to provide a wholesome experience for tourists the country is packed with festivals and events throughout the year. Most festivals are closely related to Islam due to the dense Muslim population of the country.

Here are a few of the most popular festivals in Dubai.

Dubai shopping festivals

This is a massive shopping fiesta usually scheduled from January 1st to the 2nd February. Stocked with tons of clothes, shoes and bags for bargain prices, this is a shopper’s paradise. The festival involves every shop in the city, fireworks, and fun activities for kids and many more.

Festival of Taste

This is a vibrant city with diverse varieties of food. This is held in the Media city of Dubai and is run for over one week. This is a glorious event where the best chefs of the world will flock to prepare their best dishes.

Dubai international Jazz festival

This is another annual event that attracts tourists from all around the world. Held in the media district of Dubai this is an event with major lineups of Stanley Jorden, Toto and Robin Gibb. Visitors staying in 5 star resorts in Dubai such as water bound properties like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.

Art Dubai

This is an annual art fair where the best artists and curators flock together to showcase their artistic skills. This is a wonderful platform for growing talents and established artists of the city.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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New Year Celebrations in Dubai -2015 – One of the most extravagant and lavish parties are hosted at Dubai

Dubai is known for their exotic, extravagant and lavish style and is a travel destination for many people from many different countries. Dubai is known for their lavish parties and mainly for their fabulous night life. The New Year’s Eve at Dubai is one of the biggest events of the year and many people fly to Dubai, just to take part in the New Year festivities. These festivities have dance shows, theme parties and a range of processions throughout the streets of the city. The city has vibrant lights and some amazing New Year firework shows for the brand new year of 2015. The Ascott Park Place, Dubai is one of the best Dubai hotel apartments, and is a great venue to celebrate the New Year 2015. This hotel is also very near to the exhibition center and the station. They have an iconic 56 story building, and have floor to ceiling windows in each department that overlooks breathtaking views of the city or the Arabian Golf. Guests can enjoy the 40 meter swimming pool and have an empowering work out with the state of the art equipment.

At New Year’s Eve in Dubai, many restaurants offer special menu, and very grand buffets and a refined fine dining options. Dubai is known as a city that never sleeps, and this is one of the few cities which experiences high inflow of tourists from all over the world. The world famous Burj Al Arab is one of the most special places, as this 7 star hotel welcomes the New Year like no other city. One can enjoy the complete view of the New Year eve’s fireworks right from the rooftop of this hotel. The World famous Burj kalifa, also offers an amazing firework display. The downtown area of Dubai celebrates New Years that accommodates millions of tourists along with the local residents. These celebrations begin with a musical performance followed by dances that are choreographed by world famous dancers.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Ramadan in Dubai, a Venerated Occasion

The month of Ramadan is significant for Muslims around the world, and it is celebrated with fervour in the United Arab Emirates. In Dubai, perhaps the most open and cosmopolitan of the Emirates, Ramadan is one of the most important times of the year, and a special occasion for the Muslim faithful. Well-informed travellers intending to visit the Emirate during this time and who desire a comfortable Palm Jumeirah hotel will find an appealing choice in Dubai the Palm Resort & Spa. This attractive resort offers excellent accommodations and attentive hospitality.

According to Islamic tradition Ramadan is considered to be one component of the five central pillars of the religion. At this time of the year Muslims are encouraged to focus on their spiritual life and display great generosity towards the less fortunate. During this special month of the year, healthy Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, and to also refrain from drinking liquids, smoking and engaging in sexual activity during this period. However pregnant women, young children, the sick and the elderly are exempted from these requirements.

In Dubai many festive events are organized during this month, and the commercial sector experiences an upturn in business. Emirati traditions and hospitality are very much in evidence at this time of the year. Particularly the evening meal of ifthar, when the faithful break their fast, is considered to be a social occasion; throughout the city ifthars are organized where people of diverse nationalities join together in the spirit of the festival.

A number of educational and cultural events are also organized at the time of Ramadan. These are intended to educate the public regarding the significance and importance of this special time of the year. People are instructed on how to behave and conduct themselves during Ramadan. Contests are held where competitors engage in the recital of the Holy Koran, in which the most skilled in recital receive cash awards.

In the city the night market stays open until the early hours of the morning, offering a multitude of dining and shopping options. Not to be missed is the Majlis where visitors can enjoy an array of excellent Arabian foods every night of this month.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Beautyworld Middle East 2014 – A place for all your beauty needs

Known to be the largest International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Cosmetics and Perfumery in the Middle East, the Beautyworld Middle East is once again being held in 2014 from 27th May to 29th May 2014, allowing all those beauty conscious individuals a chance to truly explore the world of cosmetics. Finding   accommodation in Dubai during this period will not be an issue since Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a reputed Palm Jumeirah hotel that is known to cater to every single need of discerning travellers. Evolving steadily over the past 17 years since its inception, this show-stopping beauty show features a wide range of cutting edge products and services from around the world, thereby serving as a one stop destination for all your beauty needs, enabling the visitors to learn about the latest market trends from across the globe.

Arabian Travel Market 2014 – Exciting Holiday Planning

Scheduled to be held over three days, from 5th to 8th May 2014, the annual Arabian Travel Market or ATM is the premier travel & tourism event that assists travel and tourism professionals to gain access to the inbound and outbound travel market in the Middle East region. The trade show is one of the biggest travel events in the world. The Dubai International and Convention Centre will play host to more than 16,000 participants and showcase more than 2,000 products from over 70 exhibitors related to the travel and tourism industry in 23,500 sq metres of space. New products relating to the industry have been successfully launched at previous events therefore there is reason to believe several new products will be released this time too at this prestigious occasion.

Everything from cruise lines to car rentals, international and local hotel chains and resorts, airlines and software solutions are represented here. As the event is the meeting place for the movers and shakers representing every aspect of the leisure tourism industry, this is a not to be missed opportunity for travel professionals.

Attendees will be provided with the facilities and assistance to have face to face meetings and interact with more than 2,500 exhibitors. Going by the number of meetings conducted among delegates the previous year, face to face meetings are still the most popular and probably the best way of starting out on a business and getting to know potential business partners. A program of seminars and workshops is being planned to disseminate the latest information and practical advice pertaining to the travel and leisure trade.

Exhibits arranged according to industry and geographical regions are aimed at giving delegates insights into travel and leisure opportunities on a global scale. Well planned social events and cultural events organized by individual delegations will allow for maximum opportunities to network and meet like minded professionals. Attendees will also have access to data to assess the latest industry trends and study the modus operandi of rivals.

Promotional activities start immediately after registration, well before the event. If needed, advice and guidelines are provided as to how to attract visitors to exhibits, generate leads, gain brand exposure, promote products and generate a buzz. Online directories help attendees and exhibitors to register state requirements and identify suitable events.

Anantara Dubai, The Palm Resort & Spa located on the eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah is a beautifully laid out Asian influenced resort where among the many excellent features are a selection of rooms and villas that are undoubtedly the most unique accommodation in Dubai. The spacious, well appointed rooms have direct access to the pool while the villas have their own infinity pools and some are the UAEs only overwater villas. Among the other attributes at this Palm Jumeirah hotel is a 50 metre pool, easy access to the beach, two modern gyms, tennis courts, dining venues serving international cuisines and selections from the Mekong Region and a well equipped spa that offers Thai and Arabian treatments for men and women.

PALME 2014 – high-tech lighting at its best!

Showcasing the best of light and sound technologies to the outside world, PALME 2014 is the Middle East’s grandest stage of modern day technology which is held on annual basis. Should you be on the lookout for a Dubai luxury hotel in time for the next edition, consider staying at Grand Millennium Dubai which is rated among the most sought after of 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer.

Scheduled to be held between the 15th -17th of April 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the showpiece event is destined to capture the hearts of the ardent entertainment and gadget guru. Be fascinated by the biggest gathering of professionals in the categories of lighting, audio-visual, music and entertainment whose expertise and products are sure to leave you coming back for more. Stay up to date with the very latest technological developments in sound and lighting at PALME 2014 which is fast becoming the benchmark in state of the art innovation and ideas. If your wish is to learn the tricks of the trade, then perhaps any one of the numerous audio-visual certified courses might be of interest to you. Exchange pleasantries with over 200 exhibitors who are expected to attend this forum, signalling a new dawn in modern age technology and facilities.

 

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Middle East Film and Comic Con 2014 – Celebrating Popular Culture

The world can sometimes become a busy place as people run to and fro from one place to another. In order to keep a balance between a hectic lifestyle and peace of mind people get engaged in activities such as meditation and works of art.

When speaking of art there is so much to learn, explore and experience, starting from simple paintings on a piece of paper to masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, to simple tunes hummed by a child to great symphonies composed by Mozart and Beethoven, to great films such as Gone with the Wind, Titanic, Casablanca, Lord of the Rings and Jurassic Park, art has no end to it!

Thus the importance of re-living memories of yesteryear and experiencing the advancement of the contemporary world are the main features of any film festival, art exhibition or music concert. The Middle Eastern Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) is a popular cultural calendar event in Dubai where global stars of TV, comics, theatre, animations, music and art gather to exhibit their works. The 03rd edition of the MEFCC will be held from 03-05 April 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Famous artists such as Seth Green of Austin Powers, Sylvester McCoy from Dr. Who and one of Marvel’s hottest artists Humberto Ramos have already being listed to attend the upcoming exhibition.

Dubai is a city with a high standard of living and it is perfectly portrayed in most Dubai luxury hotel complexes too. The Dubai skyline is outlined with a huge number of skyscrapers and most of them are 5 star hotels Dubai has in store for its visitors. A stay in these classy hotels offer one the chance to experience the very best the region has to offer. These hotels contain beautiful infrastructure, rich Emirati interior decorations and not forgetting mouth-watering cuisines too. Grand Millennium Dubai is one such example and offers its guests all luxuries needed for a perfect holiday getaway. It features the very best in modern comforts and conveniences and makes an ideal base from which to explore and experience the many sights and sounds of this enchanting part of the UAE.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Arabian Travel Market 2014 – An opportunity for travel and tourism professionals

Scheduled to be held from 5th to 8th of May, the Arabian Travel Market makes the promise of an exhilarating experience. Featuring a myriad of exciting stalls, workshops, seminars as well as entertainment, 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer overfill with visitors during this time of the year. Grand Millennium Dubai is a recommended Dubai luxury hotel to stay in during the exhibition but it is always recommended to book well beforehand. Known to be a prominent international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for outbound and inbound tourism professionals from all around the world, the Arabian Travel Market brings together buyers as well as the top decision makers representing each and every facet of the leisure travel industry. Unlocking Middle East’s business potential for outbound and inbound tourism professionals, the Arabian Travel Market 2014 will most undoubtedly open up plenty of doors, unveiling to the industry so much of options.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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