VIDEO: Dubai Shopping Festival starts with fireworks, music, food and raffle draws

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) began on Dec.17 with an action-packed opening weekend of great live music, amazing markets, and family entertainment.
Massive fireworks displayed dazzled the shoppers at Al Seef Dubai.

The opening celebrations usher in great concerts, promotions, shows and much more taking place across the city until the grand finale on Jan.30, 2021.

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), organiser of DSF, highlights the epic events that will kick off this latest edition of DSF.

On Dec.19, the Dubai Opera will host The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Telling the tale of the world-famous folk-rock duo, the iconic live venue will host two shows, at 2pm and again at 8pm, with guests able to enjoy a wonderful, concert-style event featuring state-of-the-art video projection, unique lighting and a full live band.

Arabic music superstars Hussain Al Jassmi and Tamer Hosny will headline the first day of the two-day DSF opening celebration at Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Hussain and Tamer will perform on Dec.17. The show has sold out but will be aired live on MBC 1 and Wanasah at 8.30pm. TV presenter Lojain Omran will host the event.

International sensation Anne-Marie and pop act Clean Bandit, who will perform a  DJ set alongside vocalist Yasmin Green, will play on Dec.18 at Etisalat Market OTB, which will also feature unique F&B vendors and family activities. Doors will open from 12pm and concert seating will begin at 5pm, with tickets priced at Dhs50 available from DubaiCalendar.com, Platinumlist.net or on the Dubai Calendar app (available on iOS and Android).

The ultimate festive, feelgood family concert, Jingle Bell Rock will take place at Sheikh Saeed Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Dec.18. Featuring much-loved Christmas songs performed by a stellar lineup of international singers and musicians, the show is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in a safe and socially distanced environment.

Sheikh Rashid Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre will also welcome the hip hop sounds of Arabic rappers A.L.A and Jenjoon for the RAP Beats concert on Dec.18. Doors open at 7pm.