Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011 Ties Up Its 9th Edition With More Sold Out Shows And An Ascending Attendance Record!

A total of 19 days of intensive music shows started up with the Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 opening day at the Walk JBR on January 20th, 2011 with the Blues Edition of the Jazz World, which featured 9 nights and 18 bands introducing an international and local mix of the best Blues artists and performers. This official associated event of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011 attracted a larger crowd this year, topping more than 10,000 fans enjoying the outdoor free concerts.

The du Jazz Garden event followed with its breathtaking Jazz shows throughout 7 nights at Dubai Media City. The collaboration between Chillout Productions and the British Council showcased the best of UK Jazz scene with the 7 bands flocking from the UK to share the best of their repertoires and Jazz music stock. The closing acts featured another 7 stirring international smooth Jazz bands.

The main gigs were of great attraction to a huge crowd due to the rich line-up and artists profiles. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, with Alison Moyet and Mica Paris, made the opening night of the main gigs an outstanding success! The sold out show welcomed a hunger crowd eager to indulge with such real quality music and entertainment.

The second night scored another success! The Grammy Award winning star Macy Gray wowed the crowd with her astonishing presence on stage, her show exceeded all expectations getting the fans on their toes asking for more!

Lifehouse stars added on to the night’s exciting mood putting a greatly exciting show attracting thousands of fans heading from all across the region to experience the best of Lifehouse on stage!

Mindi Abair & Peter White performance revived all Jazz sensations during their show that was the perfect start of the night.

Straight from winning their Grammy for best performance by a pop duo for the single ’Hey Soul Sister’, the award-winning band Train glazed the Skywards stage with an outstanding show and interactive presence, following the appealing performance of Joshua Radin and the talented diva Jessy J.

The Skywards International Jazz Festival 2011 surely marked another successful edition due to its rich line-up and collection of names as well as its associated events gathering more than 45000 fans throughout its 19 days of festivities and promising even another thriving edition in 2012 with loads of WOW activities and line-up.

 

The 2nd Editon Of The Jazz World Tied Up On Januray 28th, At The Walk JBR With The Most Exciting Shows Featuring The Best Selection Of Artists!

In partnership with Dubai Shopping Festival 2011, Chillout Productions brought back this amazingly fresh concept with its second edition themed with Blues that featured various bands ranging from local performers to awarded international artists and blues legends. .

The locally selected line-up included Blue Light Collective, Marwan & The Mojos featuring Danielle Booysen, Xceed, Flip Side, Dwight Dickerson Quartet, Fatiniza, Serge Bikhazi Blues Band and Kaeidoscope. The international set of artists consists of B.B. And The Blues Shacks, and bands of Mike Andersen, Marc Tee, Larry Garner, Sharrie Williams, Sax Gordon & Raphael Wressing, Paul Lamb featuring Chad Stenz.

The closing night featured Sharrie Williams, Sax Gordon & Raphael Wressing, for an All Star Jamming show that attracted over 3000 people gathering in front of the stage with non-stop clapping and hailing for the legendary entertainer and blues master Sharrie Williams who kept the crowd on it toes asking for more and encore! The show kept on for more than one hour and a half due to the crowd demand and enthusiasm.

The closing night of the Jazz World was the greatest night with no doubt! Promising another successful edition in 2012 that will bring new themes, a greater selection of bands and for sure more days!

“We were amazed by the ascending fan base of this event, the crowd we received throughout the 9 nights was incredible exceeding all expectations, and the closing night was an utmost success; the bands were remarkable, the ambiance was highly active and fun, and we are looking forward to next year’s edition that will carry lots of surprises!” declared Anthony Younes, founder and organizer of the festival.

The Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011 activities to proceed from February 8th with the du Jazz Garden week of intensive Jazz shows and another 14 international bands, supported by the British Council in Dubai and the UK Jazz Services followed by the main gigs on February 16, 17, and 18 at featuring a line-up of international pop-jazz idols Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Alison Moyet, Macy Gray, Lifehouse, Joshua Radin and Train and much more!
 

Fireworks And Cultural Shows To Greet New Year 2011 at Global Village

Global Village, the premier cultural, shopping and family entertainment destination, today announced lights, fireworks and laser shows will usher in the New Year 2011, offering visitors an opportunity to share in the excitement at the most popular venue for outdoor events.

The specially organised activities will start at 10:00pm on 31 December and will continue until the stroke of midnight that marks the beginning of the New Year. 12 music groups will be visiting various pavilions across the Global Village before fireworks commence and the countdown ends.

Special offers and attractive bargains also await visitors to the 28 pavilions during the New Year weekend. In addition, a spectacular array of activities including art shows, special performances at individual pavilions and dedicatedprogrammes will be part of the offerings during the period.

The 15th edition of Global Village continues to draw visitors in large numbers since it opened on 10 November.

More than 45 rides that populate the Fun Fair at Global Village currently provide exciting leisure options for visitors of all ages. In addition, new facilities and complementary services at the venue contribute to shaping a perfect platform for entertainment and retail experience.

The 111-day season of the Global Village will run until 28 February 2011.

For more information about the shows and activities at Global Village, please contact 04-3624114 or visit www.globalvillage.ae.Also, stay tuned to Global Village updates through Facebook and Twitter (GlobalVillageAE).
 

The Two Internationally Reputed Trade Shows DOMOTEX Middle East R+T Middle East Are Back Again From 12  14 September 2011

DOMOTEX Middle East is the only international trade show for carpets and floor coverings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and once again will be held from 12th – 14th September 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre alongside R+T Middle East – the region’s specialised trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates, windows and sun protection systems, combining a unique synergy between two internationally reputed trade show profiles.

Angela Schaschen, Managing Director of Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, explained that the potential for business in the building and construction sector in the Gulf region remains enormous, even despite the recent set backs caused by the global economic downturn. “The Middle East has scores of large projects under way once more across a wide spectrum of sectors, especially real estate, tourism and infrastructure. This can only have positive benefits for both the industry segments we will be showcasing,” she said.

“The key target groups for DOMOTEX Middle East 2011 are wholesalers and retailers, decision-makers from the construction industry, as well as architects, interior decorators and designers, project planners and developers. The event will feature a wealth of hand-made and machine-made rugs and carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and other wood flooring; laminates; ceramic tiles, natural stone and marble; floor coverings for sport facilities; fibres, yarns and textiles, application and floor laying techniques and equipment; machinery and technology for the floor covering industry,” Schaschen continued.

“A special hard-flooring section has also been added to DOMOTEX Middle East 2011. The regional flooring market sees increased demand for specialised flooring applications with increased number of retail, government, hospitality, and commercial projects opting for the latest products and innovations in stone, marble, granites, mosaic and ceramic flooring.

“The strong re-emergence of the construction sector across the region represents a tremendous source of potential business opportunities for the entire spectrum of carpets and floor covering categories and the latest products and innovations in roller shutters, doors/gates, windows & sun protection systems. Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming the key market, with the Kingdom currently having US$624 billion worth of projects planned or underway across the GCC. It is expected to award contracts worth US$86 billion in 2011. The UAE and Qatar too are exhibiting strong growth with multibillion dollar projects already underway.

“Across the Middle East, 98 new hotels with more than 27,000 rooms were built in 2010, and a further 115 hotels with around 33,000 rooms are scheduled to be opened in 2011. In the member countries of the GCC alone, 48 new hotels with about 15,000 rooms opened in 2010. In the United Arab Emirates between 5,000 and 6,000 new hotel rooms have been created in the last twelve months; and Saudi Arabia is increasing its capacity to meet the growing numbers of guests. If everything goes according to plan, Saudi Arabia will boast a further 21 hotels offering some 7,000 to 8,000 rooms by 2013.”

“The significant increase in industrial projects across the region, coupled with the construction sector growth, means that the exhibitors at the second edition of R+T Middle East have a lot to look forward to", explains Schaschen.

2010 was the first year that R+T Middle East was launched jointly with DOMOTEX Middle East. R+T is a spin-off show from R+T Stuttgart, the world’s largest and leading international trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates, windows and sun protection systems.

R+T Middle East 2011 will feature a comprehensive range of specialised products and services, including roller shutters and accessories; windows, window shutters and accessories; awnings; Venetian blinds and roller blinds; doors/gates and accessories; drive and control systems; electrical security equipment; business fittings and furnishings; and technical literature.

Angela Schaschen added that DOMOTEX Middle East has gained in its stature as a specialised vertical trade show from focussed flooring industry experts. The 2011 edition has picked up momentum in stand bookings and shows very encouraging signs to maintain its position as the leading event within its profile in the entire Middle East. The 2010 edition of DOMOTEX and R+T Middle East together witnessed 4,864 buyers from over 75 countries from around the world. Over 175 exhibitors from Europe, MENA, Far East and Indian Subcontinent showcased their new product lines and innovations.

“The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran led the influx of visitors by country of origin; and their main purpose of visiting was looking for new suppliers (56%), Meeting current suppliers (29%) and seeing the latest trends and developments (28%). 81% of these visits were determined by investment plans and fully 70% of all visitors placed orders during the show,” she concluded.

 

The Dubai Fountain To Showcase Glittering Fire Water Shows Daily From Dec. 18

The Dubai Fountain is going on fire! The world’s tallest performing fountain located in Downtown Dubai – the ‘centre of now’ – will unveil an unprecedented spectacle wherein water jets will flutter to rhythmic melody along with live flames in a spectacular fire-water-music show.

The ‘Fire & Water’ show at The Dubai Fountain is part of an impressive line-up of events to celebrate the festive season at Downtown Dubai, and will commence from Dec. 18. All regular shows of the fountain, held every 20 minutes from 6pm, will feature the fire element, offering a never-before-seen experience for visitors.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Downtown Dubai, the new heart of the city and the must-visit tourist destination, is hosting a whole array of breathtaking celebrations this festive season. The ‘Fire & Water’ show at The Dubai Fountain flags off the festive calendar, with several surprises in store for visitors during the coming weeks.”

The Dubai Fountain overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and lines the Waterfront Promenade of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

Set on the Burj Lake, the fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, attracting thousands of visitors every day. The Dubai Mall and the adjoining Souk Al Bahar – an Arabesque themed shopping mall – have several waterfront restaurants that offer spectacular views of the fountain.

The Dubai Fountain sways to the rhythm of several songs that are updated regularly. These include ‘Sama Dubai,’ a tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and another Emirati composition Insh Al Aldar, associated with festive solidarity and dancing, reflecting the UAE’s cultural traditions.

At over 900 ft (275 metres) in length, The Dubai Fountain has been designed by Californian based WET, also the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The new ‘fire’ addition is facilitated through Flame Generators, at least 60 of them strategically located in the lake.

In addition to world-class homes and offices, Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties, also features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace – The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, hosts several lifestyle activities including the Emirates Classic Car Festival held recently as part of the UAE National Day celebrations.

Downtown Dubai also hosted several lifestyle events including the music concerts by Saudi Arabian singer Mohammed Abdo as part of the Eid in Dubai celebrations, and by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasmi.
 

UAE trade prospects for 2011 shows upward trajectory

A recently released Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry study shows that the UAE was among the major 30 merchandize exporters and importers globally in 2008 and 2009. The country maintained its 2008 rank as the 19th merchandize exporter globally in 2009, with shipments worth $175bn which is lower than 2008 shipment value of $232bn. However, the country has managed to maintain its share in world exports of 1.4% in 2008 and 2009.

In light of the global trade, which during the last two years, has witnessed its deepest slump in more than 70 years, the study attributes the reasons behind this historic trade decline mainly to the sharp contraction in global demand, imposition of some protectionist measures, the limited availability of trade finance and the spread of global supply chains, where goods cross national borders several times during the production process. It is believed that trade can trigger and sustain the global economic recovery in the same way it contributed to the spreading of the global economic downturn.

The study assesses the relative performance of the UAE global trade during 2009 and its prospects for 2010-2011 in anticipation of the country’s economic recovery.

Merchandise Trade The top three exporters in 2009 were China ($1.20 trillion or 9.6 %of world export), Germany ($1.12 trillion or 9.0%), and United States ($1.05 trillion or 8.5%).

The study further reveals that the UAE is the only Gulf country which is listed in the leading global importers for the last three years. In 2009, UAE ranked at the 24 leading merchandize importer globally, three positions advanced compared to 2008. UAE merchandize imports from the rest of the world was worth $140bn in 2009 (1.1% of the world imports), and its annual percentage change registered a downward growth rate of -21%.

The United States continued to lead all merchandise importers with shipments worth US$ 1.6 trillion (12.7% of world imports). China was the second-largest importer of merchandise, with a 8.0% share valued at US$ 1.0 trillion.

Germany was the third-largest importer of merchandise, with a 7.4 %share valued at $931bn.

Commercial Services Trade Trade in commercial services includes trade in transport services, travel services, financial services and others. The United States maintained its rank as the largest exporter and importer of commercial services, with global market share of 14.2% and exports value of $470bn in 2009. US export of financial services fell by 9% in 2009 compared to growth of 10% in 2008.

The study reports that the United Kingdom comes in as the second major commercial services exporter, with global market share of 7.3%, 3rd rank is Germany with market share of 6.5%. The severity of the financial crisis was more apparent in 2009 negative growth rates of all the leading exporters of commercial services. With respect to commercial trade services, UAE is not among the top 30 exporters, nonetheless, is one of the global top importers of commercial services, positioned in the 27 in both 2008 and 2009, with stable global market share of 1% valued at $36bn in 2009.

Trade prospects for 2010/2011 The study informs that with the recovery in the world trade volume in the first two months of 2010 (13% higher than a year ago) and without any upheavals in the global economy, world trade is expected to presume its upward trajectory through 2010 and 2011.

According to the United Nation report on world economic situation and prospects for 2010, world trade is expected to grow by 7.6% in 2010, after a decline of about 13.1% in 2009. This gradual upward trend is forecast to continue in 2011, with trade volumes expected to expand by 5.9%. On the other hand, the World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that world exports in volume terms will grow by 9.5% in 2010.

The study concludes that the UAE being a small open economy, with trade sector representing substantial share in its GDP, the UAE trade sector is expected to recover in tandem with the world trade expected upward trajectory.

 

DED Survey Shows Exporters Are Bullish Regarding Future Prospects

The Department for Economic Development (DED) has initiated an extensive programme of conducting regular business surveys to track the level of economic activity in the previous and oncoming quarters of the year. The surveys cover the manufacturing, service, and retail sectors. Six types of surveys are being conducted which include: Exporter Confidence Survey; SME Sentiment Survey; Retail Trends Survey; Construction and Real Estate Confidence Survey; Industrial Production Survey and the Survey of Purchasing and Supply Chain Managers.

The surveys will complement the existing data collected by various governmental bodies along with the outlooks by companies. They will help decision makers to develop strategies and policies including near term economic forecasts for their research, business or investment purposes. The surveys also seek to create a platform to understand and analyze the changes that have taken place or are due to happen in the business sector.

The first of these surveys, now published, is the Exporter Confidence Survey. Mr Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Economic Development at DED, said: “The survey shows that the business community strongly believes that the economic growth the emirate is witnessing will continue. The surveys seek to complement the existing data collected by various governmental bodies by providing decision makers an insight into the business sentiment regarding their past experience and near-term business conditions.” 

The survey methodology has been developed using established benchmarks that facilitate a drilling down of data to individual component parts based on the International Standard Industry Classification (ISIC). This means decision makers can obtain the data relating to individual activity and thus allow for cross sector comparison.

Dr Ashraf Mahate, who designed and conducted the survey, said: “In Dubai, 98.5 % of businesses are defined as either small or medium sized; therefore our survey seeks to understand their differing experiences. More importantly, we find that micro firms who are not only small but young have very different experiences and if they are to grow we need to understand them in more detail.”

The survey covered 98 senior managers from firms across different sectors relevant to exports. . Approximately, three quarters dealt with goods while the rest related to the services sector.

The survey shows that exporters were bullish regarding their profit expectations for the next three months. Some 40% of exporters expect either a substantial or moderate increase in profits while a further 30% foresee no decline. Although, all firms on average expect profits to increase in the next quarter, the highest incidence of substantial improvement is perceived among medium and micro sized firms. Firms tend to be far more bullish regarding international sales than domestic ones.

Dr Mahate added: “The country’s firms have been more active in foreign markets and this has been illustrated by the fact that exports from the emirate have increased by 40% in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year.”

The survey confirms this with 60% of exporters regarding that there will be an increase in the number of new international sales under discussion.

The survey showed that by and large the most important export markets are GCC, India, Pakistan and South Asia. Firms in the region have been trading with these countries for many decades and their proximity makes them the first foreign market for exports. The more distant markets tend not to be very important as far as firms are concerned. The survey found that firms intend to use their existing portfolio of goods and services to enter new foreign markets. The general view is that product development is both an expensive and risky affair.

Dr Mahate added: “The survey shows that the improvement in business conditions poses some risk of a moderate increase in supplier prices over the next quarter. Generally speaking firms do not intend to increase their prices and any upward change in supplier costs is most likely to be absorbed.”

The improvement in business conditions and expectations of the economy have also meant that firms are now more likely to carry out capital investment plans. Over half the firms in the survey feel that they will carry out some form of capital investment over the next quarter. Interestingly there appears to be an equal split between domestic and overseas investment. The most common type of overseas investment is to open a sales office. This type of investment will further increase overseas sales and will raise domestic output.

Executive MBA Intake At London Business School, Dubai, Shows Increasing Number Of Entrepreneurs Look For Edge With Formal Training

London Business School, one of the world’s leading global business schools, has revealed that this year’s intake of Executive MBA students on the Dubai stream showed the number of entrepreneurs looking to sharpen their skills with formal training has tripled, compared to the previous year when there were only three entrepreneurs enrolled on the programme.

Of the 130 students on the course, 51 will be studying on the Dubai stream of the programme following their recent orientation week in London. The average EMBA student is in their mid-thirties and has 10 years of professional experience.

For the first time since the School brought the programme to the UAE, it has joined its Dubai and London streams for orientation week, giving students truly international integration. The two streams will be reunited for modules and electives at key points during the 20-month programme, allowing students to network and make connections to enrich their experience and their professional lives.

Another trend for this year’s EMBA intake is the number of students who finance their own study, while in the past a greater number of students have relied on corporate sponsorship from their companies. Compared to last year, the number of sponsored students has decreased by 50 per cent. The number of self-financing students is telling of the value they place on the programme. The London Business School quality assurance means the entry criteria will never be lowered to fill the course, resulting in consistently high standards across both campuses.

The international class of 51 students is made up of 25 nationalities with no one dominant national group. Many of the students travel to Dubai from across the GCC and Levant, and there are even students from the UK with an interest in the Middle East who have chosen to take the Dubai stream.

Professor Naufel J. Vilcassim, Faculty Director, Dubai, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the new class to the Executive MBA programme. The increase in the number of self-financed students this year shows the value the programme adds, and the impact it has had on our former students’ careers. We are particularly pleased to welcome our female students to the course. By offering this course at our Dubai campus, we know that we are opening the door to women in the GCC, who through personal and family circumstances would not otherwise be able to attend the course.

“The international networking opportunities offered by the two streams, particularly as they are reunited, and the pedigree of our diverse student body is another key strength of our programme. These students have the benefit of learning a tremendous amount not just from our world-class faculty but also from one another.”

Sultan Salman, an EMBA student on the programme, commented:

“The way this course is structured makes it possible to combine a full time job with further study without having to compromise on quality. The option to take an elective module in an intense block of 30 hours in one week makes it ideal for international students such as myself. Having met the international student body at the orientation week in London, I look forward to taking up the networking opportunities the school offers.”

London Business School’s full-time MBA programme is ranked number one in the world in the Financial Times´ annual survey, and first in the Financial Times´ ranking of European Business Schools´ MBA, EMBA and Executive Education programmes. It launched its Executive MBA programme in Dubai in September 2007. Located over campuses in two of the world’s most dynamic cities – London and Dubai – this programme is taught over 20 months. Ten of the 11 core courses are taught in the Centre of Excellence at the Dubai International Financial Centre, while the majority of elective courses are offered at London Business School’s central London campus.

The programme, taught exclusively by London Business School’s own faculty, gives students a thorough grounding in all key areas of business and management and, through the diverse elective portfolio, also allows them to specialise in their chosen subject areas.
 

DTCMs 2010 First Half Report Shows Dubais Growing Appeal As A Tourism Hotspot

A recent report released by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) shows that Dubai has achieved significant growth in terms of hotel occupancy and tourism arrivals in the first half of 2010 (January through June), where the number of hotel guests in Dubai reached 4,181,326 with a 9% increase from 3,852,742 guests in the first half of the last year.

Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM, said that despite the challenging conditions faced by the global tourism industry last year, Dubai was still able to achieve impressive results in terms of tourist arrivals, hotel revenues and tourism related events.

Statistics from DTCM show that the number of hotels operating in Dubai has reached 566, representing a 7 per cent increase from 530 last year, while hotel rooms reached 67,369, indicating a 16 per cent increase from 58,188 rooms last year.

Hotel revenues by the end of the first half of 2010 reached AED 6,888,477, representing a 6 per cent increase over the first half of 2010, during which revenues reached AED 6,519,691.

Bin Sulayem congratulated the private sector in Dubai for this achievement and said that “this would not have been possible without their sincere efforts and cooperation, especially given the challenges faced by the global tourism industry in general.”

Statistics issued by the Department referred to the 18 per cent increase in the number of tourist nights, which reached 12,462,209 nights compared to 10,541,955 during the same period last year.

Hotels sustained their occupancy rate of 71.7 per cent despite the increase in the number of hotel rooms. Meanwhile, the occupancy rate of hotel apartments increased from 67.2 per cent last year to 68.8 per cent this year; representing a 2 per cent increase.

Figures show that total Arab guests in Dubai reached 1, 216, 024 or an increase of 10 per cent from 1,110, 088 last year.

There were 494,309 guests from the GCC, registering a 20 per cent growth from 412,145 during the same period last year. Guests from other Arab countries reached 338,532, rising by 3 per cent from 329,599 in the first half last year.

The number of Asian guests increased by 17 per cent to reach 1,059,096 compared with 902,878 in the same period last year.

European guests reached 1,254,518, increasing by 3 per cent over last year’s 1,216,415.

Hotel guests from the Americas reached 334,984 compared with 312,904 during last year’s first half, representing a 7 per cent increase.

Guests from Australia and Pacific countries reached 100,077, with a 7 per cent increase from 93,159 last year.
There were no remarkable changes in the number of African guests, which reached 216,626 in the first half of 2010.

UK had the most number of guests coming to Dubai in the first half of this year as the country accounted for 382,356 guests, while KSA came first among Arab countries with 227,382 guests.

International Character Shows To Brighten Childrens Eid

With only days left for Eid Al Fitr celebrations to kick-off, the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment is bringing extraordinary international character shows for children during ‘Eid in Dubai’. Organised for free this Eid, the shows will be held in select malls across the city.

Visitors can ready to welcome two of the best -loved characters on to the stage this Eid: Ben 10 and Hello Kitty. Ben 10 features a twenty-five minute live stunt action show incorporating spectacular graphics and a chance for children to see Ben Tennyson, Four Arms, and Wildmutt in action. Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, and My Melody get together for a musical performance in the Hello Kitty show.

To add to the festive spirit, popular dinosaur Barney joins Baby Bop and BJ for yet another scintillating show titled Barney’s Beach Party. The show is free and followed by a ‘meet and greet’ session. Popular children’s television programme Lazy Town also takes the stage to enthrall children. To emphasize the spirit of Eid and to spread the feelings of joy and festivity, all shows are being staged by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment for free.

The Shows
Ben 10 – Mirdif City Centre
(02:35pm, 04:55pm, 07:00pm, 09:05pm) (First three days of Eid Al Fitr)
Ben Tennyson travels across the country with his fun-loving and tough-as-nails Grandpa Max and his 10-year-old smarty-pants and snooty Cousin Gwen. Ben discovers a strange alien device in a crashed meteorite that immediately attaches itself to his wrist. Ben realizes that by using the watch he can transform into ten different alien superheroes each with unique powers and abilities all while keeping his 10-year-old personality. Ben uses his new abilities to fight against wrongs, save the world and occasionally get into some kid-style trouble. Watch the 25-minute live action show featuring spectacular multimedia and an exclusive meet and greet session after each show.

Hello Kitty – Mirdif City Centre
(03:20pm, 05:35pm, 07:40pm, 09:45pm) (First three days of Eid Al Fitr)
Join Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, and My Melody in a scintillating musical for children this Eid. Watch them perform your favourite Hello Kitty songs in addition to a chance to meet and greet the adorable characters.

Freej Show – Mirdif City Centre
(02:00pm, 04:15pm, 08:30pm, 10:30pm) (Sep 9th – Sep 13th)
Mirdif City Centre will come alive with live mini stage shows of the popular UAE animation series Freej from September 9th to the 13th. Freej is a 3D animated series produced in the UAE that follows the tale of four old Emirati women living in a secluded neighbourhood in modern day Dubai.

The show’s main characters; Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi and Um Khammas try to live a peaceful life in the midst of the ever-expanding city around them, but the city’s boom unveils new social issues every day that they have to solve in their own simple way.

Barney’s Beach Party (Mall of the Emirates)
(05:00pm, 06:00pm, 07:00pm, 09:00pm) (First three days of Eid Al Fitr)
The adorable purple dinosaur Barney joins Baby Bop and BJ in a musical titled Barney’s Beach Party. Barney and friends take a fun-filled educational trip to the sea and indulge in sail-boating, flying kites, hunting shells, and building sandcastles. Don’t forget to sing along with Barney and don’t miss Barney’s Hula Dance.

Lazytown (Airport Expo Dubai)
(04:30pm, 06:00pm, 07:15pm, 09:00pm) (First three days of Eid Al Fitr)
Lazytown features Stephanie, an optimistic girl with bright pink hair, who comes to live in Lazytown and meets a whole lot of different people, including Robbie Rotten – the world’s laziest super-villain. The show also features Spartacus – an athletic and super-fit super-hero who saves the town from Robbie’s evil schemes.