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Having kicked off on 1 January in grand style, the 20th anniversary edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is ensuring that every resident and visitor gets the opportunity to join its spectacular Journey of Celebrations with their near and dear ones. More than 150 citywide events, mega attractions, numerous shopping opportunities and winning options are in store during the 32-day extravaganza which is providing world-class entertainment and enriching the lives of numerous DSF visitors from around the world.

The 20th edition of DSF is organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and runs until 1 February.

Now as this journey heads towards its first weekend on 8, 9 and 10 January, the festival promises to generate more fun, with a fantastic line-up of family-friendly experiences to unfold in the form of entertainment shows at Dubais world-class shopping malls and fantastic outdoor venues, exciting events, and much more.

The first weekend of DSF is also a fantastic opportunity for residents to round up the week and explore the variety of city decorations that have lit up the emirate for DSF. Every prominent street, promenade, mall, districts and areas are gleaming in celebration of the festival with many new themed decorations representing DSFs key pillars.

From Arabic musical concerts and lively stage shows to one-of-a-kind exhibitions, markets and fashion events the first weekend promises to bring out the best of DSF offerings and make it a truly memorable experience for both grown-ups and young ones.

Each of DSFs five themed journeys, including Journey Into Music, Journey Into Entertainment, Journey Into Winning, Journey Into Style and Journey Into the Unique, are offering a fun-filled weekend itinerary for anyone looking to have a great time.

Journey Into Music

DSF Celebration Nights
8,9,10 January, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Get ready to be enthralled by Arabic superstars, Saber Rebai and Milhem Zein on 8 January, Najwa Karam and Assi Hellani on 9 January and Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab on 10 January at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. DSF Celebration Nights is a mega concert series that is giving residents and visitors the chance to dance to popular soundtracks performed live by some of the most popular Arabic artists.

Journey Into Style

DXB Fashion Photography
Until 14 January, Mall of the Emirates

Head to the Galleria Mall of the Emirates and get inspired by the creative works of several international photographers whose works were showcased as part of the International Festival of Fashion Photography in Cannes and are now gracing the DXB Fashion Photography exhibition. In addition, works of five local and regional photographers are also taking center stage at the unique exhibition, which is open for viewing during mall hours.

MAC Instant Artistry
8 11 January, Bloomingdales Atrium, The Dubai Mall

For those with a penchant for make-up are invited to join MAC Instant Artistry event at The Dubai Mall - an interactive experience where customers can browse in their own time and iPads and also watch videos showing how to create various looks in minutes. Those looking to learn new makeup tips and techniques shown will be offered complimentary makeup applications with a makeup artist who will create a personalized look for them on the spot. The event will also feature hourly Live Makeup Demos by the regional trainers of MAC Cosmetics.

Journey Into the Unique

Celebrity Pop-up Shop
Until 17 January, The Beach Opposite JBR

Visit the DSF Celebrity Pop-up Shop at The Beach Opposite JBR, to check out Giuliana Rancics new collection from the G by Giuliana Rancic line. On display and for sale at the Pop-up store is an enticing assortment of gorgeous womens wear pieces, including future wardrobe staples such as trendy jackets with cute cuts, classic wrap dresses and spring/summer must-haves such as high-waist slim-fit pants in a variety of colours.

Etisalat Festive Park
Until 1 February, Zabeel Park

The Etisalat Festive Park is a new concept organized in collaboration with Etisalat and featuring numerous fun-filled family-friendly events and activities at Zabeel Park. Families can look forward to enjoying live entertainment in the form of The Circus Comes to Town, and also watch The Masters of the House musical show while children can participate in a variety of fun competitions like the inflatable Knock-Out games and enjoy the Mechanical Circus and other activities. The Ripe Food & Craft Market is also another attraction at Etisalat Festive Park offering a unique platform for talented local artisans and small business owners to showcase their businesses in an informal market environment, to both the local and expat community. Ripe Food & Craft Market is open on 9, 16, 23 and 30 January.

Global Village
Until 11 April 2015

The Global Village is Dubais leading family entertainment and cultural attraction, featuring a unique shopping experience at several pavilions, each representing a different country. Visitors to Global Village are welcomed into a diversified but united world of joy, colours and rhythms to explore the world, one pavilion at a time. Attractions at Global Village include multiple experiences including numerous native cuisines, dance forms, costumes, handicrafts and much more. Global Village timings are from 4pm to 12am Saturday to Wednesday, 4pm until 1am on Thursdays and Fridays while Monday is a Family Day (except public holidays). DSF information booths are set up at Global Village along with a stage to hold the daily DSF Mega Raffle draws.

Carpet & Art Oasis
Until 1 February, Dubai Festival City

The Carpet & Art Oasis is a not-to-be-missed exhibition of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique carpets and rugs from various well-known carpet producing countries of the world. Showcasing a choicest selection of unique pieces, each offering its own charm with amazing designs and striking patterns, the Carpet & Arts Oasis offers visitors the chance to add elements of artistic decoration to their homes with a diverse line-up of art works and handicrafts also on sale. This edition of the Oasis features 58 stands with 42 companies displaying 220,000 carpets. A total of 300 exquisite carpets that are on display were woven exclusively for this edition.

Journey Into Winning
Until 1 February

Shoppers and residents can look forward to winning mega prizes this DSF with four raffles including the Infiniti Mega Raffle, Nissan Grand Raffle, Gold & Jewellery Mega Raffle and A Million Reasons to Shop promotion. Up for grabs are millions of prizes in cash, luxury Infiniti and Nissan cars and gold and diamond jewellery in addition to instant shopping vouchers, and much more.
Journey Into Entertainment

MAMMA MIA!
Until 10 January, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

This weekend is the last chance to treat family and friends to one of the most loved international musicals ever. MAMMA MIA! the smash hit musical has been seen by more than 54 million people in 39 productions in 14 different languages. The award-winning show, which is celebrating 15 years in Londons West End and is the 9th longest-running musical on Broadway, is now making an appearance in Dubai as part of the DSF 20th anniversary celebrations. Transformed to the big screen in 2008, MAMMA MIA! The movie starred Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, and is the highest-grossing live action musical film of all time.

Celebration Fireworks
8, 9, 10 January, Fazza Beach

Enjoy DSFs spectacular visual treat at Fazza Beach this weekend at 8:30pm. A bit hit with visitors, firework displays have become synonymous with DSF since its inception and are a reflection of the citys vibrancy and joy throughout DSF.

Hankook 24H Dubai
9-10 January, Dubai Autodrome

Gear up for Hankook 24H Dubai this weekend. The 24-hour motorsport endurance race has become a mainstay on the international calendar and is the 2nd largest 24-hour race grid in the world featuring participants from around the world. The line-up consists of over 80 touring and GT cars including Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Audi, Lamborghini and Mercedes, to name a few.

Entertainment line-up at Shopping Malls

The Dubai Mall
Following the successful launch of a set of special limited edition exclusive watches with Rado brand ambassador and Indian film star Hrithik Roshan, watch lovers can attend a special Rado exhibition at The Dubai Mall until 12 January. Also on the malls DSF entertainment agenda is Los Vivancos an energetic Flamenco performance by a troupe of top entertainers consisting of seven brothers from Spain. The show is running until 9 January at Waterfall Atrium.

Mercato
Celebrate DSF the Italian way at Mercato with a number of Italian-themed entertainment in store for both grownups and children. Also on the agenda are The Pizza Acrobatics Show and the upbeat and fun Cooking Percussion Act.

City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif
At City Centre Deira, shoppers can look forward to a special music and dance performance, B-Boying with Ballerinas, which combines ballet and break dancing, and much more. In addition, the 20th Anniversary Celebration Parade will step up the excitement further at City Centre Deira and at City Centre Mirdif, visitors can be part of the fun-filled Tom and Jerry show.

Mall of the Emirates
Visit Mall of the Emirates this weekend and enjoy the chance to meet an army of Pipe Men artists dressed in robot-like costumes trawling the walkways of the mall surprising families with their unique antics.

Dubai Festival City Mall
Make a trip to Dubai Festival City Mall and explore the variety of entertainment in store for families this DSF. Watch the talented artists of Acapella Soul perform live and enjoy other attractions including Roccoco, Parade Balloons and Roaming Carousels.

Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall too is staging a lineup of wonderful performances for DSF visitors. Visit the mall to treat children to the Clown Carnival a fantastic circus show by talented artists or alternatively get mesmerized by the most spectacular and spellbinding traditional Chinese art forms and music at Spirit of the Orient throughout the three days of the weekend.

WAFI
At WAFI, shoppers can spend time with family enjoying various attractions including Lady Marionetta, Tuto Tul, Roaming Carousels and Roccoco throughout the weekend.

The Beach Opposite JBR
Enjoy the world-class performance by USA Break Dancers at The Beach Opposite JBR. Allow the talented dancers to dazzle you with their energetic acrobatics moves and comical acts.

CITY WALK
Catch the Living Statues at CITY WALK this DSF at the popular outdoor leisure and entertainment destination CITY WALK.

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