The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), and organisers of the 20th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), have announced the Calendar of Events for the much-awaited milestone edition of the festival, which will take place from 1 January to 1 February, 2015, under the special theme A Journey of Celebrations.

DSF, which was launched in 1996 based on the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to position Dubai as a family tourism destination, has grown to become one of the biggest shopping extravaganzas and the longest running festival of its kind in the world attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.

DSF annually attracts on an average 4 to 4.5 million visitors with a total spending of AED 15 billion (Approx USD 4 bn). From 1996 to 2014, DSF has attracted approximately 56 million visitors with a total spending of AED 145 billion (Approx. USD 40 bn) whether it was for shopping, hospitality or on entertainment.

On the special occasion of DSFs 20th anniversary, DFRE has taken the festivals three pillars of Shopping, Entertainment and Winning to a completely new level offering residents and visitors from around the world the opportunity to enjoy a series of exciting journeys in Dubai.

Unveiling the DSF 2015 Calendar of Events, Her Excellency, Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: In announcing this Calendar of Events for the 20th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, we at DFRE take immense pride in the fact that DSF has reached a pinnacle in its extraordinary journey through the years. Dubai Shopping Festival has truly set a benchmark in the global festivals industry and made a huge contribution to the emirates economy by energizing the retail sector and helping to boost various other sectors. The success of the festival can be measured by the huge increase in visitor numbers since it was launched in 1996 till 2014.

The festivals 20th edition is indeed a huge achievement for Dubai and is befitting of the honour bestowed on the emirate this year by the International Festivals and Events Association, the worlds leading trade association for events, that saw Dubai being crowned as the World Festival and Event City for the third time.

The DSF 20th anniversary calendar of events is packed with numerous world-class family entertainment, events and shopping-linked promotions that will further reinforce the citys reputation as a year-round family tourism destination offering multiple experiences that will ensure visitors leave our shores with memories of a fantastic holiday shopping. The exciting line-up is also testament to the amazing support extended to DFRE by other Dubai government entities and the private sector, especially our strategic partners and key sponsors, whose commitment and trust in the festivals ability to deliver year after year, is once again set to make this the best ever DSF, H.E Laila Suhail added.

The DSF 2015 Calendar of Events is a line-up of over 150 events and activities that will be spread far and wide across the city at key DSF destinations. Leading the 20th anniversary line-up of excitement will be a number of family-friendly events, amazing musical concerts and dazzling fashion events. The DSF Orchestra led by 75 members of the world-class Welsh National Opera (WNO) Orchestra will kick off the 20th anniversary celebrations, as the festivals main opening event in Zabeel Park on 1 Jan.

In addition, a series of rewarding raffles, promotions and shopping discounts will ensure countless life-changing moments for both visitors and residents.

DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 201520th ANNIVERSARY A JOURNEY OF CELEBRATIONS
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

JOURNEY INTO MUSIC

DSF Celebration Nights
8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30 January, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

A mega concert series that will give residents and visitors from around the world the chance to dance the night away with 20 superstars of the Arab world. The series of concerts will be the biggest of its kind in the region, and is being produced in collaboration with Platinum Records, a 360 music entertainment company , owned by MBC Group, and in association with Dubai Media City. The line-up of famous Arab singers who will feature in DSF Celebration Nights includes Mohammad Abdo, Hussan Al Jassmi, Amr Diab, Ahlam, Nancy Ajram, Elissa, , Majed Mohandes, and many more.

DSF Orchestra Concert
1 January, Zabeel Park

An extravagant musical welcome awaits families and visitors at Zabeel Park who are looking to celebrate the first day of the 20th edition of DSF on an euphonious note. The highly acclaimed Welsh National Opera (WNO) which has a permanent full time ensemble of 55 seasoned musicians will be at the park to usher in the festivities with 75 orchestra members joining the opening ceremony of Dubai Shopping Festival. Annually giving more than 120 performances globally, the orchestra performs a varied range of classical and popular music under programming by Music Director, Lothar Koenigs. Guest artists at the event will include Amjad Ali Khan, Xiang Zhang, Joanna Marsh and Cecile Licad.

KathNiel Live in Dubai
1 January, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School

Fans of the famous Filipino on-screen couple Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo also known as KathNiel will get the opportunity to watch their favourite stars perform at a concert this DSF. The show is being held in the UAE for the first time and promises entertainment for the whole family on New Years day.

Arijit Singh Live Concert
15 January, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

A Bollywood music concert featuring the highly acclaimed Indian playback singer Arijit Sing performing for the first time with a 50-piece symphony orchestra. Arijit is a trained classical singer who has performed in many stage shows. His career as a playback singer started when he participated in a singing reality show in 2005 while still in college. In the 2013 Bollywood blockbuster Aashiqui 2, his song Tum Hi Ho received a lot of praise and won many awards including the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer 2014.

Sonu Nigam in Concert in THE EPIC EVENT - My Musical Journey
16 January, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

A Grand Bollywood Musical Concert featuring Indias No 1 Singing Icon, The Legend, SONU NIGAM, along with his 50-member troupe of co-singers, musicians, Artistes etc, in a 4-hour non-stop Bollywood musical extravaganza THE EPIC EVENT-My musical journey, offering fans an unforgettable and memorable musical experience.

Zakir Hussein s Nirvana 2015
31 Jan, Hall 6 Dubai World Trade Centre

The "Legend" Ustad Zakir Hussain is back in Dubai to perform during DSF. The award-winning tabla maestro will take the audience on a musical extravaganza of percussion and melody featuring some of the greatest artists of our time. The concert features an eclectic mix of Instrumental Indian with Celtic/World Fusion. The maestro will be accompanied on stage by countrymen, Rakesh Chaurasia - an award winning composer and flautist, who plays the Bansuri, an Indian bamboo flute, Ganesh Rajgopalan, a Violinist, Vocalist, Composer and Teacher, and Navin Sharma, a renowned percussionist. They will be joined by Celtic artistes, Charlie McKerron, from Scotland, Patsy Reid, a popular traditional fiddle player in the UK, Jean Michel Veillon a musician of French origin and Breton culture, , Fraser Fifield, one of the patrons of the Wind instruments in the Scottish Music Industry, Francis Kelly and Tony Byrne.

JOURNEY INTO STYLE

Abbati
Event from 19 and 20 January, Armani Hotel; Exhibition from 14 - 16 January, The Dubai Mall

Back by popular demand is the abaya and traditional wear show Abbati following its phenomenal launch during DSFs 19th edition in 2014. Abbati puts the spotlight on both regional and local abaya trends, as showcased by prominent homegrown talents from the region and beyond. This year, as part of its various offerings, Abbati will include fashion shows, as well as a retail space promoting modernised traditional wear. Paris Gallery is the Hair and Make-up Sponsor.

DXB Fashion Photography
7 14 January, Mall of the Emirates

The International Festival of Fashion Photography from Cannes, which is a unique rendezvous dedicated to fashion and featuring monumental pictures of fashion and beauty, is being brought to Dubai in the form of an event titled DXB Fashion Photography. The exhibition will feature 50 images of fashion and beauty by international photographers and 10 by local photographers .

JOURNEY INTO THE UNIQUE

Celebrity Pop-up Shop
(Giuliana & Bill Rancic G by GR)

1- 17 January, The Beach Opposite JBR
Fashionistas in Dubai have the fantastic chance to meet well-known fashion icons from the US, Giuliana Rancic and her husband Bill Rancic stars of the Giuliana and Bill American reality television series who will celebrate DSF at the unique Celebrity Pop Up Shop. They will participate in various activities including an appearance by Guiliana and Bill on 1 January, an interactive style session followed by a Meet and Greet session with fans. Giuliana will also showcase her line G by GR at this event.

Market Outside The Box (Market OTB)
15-24 January, Southridge Park, Downtown Dubai

Market Outside the Box (OTB) the regions first sustainable fashion and lifestyle marketplace featuring retailers operating out of stylishly refurbished shipping containers is returning this year, much to the delight of shoppers looking to pick up a wide selection of sustainably produced fashion items, accessories, jewelry, shoes, bags, home dcor, stationery and beauty products, in addition to organic food concepts. Musical stage performances, film screenings, workshops and industry-specific interactive sessions at Market OTB for families and individuals will add to the overall excitement in a lively al fresco setting.

Smurfs Live on Stage World Premiere
16-19 January, Hall 8, Dubai World Trade Centre

One of the main attractions of DSF 2015, the world premiere of Smurfs Live on Stage will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Its every Smurfs favourite time of year: Spring! which means its time for the annual Spring Parade. But with Gargamel their sworn enemy always on the prowl, they have to come up with every trick in the book to ward off this perennial threat and prevail. Catch the world famous Smurfs live in action in Dubai as they weave a magical music story that is bound to enthrall fans and families. Smurfs Live on Stage will have four shows during DSF, each show being of 90 minutes duration.

Ripe Food & Craft Market
1, 2, 3, 9, 16, 23, 30 January, Gate 1, Zabeel Park
The Ripe Food & Craft Market is a unique community event, offering a 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.

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. Launched in 1997, the Global Village is the place to enjoy and savour the international flavours of multiple cultures from around the world in surroundings that serve up a unique mlange of 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 will be set up at Global Village along with a stage to hold the daily DSF Mega Raffle draws.

Carpet & Arts Oasis
1 January 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.

City Decorations

Dubai is all dressed up for the grand celebrations with colorful decorations that radiate vibrant lights and captivating designs to welcome both residents and visitors alike. Ushering in the celebrations that invite families to enjoy an eclectic line-up of over 150 events and activities, Dubai has been transformed into a lively and artistic landscape for the month-long fiesta. Several locations in Dubai are decked up with beautiful lights and decorations aimed at creating a vibrant ambience and making the DSF 2015 an unforgettable experience for everyone.

JOURNEY INTO WINNING

Infiniti Mega Raffle
1 January to 1 February

The Infiniti Mega Raffle gives one DSF shopper the opportunity to take home a whopping prize worth AED 500,000 every day. The daily prize given away to one winner consists of two luxurious Infiniti models, QX60 and Q50, plus AED 100,000 in cash. Shoppers can participate in the Infiniti Mega Raffle by purchasing a raffle ticket for just AED 200 available at selected Enoc and Eppco petrol stations, Global Village, Gold Souk and at main streets. The DSF 2015 Infiniti Mega Raffle is being run in cooperation with Arabian Automobiles, the flagship company of AW Rostamani Group, a DFRE Strategic Partner. Further, DSF 20th Anniversary has a special surprise, as shoppers participating in the Infiniti Mega Raffle will get a second chance to win with over AED 2 million in additional prizes that will be up for grabs at weekly raffle draws. At these weekly draws, five lucky shoppers stand to win cash prizes of AED 100,000 each.

Nissan Grand Raffle
1 January to 1 February

The Nissan Grand Raffle will offer shoppers the opportunity to win a Nissan car every day and as a DSF 20th Anniversary Special, a Nissan Patrol every week. The Nissan Grand Raffle is being run in cooperation with DFRE Strategic Partners, ENOC/EPPCO and Arabian Automobiles, the flagship company of AW Rostamani Group. Customers are entitled to a raffle coupon for every AED20 spent at the convenience store ZOOM or at Pronto, AED 30 spent for a car wash at ENOC/EPPCO or AED 100 spent for an Oil Change or any AutoPro service. The raffle coupons will be entered into a daily draw for a Nissan car and a weekly draw for a Nissan Patrol, which is being given away as a DSF 20th Anniversary Special. Lucky customers can win one of 10 Nissan models in the daily draw Micra, Sunny, Sentra,Tiida, Altima, X-Trail, Murano, Z370, Pathfinder and Armada. Buy a ZOOM DSF promo pack to triple your chances of winning a Nissan car a day or a Nissan Patrol weekly in the Nissan Grand Draw plus discount coupons from Pronto, Tasjeel and major retailers.

Gold and Jewellery Mega Raffle
1 January to 1 February

The Gold and Jewellery Mega Raffle is the biggest ever gold and jewellery promotion, offering shoppers spending AED 500 at any of the participating outlets the chance to win up to AED 15 million in prizes including 100 kg of gold and 40 carats of diamond across 32 days of DSF. In a fitting tribute to the DSF 20th anniversary, over 500 jewellery retail outlets across Dubai will participate in making the worlds longest handmade gold chain named Dubai Celebration Chain spanning 5km in length.

A Million Reasons to Shop Promotion
1 January to 1 February, Participating Malls

Shoppers spending a minimum AED 200 at participating malls have the chance to win up to AED 1 million in prizes that will be given away in the form of cash and shopping vouchers in this promotion run by the Dubai Shopping Malls Group . It will also see AED 20,000 in cash awarded to 5 winners each week and a Mega Bumper Cash Prize worth AED 100,000 won by one person every week. On top of this fantastic offer, shoppers will also be given the opportunity to double their chances of winning, with instant scratch and win prizes worth AED 1000 each, to be given to 200 lucky shoppers.

JOURNEY INTO ENTERTAINMENT

MAMMA MIA!
2-10 January, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

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 London's 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.

Romeo & Juliette- Les Ballets De Monte-Carlo
15 17 January, Madinat Arena - Madinat Jumeirah

A classical Ballet performance performed by the most acclaimed ballet company in Europe. This unique event featuring 40 dancers, is put together by one of the worlds finest choreographers, Jean-Christoph Maillot

Celebration Fireworks
1 January 1 February 2015

The special 20th anniversary celebrations of Dubai Shopping Festival beckon residents, visitors and their families to join in the world-class festivities, as spectacular fireworks shows illuminate the Dubai night sky like never before to mark the milestone occasion. A big hit with visitors, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception, and is a reflection of the citys vibrancy and joy throughout the 32 days of DSF.

Dubai International Kite Fest
29 31 January

Dubai International Kite Fest (DIKF) would be the first large-scale events of its kind to be held in Dubai featuring a mix of adventure, fun and colours. Visualized as a family fun day out on the beach, DIKF would also see an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most kites flown simultaneously. The world record bid will be made on the last day of the festival.

The 5th Gr8! Women Awards 2015
12 January, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

Having celebrated 14 successful years in India, this is the 5th Gr8! Women Awards in the Middle East. The awards are regarded the most coveted stamp of merit of its kind, recognising the contribution of women in various categories like art, cinema, science, fashion, environment, banking, business and education. The evening will be a red carpet star-studded event, with performances by a host of celebrities, and fans can line up at the red carpet to watch their favorite stars coming into the event including Neil Niting Mukesh, Richa Chadda and Surveen Chawla.

Hankook 24H Dubai
9- 10 January, Dubai Autodrome

This 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.

Gulzaar Theatre Fiesta
15 -17 January, Centrepoint Theatre DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates

A 3-day Theatre Fiesta, written by celebrated and internationally acclaimed, Bollywood writer, Gulzaar, showcasing the versatility of his writing and the dramatization by well-known Indian film and theatre director Salim Arif. The event will be followed by an extra day featuring an interactive session with Gulzaar.

Indian Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira
29 January, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School

This poetry evening celebrates the Indian Republic Day with a host of prominent Hindi and Urdu poets coming together on the same stage. This event is being held for the 13th successive year in Dubai, as part of the annual DSF calendar.

ADDITIONAL CITYWIDE ACTIVITIES

Family entertainment

DSF will offer visitors many more events and activities that will further enhance the festivals image as a centre of shopping and entertainment. The events include a wide range of international shows at leading malls in Dubai featuring entertainers from different countries, who will be performing live on stage during DSF. Other events include Pinoy Fiesta, a family entertainment show featuring top artists from the Philippines; Latin Art Fest with the best of Latin art, music and food; the Little Superstars, a musical show by the Pre Skool group famed for their performances in Britains Got Talent; Perch Creek featuring a band of five energetic multi-instrumentalists and vocalists; Spirit of the Orient, a show featuring some of the most spectacular and traditional Chinese art forms and music; From the West End to Broadway, that will stage some of the well-known musicals ever to have been staged shown in these two arenas of theatre; Caitlin , a Zambian-born electric violinist who has performed across the world and for royalty, and world leaders; B-Boying with Ballerinas, which combines ballet and break dancing, and much more.

SGI DUBAI 2015
11- 13 January, Dubai World Trade Centre

SGI Dubai is the most anticipated event for both exhibitors and visitors in the Middle East, Africa & Asia regions for Signage, Digital Signage, Retail Signage, Outdoor Media, Screen printing and Digital printing industries. Organized by International Expo Consults, the 18th edition of SGI Dubai will be held from 11th - 13th January 2015 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2, 3 & Arena - Dubai World Trade Centre.