Dubai: For an entertaining evening, residents need look no further than the streets of Dubai.
Three street festivals are currently under way in the city, with international artists and performers drawing crowds of residents outdoors.
The Dub Fest, an international street theatre and comedy festival, is under way until March 28 at Al Ghurair Centre in Deira. With over 45 international artistes and more than 400 shows over its 10-day duration, the event has been drawing big audiences.
Doctor Bucketman, a master street drummer from Madrid, was a crowd favourite over the weekend. Following his act is Senor Markusen, who fascinates the audience with a huge contraption built from a variety of wind and percussion instruments. Walk down further and Luigi Ciotta from Italy makes even the most serious audience member crack a smile, in his bright red costumes and his act called ‘Everything in a suitcase’. Among other attractions are musicians and artists with live art productions, along with kiosks for those in the mood to shop.
The Sikka Art Fair returns to the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood for its fifth edition this year, showcasing a number of stunning art displays, along with live performances, film screenings and poetry readings. Interactive art workshops allow children to delve into their creative side, and culture walks are a must for visitors keen on exploring UAE’s history. It runs until March 24.
Across the city, the Dubai Marina Street Festival, which runs until March 28, sees Marina Mall and surrounding areas transform into a live stage for acrobats, street entertainers, singers and dancers, among others. Old-school circus acts and this year’s highlight — the appearance of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ semi-finalist act, Faces Of Disco — aim to keep a smile on everyone’s face.