How did you come up with idea of the Dubai Winter Festival?
We specialise in big events, such as Taste of Dubai or Etisalat Fitness Fest. About five years ago, we got thinking, with the number of expats in Dubai, there would be an appetite for a Christmas festival here. The obvious idea would have been to copy the big European markets, like in Frankfurt or Prague, but we wanted something more Dubai. We had the market, but added entertainment, a fun fair and an ice rink too. We were astonished at how many people turned up – around 15,000 that year. We’ve been growing ever since.
Why has it been such a success?
I just think there’s so much to do and such variety, there’s something for everyone. Every year, you’re guaranteed a pantomime, live music, snow and ice activities, a school choir or two, a retail market for all your presents, food stands, and, of course, a Santa’s grotto.
It must be a huge job to organise it…
It is. People see just a three-day event, but it’s more than a year in the making. To give you an idea, we’ve already started on 2016. We have a team of 12 working on it constantly, while in the build-up, more than 1,000 people will be on-site making the event happen. Then, over the weekend itself, we’re here from 7-1am every day.
What logistical issues do you face?
There are lots. People’s safety is our number one priority so crowd management is a big thing. We need to ensure everyone keeps moving and there are no bottlenecks that could create unwanted situations. We work with the authorities to ensure security is second to none. Even with things like food stands, we have to make sure they are hygienic and regulated. Oh, and Santa. Our preparations are so exact, we schedule everything to ensure there is never more than one Santa in sight at any one time.
This year, you’ve moved from Media City Amphitheatre to the World Trade Centre’s outdoor plaza. Why is that?
Two reasons. We’re now looking at 30,000 people coming down over the three days, so we needed more space. Plus we wanted some place more central. This is a celebration for everyone.
What’s the best praise you’ve received?
About a month ago, I got an email from a UK travel company featuring a list of their 10 best alternative Christmas markets in the world, and ours was number one. That was something else.
What has been the best moment over the past few years?
My favourite moment is probably at dusk, when we have our tree-lighting ceremony. Thousands of people gather around the main stage, and our festive band, The Boxtones, does a countdown and then crashes straight into a festive song. In that moment, I wouldn’t want to be having Christmas anywhere else in the world.
Any drawbacks?
Obviously an event of this size always has some issues. There are usually a few children getting lost, although we reunite them with their parents quickly.
Perhaps one moment that still makes me shake my head, though, was during the tree-lighting ceremony the first year. I happened to glance down during the countdown and saw the lights weren’t actually plugged in. I managed to get them connected just in time, otherwise, it would have fallen rather flat – to get to number one and… nothing!
Do you actually enjoy it yourself?
Actually, it’s a constant source of frustration. I have three young boys who love the festival, but can’t understand why Daddy isn’t enjoying it as much. Because it’s my job to wander around and address any possible issues before they become problems, I’m constantly on alert. I can never relax.
Does that mean you’re looking forward to tomorrow night, when it’s all over?
It’s always a funny feeling, because the moment it finishes, is the moment the whole thing starts coming down. You literally watch a year’s work being pulled down before your eyes, which can be a bit sad, but then you think: “Right, let’s get next year moving – after we’ve gone out for a wind-down!”
