The Dubai Shopping Festival Office, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Department, is preparing to launch the second edition of ‘Eid in Dubai' celebrations that will be held through festivities during two of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar – Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha.
‘Eid in Dubai' is a Dubai Government initiative launched by the Dubai Shopping Festival Office that aims at promoting Dubai as a festive destination during Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha celebrations. During Eid, over 200 resident nationalities that coexist in exceptional harmony in Dubai, come together to share the spirit of the festivity.
The 2009 edition of ‘Eid in Dubai' will begin with Eid-Al-Fitr just after Ramadan and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities featuring concerts, shows, local plays, and through dedicated Eid venues. Additionally, the 2009 edition will continue to lay emphasis on the Emarati traditions of fuwallat-al-eid, diyafat-al-eid, and the popular greeting of eidkom Mubarak that were prominent in the first edition.
Launched in 2008, the inaugural edition was hugely successful due to a unique combination of events designed to entertain visitors of all ages. In its first debut out of Lebanon, the critically acclaimed musical saga Return of the Phoenix was one of the main highlights of ‘Eid in Dubai'. Written, composed and directed by the famous Rahbani Family, the musical attracted crowds from all over the GCC. Similarly, the Emarati play Hassoon Malaeen was a huge hit with local audiences.
Other attractions included the international children's shows Barney's Musical Castle and Noddy and the Treasure Map, and concerts featuring renowned Arab artists such as Najwa Karam, George Wassouf, Rabih Sakker, and Saber Ar Ruba'aih. The Airport Expo Dubai, venue to these events, attracted a majority of Eid visitors. The Eid District in Dubai Festival City was also a major attraction during the celebrations.
‘Eid in Dubai' also gave shoppers another reason to take advantage of exceptional bargains throughout retail outlets in the city. The Eid period usually witnesses a surge in retail activity and in 2008, shopping malls and retail outlets put out spectacular promotions through the Eidiyat Dubai Promotion to celebrate the first edition of ‘Eid in Dubai'. Prizes worth millions of dirhams were given away to shoppers during the event.
