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It's that time of year again, folks — get your credit cards ready and brace yourself for bargains galore as the Dubai Shopping Festival comes to town. With the term "credit crunch" being squeezed into pretty much every sentence possible, bargain hunting will definitely be the order of the day. Now in its 14th year, the DSF is expected to welcome more than 4 million people to Dubai, along with a combined spending figure of more than Dh12 billion.
DSF which features price cuts all over the city, from the top designer stores to supermarket shelves – appears to have become a month on almost everyone's calendar. And this year it will probably more welcome than ever.
But DSF is not just about shopping, as the festival celebrates the joy of hitting the shops while at the same time attempts to offer something for everyone, under the motto "One World, One Family, One Festival."
Famous faces from the music world descend on the city, joined by acrobats, contortionists, clowns, dance troupes, street performers, stunt teams, local craftspeople, chefs and local bands the list goes on and on and on.
Around 6,000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls participate and DSF 2009 promotions are slated to be the best shopping offers designed yet. Offers, added value promotions, sales and discounts reach up to 80 per cent on international brands, covering a wide range of consumer goods.
Raffles
Jan 15-Feb 15: Lexus Mega Raffle; Al Seef Street; 9pm
This year the raffle features two Lexus models the RX 350 and the ES 350 in addition to a cash prize of Dh100,000. The cash prize will be paid out in a currency picked in a second raffle by the winner.
A total of 977 Lexus cars have been given away since the first Lexus Mega Raffle draw in 1996.
The Nissan Grand Raffle is a daily draw which will give away cars including the Patrol, Armada, Murano, Pathfinder, XTerra, Qashqai, XTrail, and the Navara.
The Mashreq Millionaire Raffle on February 10 will give away
Dh4 million and the ENOC–Eppco Raffle on February 15 will see the lucky winner pick up the keys to an apartment worth
Dh3 million in Jumeirah Village.
Theatre
Jan 28 – Feb 6: The Woman in Black; The Madinat Theatre, Madinat Souk Jumeirah; 2pm and 8pm
Now in its 20th year in London's West End, this groundbreaking play has been seen by over 3 million people. This production features a quality cast of West End actors.
Contact Ahlan Dubai: call 600 545555 or visit the DSF website at mydsf.ae
Food
Feb 1-14: Dubai Food Festival; Uptown Mirdiff and Al Seef Street; 5-11pm
Celebrity chefs, live cooking counters, culinary workshops, interactive events and exciting prizes add to the excitement of this gastronomic experience.
Exciting additions for DSF 2009 include a food sampling day in Sampling Sundays and Buffet Tuesdays where visitors get to taste different cuisines from a big buffet for a small price.
World records may also be broken, as chefs from across the city attempt to make the biggest biryani and the world's longest dessert buffet at 6pm on Feb 14 featuring a massive 2009 different options.
Oldies
Date: Jan 15 – Feb 15: Al Seef Street (Sunday - Wednesday, 6pm – 2am; and Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 3am) and Global Village (Sunday – Wednesday, 4pm -12 am; and Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 1am)
A hive of activity, Al Seef Street is always a hot spot during DSF. Comprising the Night Souk, launched in 2003, for picking up bits and pieces produced in the region, fun fair rides and games for the youngsters, traditional nightly performances and the perfect spot to watch the Al Zarooni fireworks at 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it is always a favourite.
The traffic aside, it's always fun at Global Village, which gathers cultures from around the world into one place. Over the years, the venue has become a star attraction, having been transformed into a unique international destination for tourism, entertainment, leisure and culture
Newbies
Jan 15 – Feb 15: The Walk festivities at Jumeirah Beach Residence; 4-10pm daily. Busy at the best of times, The Walk at JBR was an obvious choice when it came to picking new venues for DSF fun. It's the latest addition to Dubai's shopping and leisure destinations and will feature activities including street paintings, recycled art displays, metal art, stand-up comedy shows, sand sculptures, photography displays, and kiosks selling fashion accessories and handicrafts.
Dubai Carnivals; 8pm
Jan 15 – 17 and Feb 12 – 15; Al Seef Street
Jan 22 – 24; Jumeirah Road
Jan 19 – 31; Jumeirah Beach Residence
Feb 5 – 7; Global Village
Dubai Carnivals features 300 colourful performers who will take to the streets to spread the spirit of DSF across Dubai. To be held during the weekends, each week will see the performers gather in one location for a vibrant parade. Different cultures and traditions will be reflected through the carnivals with spectacular costumes and music.
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