Street shopping

Gold Souq - shops displaying an incredible array of gold jewelery items in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carat gold.

Spice Souq – as ideal place to buy variety of spices such as frankincense, oud, cumin, paprika and saffron

Textile Market – wholesale and retail textile traders from Asia and other countries offer variety of clothing at reasonable prices.

Partial list of malls participating in Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF 2010)

Name	Timings	Contact details
Al Bustan Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 11pm Fri.: 2pm to 11pm	Tel: +971 4 263 0000 Toll Free: 800 4648 (UAE Only) www.al-bustan.com
Al Ghurair City	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 12am Fri.: 2pm to 12am	Tel: +971 4 2055309/285 www.alghuraircity.com
Arabian Center	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10:30pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 2845555 www.arabiancenter.ae
Bin Sougat Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 5pm to 10pm	Tel: +971 4 286 3000
Century Mall	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs.: 10am to 11pm Fri.: 2pm to 11pm	-
Deira City Centre	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight DSF Timings: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 2954545 www.deiracitycentre.com
Dubai Festival City	Sun. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Sat.: 10am to 12 midnight	Concierge: 800 332 32/ 800 DFC FC Tel: +971 4 425 4900 www.dubaifestivalcity.com
Ibn Battuta Mall	Sat.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. - Fri.: 10am to 10pm	Telephone: +971 4 362 1900 www.ibnbattutamall.com
Jumeirah Centre	Sat. to Thurs.: 9am to 9pm Fri.: 4pm to 9pm	Tel: +971 4 3499702
Karama Centre	-	Tel: +971 4 3374499
Lamcy Plaza	Sun. to Wed.: 9am to 10:30pm Thurs. to Sat.: 9am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3359999
Mercato	Sun. to Wed.: 10am - 10pm Thurs. to Sat.: 10am - Midnight	Tel: +971 4 3444 161 www.MercatoShoppingMall.com
Palm Strip	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 2pm to 10pm	Tel: +971 4 3461462
The Dubai Mall	Everyday: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: 800 38224 6255 (800 DUBAI MALL) www.thedubaimall.com
The Walk @JBR	Sat. to Thurs.: 10am to 10pm Fri.: 3pm to 10pm	Toll Free: +971 4 4230696 www.thewalk.ae
Times Square Center	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Fri.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3418020 www.timessquarecenter.ae
WAFI	Sat. to Wed.: 10am to 10pm Thurs. and Fri.: 10am to 12 midnight	Tel: +971 4 3244555 www.wafi.com

There is a treat for all the fashion enthusiasts in the Fashion festival event and the tempting food festival will consists of all the regional and international delicacies for the food lovers. There is a weight loss conference arranged for the health and fitness conscious people attending the DSF.  Moreover, you can also enjoy yourself at the Human Cannonball, Art of Fire, Waterway of Lights and Chinese Flying Poles.

The main attraction is obviously gold and in addition to gold you can also have a look at the artistically designed jewelry put up on the windows of all the jewelry shops and the not to be missed part of DSF, this year, is definitely the Dubai International Jazz festival that will be having various live band performances. In addition to this, James Morrisson, David Gray, Lao Tizer, Jane Monheit and Brand New Heavies will also be performing in the Dubai Shopping Festival this year. The highlight of the DSF is live performances by Sean Kingston and Zakir Hussain. Also, plays like, Ben 10, Blood Brothers etc would be showcased on the screen to entertain the kids while their parents are busy shopping. The DSF is obviously not complete without its cartoon hero being staged in different shops of the city.

Organizer Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) have announced that this year’s DSF will go on until mid February and with a gap period of 3 months, Dubai Summer Surprises will be launched on June 17 2010. Dubai Summer Surprises, an event with a hangover of DSF will conclude on August 7.

Dubai is a travelers and shopper’s paradise and the festival blends the wishes of worldwide traders and shopaholics. The magnitude of the shopping experience is multiplied with eye-popping theatre events, fireworks and laser shows, street performances, fashion shows, prize draws and of course discounts on various merchandise. There is something for everyone at the DSF right from film festivals for the movie buffs to children’s functions to keep the kids happy.

Souks are a popular place to hang out especially for the women, as Dubai is known for its gold jewelry and spices available at duty free rates. If you are a good bargainer then you can hit the pot of luck with incredible discounts offered by dealers. Gold Souk at Sikkat al-Khali Street and Spice souk on Al Sabkha are some of the famous joints to shop. Do visit the Fish Souk in Deira even if you are not intending to buy. The market is worth a watch with fisherman pitching their voices to sell their catches and buyers haggling for a good price.

For those who are ready to spend a few extra dirhams can go for Persian carpets sold by traders from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The DSF co-ordinates various events and exhibitions under one space, where hundreds of traders not only get together to sell their wares but also showcase their country’s cultural highlights.

As the theme of this year’s DSF goes, One world, One family, One festival; the world citizens are looking forward to the opening ceremony of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2010.

The different hotels of the city put an extra effort by decorating the hotel beautifully with lights and Christmas tree. Exquisite parties are organized for the guests and different mouthwatering delicacies accompanied with Christmas carols is on the list of almost every hotel of the city. Most of the hotels also offer special Christmas lunch for the foodie lovers.

Tempting festive discounts wait for you as you enter the malls for doing some Christmas shopping. Almost every mall and shopping centre is enjoying Christmas by displaying some of the finest collections of the season. Wafi Mall is surely not to be missed when in Dubai during the festive season. The celebration is marked by a Santa’s grotto, Christmas songs and different discounts.

Everyone is invited to attend the mass prayers on the eve of Christmas at St. Frances of Assisi Church situated at Jebel Ali. The church also gives lunch to the poor during the festival. Several other churches in Dubai perform morning and evening prayers.

View of Dubai Skyline

On Friday Dubai Media  Office issued a statement that  four large development groups: Emaar Properties PJSC, Dubai Properties LLC, Sama Dubai LLC and Tatweer LLC have started merger talks aimed at facing up to the current challenges and also to transform Dubai into a Global city. The big four collectively hold  one of the largest land banks in  Dubai.

Dubai  Government investment arm Dubai Holdings  controls  Sama Dubai and Tatweer;  Dubai Government has a share of 32.5 of Emaar properties which is completing  Burg Dubai the World’s tallest Tower.

Emaar properties is been advised by Royal Bank of Scotland while Dubai Holdings is been represented by Merrill  Lynch International.

In  a  communiqué released  ;  discussions are being held with the relevant regulatory authorities , assessment of merits in relation to the proposed merger, valuation of the various entities and structures of the transactions.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, chairman of Dubai Holdings, said “Consolidating these three companies with Emaar is a natural progression in the evolution of the Dubai real estate landscape, providing benefits to all stakeholders. By joining forces, we will give the larger combined entity an unparalleled platform to optimise opportunities in its domestic and international markets. The combined entity has a clear and concise strategy, better positioning Dubai as a world-leading hub in real estate development and management”.

Mohammad Ali Al Abbar, chairman of  Emaar, said, “We believe that there could be exceptional synergies between Emaar and Dubai Holdings’ key real estate businesses. These comprehensive discussions are driven by a shared vision regarding the consolidation of our respective visible success stories to date and the creation of a world-class group which would be ideally positioned to dynamically help shape and support the ongoing development of Dubai as a world-leading hub. We look forward to working with Dubai Holdings with a view to completing these discussions soon and ensuring value accretion to our existing shareholders”.

Taxi Car in Dubai

• Taxis are everywhere in Dubai. In fact, riding a taxi is the most expensive to travel around Dubai. All taxis in Dubai are metered and could cost you much in taxi fare especially when you are caught in traffic. As you know, Dubai has one of the worse traffic congestion in the United Arab Emirates. Finding a taxi is also a problem because there are not enough taxis in Dubai. If by chance you cannot find a taxi to ride, you can send SMS to the toll-free number 4774 mentioning the number of the taxi stand where you are waiting. There are rank numbers in 54 locations or taxi stands in the congested areas in Dubai wherein every stand has its assigned area code. These area codes are mentioned on the boards installed at each taxi stand. You will then receive an acknowledgment message from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and a taxi would you up  from the exact spot within minutes.

There are some private cars that are being used as taxis. Beware of this because private cars used as taxis are illegal in Dubai and are being penalized. Even though passengers are not penalized for riding private cars used as taxis, this poses risks in the passenger’s security and safety.

This is a photo of a Dubai Bus, sitting in the Deira Bus Station in Deira in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 26 December 2007.

• Another transportation which you can enjoy in Dubai and is less expensive than taxis is riding the bus. You can find the bus routes at any major station throughout Dubai where free maps and fliers are written in both English and Arabic. Free route maps and bus schedule are also provided for the passengers. You can also buy an e-Go Card that is very useful and economical if you are a regular commuter. Riding a bus in Dubai is the most economical mode of transportation in Dubai. The only tip you need for riding the bus is that the front section is reserved for women only while men sit at the back in Dubai buses.

Dubai water taxi

• Water taxis are the fastest and the least costly mode of transportation in crossing the Dubai Creek. Locals of Dubai use abras as their daily transport while tourists are fond of riding these water taxis as they enjoy the towering skyline and the bustling city while boating in the midst of the captivating waters of the Arabian Gulf. The ride will take just a minute or two. You must go to the designated stations for abras along either side of the creek and you can pay the driver on the boat. The abras operate from early mornings until midnight. The water taxi leaves as soon as it reaches its capacity of 20 passengers.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 – Qualifying match – Brasil v/s Uruguay

For beach soccer fanatics, November will be their dominative month when they cheer for their country at The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 which is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. This is only the second time that FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup has taken place outside Brazil, the country that has won the most titles in this sport. The 2009 World Cup will take place from 16 November until 22 November 2009 and 16 teams from 6 confederations will contest amongst themselves for the coveted title.
United Arab Emirates as a host city for beach soccer competition may sound a little odd, but there are an equal number of crazy soccer aficionados that love the sport as much as horse and camel racing. In fact UAE team has proved to be Asia’s premium teams by winning the AFC titles successively in 2007 and 2008.

Something more about Beach Soccer: Beach Soccer or Beach Football or Beasal; call it by any other name is a game that is categorized under “association football” and is played on the beach or some form of sand. The game developed in a systematic manner when the Beach Soccer Worldwide adopted it on an International scale in 1992. The first championships were held between 8 teams where qualifying rounds weren’t compulsory. Brasil dominated the first Beach Soccer championship.

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 – Qualifying match – Uruguay v/s Chile

How Beach Soccer is played: A goal keeper along with its 4 teammates make up a beach soccer team. The team is allowed to substitute unrestricted number of players. Techniques used such as throw-ins and kick-ins and unavailability of shoes during play toughen the level of the game compared to normal football. The game lasts for 36 minutes divided into three parts of 12 minutes each. Three minutes of extra time, penalty shootouts are some of the rules that the sport adheres to.

2009 Qualifiers:
Asian Zone: Yet to be announced

African Zone: Africa’s qualifying match will take place at the New Beach in Durban, South Africa from 1-5 July. Teams: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mauritius, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South African. Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire finished at the top and will represent Africa at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009.

European Zone: Portugal, Switzerland, Russia, Italy and Spain have put their name down for their places in the semi-finals for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 after qualifying for their respective semi-finals at Castellon, Spain; held between 7th and 14th June. Italy joined the European team and jetted to Dubai to take part in the semi-finals after beating France 4-2 who were the 2005 winners.

North, Central American and Caribbean Zone: The qualifying matches for CONCACAF will be held between 17th and 21st June at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Group A: Mexico, El Salvador and Canada. Group B: USA, Costa Rica and Bahamas. Costa Rica and El Salvador have qualified for the semi-finals.

Oceania Zone: Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tahiti will battle for the semi-final berth at Moorea in Tahiti in matches held between 27 and 31 July.

South American Zone: Qualifying tournaments took place between 11 and 15 March 2009. Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are packing their bags for UAE.

UAE has qualified automatically as it is the host country.

Contact Details:
FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association
Address: FIFA-Strasse 20,P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland
Email: enquiries@2010fwctc.com
Telephone No:+41-(0)43 222 7777
Fax No: +41-(0)43 222 7878

Sunset during Ramadan

Dubai is a place with well-established, famous and luxurious sights tendering a warm atmosphere. The city is also adapting to the western traditions and customs at a faster rate. But, Ramadan in Dubai changes the city of diverse lifestyles into an undistinguished blend of modern culture and religion. With no live music shows or concerts and closed down nightclubs, the city turns out to be vivacious in its Arabic tents, Jaimas and Majlis. The tents are festooned with Persian carpets and elegantly positioned cushions, placing a true reflection of the Arabian Culture. Delicious food and beverages are waiting inside the tents. People break their fast with the Iftar feast and enjoy smoking shisha and playing games.

The famous and the most important festival for the Muslims will be hosted from 21st August 2009 to 19th September 2009 in accordance with the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is the holiest month and it reminds the Muslims of the era of revelations arising from God.  The festival begins with the onset of the crescent moon and continues for a period of 30 days. As per the Muslim tradition, all the Muslims in Dubai will be fasting for a month, withdrawing themselves from eating, drinking, sexual pleasures and sins, and will be having their meals before sunrise and after sunset. Also the cafes and coffee shops in Dubai will be swarming up their activities after evening. Fasting in Ramadan forms the fourth pillar of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and reminds the difficulties and dilemma of the sick, poor and needy.
This 30-day fast is ended with the Eid al-Fitr, a time to celebrate. The Muslims all over Dubai celebrate this day by getting together and feasting. Muslim Women adorn their hands with henna in beautiful patterns.

Ramadan is the busiest time for all the malls in Dubai.  During this time, there are attractive discount offers lying on the way for the shopping lovers, travelers and others. Discount is offered on flight bookings, hotel reservations, on the rates of short stay apartments, in restaurants and retail stores. Also, there are special markets showcasing variety in gold, antiques, carpets, mobile phones, computers, watches and other accessories. All the Malls are open during the fasting hours but follow no food rule if their eating area is visible and the restaurants serve no food during day time or else slide the curtains. Non-Muslims show their gentleness by avoiding smoking, drinking and eating in the public areas, thus giving respect to the people who are fasting. Also, no alcohol is served during day time.

A time of tolerance, peace and sharing, the festival also unifies culture and religion. Donations given during this time directly goes to the charity and humanitarian projects of the UAE Red Crescent.

Modhesh, the mascot of Dubai Summer Surprises

Don’t get tired after the bizarre shopping you have done at the Dubai Shopping Festival during spring. Because summer brings in yet another ’surprise’ the Dubai Summer Surprise; a jostling place filled with shopping frenzies, hyperactive kids and their parents. Ten weeks between the months of June and August should be reserved for your everyday shopping, dining, and entertainment which is pre-arranged at the Dubai Summer Surprises.

‘Modhesh’ the mascot of Dubai Summer Surprises is always present at every nook and corner to guide you to various exhibitions, displays, recreational activities, music events, competitions, courses, etc. The event is a global extravaganza where all tourist attractions can be found under one roof.
DSS Shopping:
Since the time it started in 1998, shopping has been one of the primary foundations and success stories of DSS. Dubai tourism is mainly dependent on shopping and DSS soaks shoppers in the deluxe brands available at the most competitive rates. Souks for traditional shoppers, 4,000 retail outlets, 40 shopping malls, 800 gold retail outlets, does not let you go off so easily from the DSS exit gate.
DSS Competitions:
Bring your winning spirit along at the DSS where competitions entail you to win luxury gifts such as cars and cash prizes. If you are lucky enough you might be an overnight millionaire at the DSS! People flock at two raffle draws; DSS Grand Raffle and Shopping Malls Mega Raffle.
DSS Entertainment:
International shows are just another feather in the cap for the DSS. The last 10 years have seen many music and themed events specially the ‘Ten Surprizes’ where visitors get to enjoy a surprise event every alternate day. You also get pleasure from DSS’s trademark events such as World Stories, Kids Fashion Week, Kids Olympic Games, The Collectors, Min Bladi Al Emarat, Arts Oasis, Sheila and Abaya Fashion and Photography Exhibition.
Mega Events that go on for many days merge together international and local entertainment to provide a variety of activities such as Recycled Art Exhibition and 4 days of chocolate.
International stars are always eager to perform at the DSS, so multiple events featuring an assortment of cartoon shows, dance troupes, carnivals, and stage shows gets a thumbs up from visitors.
Modhesh Fun City:
If parents are shopping then you will find the kids at the Modhesh Fun city, the biggest indoor entertainment venue ever. Children and teenagers will enjoy a thrilling ride of events by participating in games, competitions and international debut cartoon shows. The area is divided into various zones such as Heritage Zone, Arts and Crafts Zone for those who love crafts and scissors, Modhesh Saloon for the prim and proper, Modhesh Nursery for tots, Extreme Sports Zone for adventure sports enthusiasts and Teenage Zone with billiards and snooker table.

Where it all takes place: Modhesh Fun City and at several malls in Dubai
Contact Whom: Ahlan Dubai
On the number: +971 600 54 5555