World premieres of international character shows to wow families during ‘Eid in Dubai’ and DSS

DUBAI- Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced an exciting calendar of events and activities for the forthcoming celebrations for the seventh edition of “Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr” and the 17^th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises, the region’s much awaited summer extravaganza that will follow on 2 August, offering residents and visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy 40 consecutive days of great family fun.

Leading the entertainment offerings during the 40 days of celebration are the world premieres of the Angry Birds Universe Interactive Experience at Modhesh World, the Decepticlone Transformers Show at BurJuman and the Skylanders Spyros’s Adventure at Mirdif City Centre and Deira City Centre.  And, there’s even more attractions and experiences awaiting youngsters and the young at heart at Modhesh World, the region’s popular indoor family edutaintment destination  at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Visitors during ‘Eid in Dubai’ will be able to watch famous Arab stars perform at the Layali Dubai concerts and brilliant fireworks displays. Throughout ‘Eid in Dubai’ and Dubai Summer Surprises, families and children will also have the opportunity to watch or indulge in a range of shows, activities and performances at various malls. Visitors will also be able to find a wide range of exciting promotions and offers including the chance to win up to AED 4 million in prizes at the mega summer promotion.

Eid in Dubai’ is a social initiative launched by DFRE in 2008, aimed at showcasing  Islamic values and Emirati traditions during the Eid al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, and is meant to spread the true spirit of Dubai’s multicultural environment under the slogan “United in Celebration”.  DSS, which was launched in 1998 to help revitalise the retail sector and position Dubai as a summer destination of choice, will give families and tourists from around the world the chance to experience “The Fun Side of Summer” in Dubai.

H.E. Laila Mohammad Suhail, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “DFRE is delighted to unveil a host of fabulous events and attractions, starting with the Eid in Dubai celebrations, and continuing all the way through our much-awaited Dubai Summer Surprises until 5 September.  This year’s “Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Fitr” celebrations and Dubai Summer Surprises are quite unique because of the world premieres that we have brought to Dubai in partnership with international licensors of entertainment characters. The exciting line-up of world-class entertainment and fun-filled activities for the family will give the city a vibrant, festive atmosphere, and further enhance Dubai’s position as a summer destination of choice. The “Eid in Dubai” slogan “United in Celebration” will resonate across the city, in a true manifestation of Dubai’s multicultural setting and spirit. During Dubai Summer Surprises, the whole city becomes a playground of edutainment while at the same time giving families the chance to lay their hands on amazing shopping bargains as they experience “The Fun Side of Summer”.

“DFRE is confident initiatives such as ‘Eid in Dubai’ and DSS will contribute towards retail and tourism growth, and fits well into Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020, aimed at increasing tourism arrivals to 20 million by 2020. We once again wish to express our deepest gratitude to the support received from some of the biggest entities in the UAE to our “Eid in Dubai” celebrations that has helped sustain a unique alliance between the government and private sectors and ensured the success of our festivals year after year’, H.E. Laila Suhail added.

 

Highlights of ‘Eid in Dubai’ and Dubai Summer Surprises 2014

 

World Premiere of Angry Birds Universe Interactive Experience

From first day of Eid until 8 Sept, Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre

Modhesh World will witness the launch of the World Premiere of “Angry Birds Universe”, an interactive experience based on the popular phenomenon, and offering a whole new experience to families and children. The exclusive Angry Birds area at Modhesh World will have a number of games and hands-on activities covering science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics that will help broaden the knowledge of kids in an entertaining way and is fun for all, from toddlers to grandparents.

 

Hello Kitty Show

28 July – 3 August, The Dubai Mall

Audiences will see Hello Kitty and her friends unfold a magical story full of fun and laughter, with bright costumes and fabulous music and dancing.  The Dubai Mall will host three shows daily, each of 25 minutes duration.

 

Hello Kitty and Friends Around The World

Until 8 September, Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre,

Modhesh World will play host to the world’s most famous cat, Hello Kitty, who is bringing along her friends My Melody and twin sisters Kiki & Lala to go on a fun-filled trip to the leading cities of the world – Dubai, London, Tokyo, Moscow and Paris. The Hello Kitty and Friends around the World is a themed zone where Hello Kitty and friends engage in activities around   iconic landmarks like Eiffel Tower in Paris, as well as participate in fun workshops such as arts and crafts, face painting and fashion.

 

World Premiere of Decepticlone Transformers Show

31 July – 9 August, BurJuman

The World Premiere of the Decepticlone Transformers Show will see the arrival for the very first time in the UAE of the Autobots and their nemesis Megatron. The three daily shows, each of 20 minutes duration, brings to life three, iconic Cybertronians – Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumble Bee. Later, children will get the opportunity to meet their favourite characters during a Meet & Greet session. Almost eight feet tall, the robots are set to enthral audiences with an entertaining burst of sci-fi action and special effects on a soaring stage exclusively constructed for the Cybertronians. The Transformers show coincides with the Eid release in the UAE of the final movie instalment, Transformers 4.

 

Transformers Interactive Experience

From first day of Eid until 8 September, Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre

The World Premiere of the Transformers Interactive Experience lets pre-teens (above six years) and teenagers test their skills in activities and games through various experiences where  children will have to use their hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor and spatial skills, problem-solving capabilities and logic. Children can acquire some fascinating information about their favourite action heroes from the hit sci-fi movie.

 

World Premiere of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure

7 – 16 August, Mirdif City Centre

21 – 30 August, Deira City Centre

Skylanders Spyro’s Adventures is the very first live show in the world where the Skylanders action figures come alive on stage to wow the audience. The show is interactive and participation-based, with fun musical elements. Audiences can watch Spyro, the ever-popular dragon soar across the stage via cabling as he goes head-to-gill with Gill Grunt and his water cannon! Skylanders was named one of the top 20 video game franchises of all time in 2014. The Skylanders figures outsold all top action-figure lines worldwide in 2013 for the second consecutive year, with more than US$200 million in retail sales. Three shows daily, each of 20 minutes duration.

 

WWE Interactive Experience

From first day of Eid until 8 September, Modhesh World, Dubai World Trade Centre

WWE has an extensive fan base across the Middle East, among children and adults alike, and now they have a chance to enjoy wrestling mania at Modhesh World! Children (above nine years) can participate in five experiences, none of which has body contact, including Super Strike, which allow participants to play with toys and have their photos taken with a life-sized cut-out. Other activities too give children the chance to have their photos taken as mementos.

 

Modhesh World

12 June – 8 September, Dubai World Trade Centre: 

Launched in 2000, Modhesh World celebrates its 15^th anniversary this year in grand style by hosting the World Premiere of interactive experiences featuring the Angry Birds Universe and an interactive experience related to the Transformers. Visitors instantly feel welcome and excited at the ensemble of games, contests, activities, workshops and more that cuddly Modhesh, Dubai’s popular mascot, has brought for the young ones, pre-teens and teenagers. It offers them the opportunity to learn in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, in a fully air-conditioned, child-safe environment. During the Eid holidays, it is open from 10am to midnight; thereafter, until 8 September, from 10am to 10pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to midnight on Thursday; 3pm to midnight on Friday.

 

‘Summer is Dubai’ Promotion

Until 5 September, Participating Malls in Dubai

Shoppers spending AED 200 at a participating mall have been given the opportunity to win up to AED 5 million in prizes in the mega “Summer is Dubai” promotion. The first phase of the campaign ran from 7 to 28 June, The second leg of the campaign commenced on 15 July and will run until the last day of Eid. Shoppers have the chance to win prizes of up to AED1.5 million in cash and AED500,000 in shopping vouchers.  The final leg of the campaign between 2 August and 5 September  will see lucky shoppers winning 6 BMW Luxury cars and AED 500,000 in shopping vouchers. Meanwhile, shoppers can avail themselves of attractive bargains and deals including discounts of up to 75 % percent offered at malls and retail outlets in Dubai.

 

Fireworks

Three days of Eid,  Dubai Creek (Al Seef Street)

Residents and visitors are in for a spectacular Eid treat when Dubai’s  night sky comes alive with some of the best pyrotechnics staged by world-renowned experts.

A grand fireworks display will take place along the Dubai Creek  at Al Seef Street, commencing at 9.00pm daily.

 

Layali Dubai Concerts

30 – 31 July, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

A line-up of famous Arab singers will take to the stage at Layali Dubai, a series of Arab concerts that will be held at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre on 30 and 31 July.

Enjoy some of the most lilting melodies of Arabia, and get a close glimpse of top Arabian singers including Ismael Mubarak, Balqees Ahmed, Rabeh Saqer, Shamma Hamdan, Sa’ad Lamjarred, and Ahlam.

 

Eid Mubarak – Salim Sulaiman Live in Concert

31 July, Zabeel Hall 2, Dubai World Trade Centre

Two of Bollywood’s top music-directors and singers, Salim & Sulaiman will be performing live in concert for the first time in Dubai. Sons of composer and veteran of the South Indian film industry, Sadruddin Merchant, Salim mastered the piano at the Trinity School of Music in London while Sulaiman mentors include tabla maestros Taufiq Qureshi and Zakir Hussain. Together, they have provided the musical scores to over 100 films and 20 TV shows incorporating western, folk, Hindustani and Sufi influences to their music. Their show promises melodious music and electrifying live performance, celebrating the true spirit of Eid in Dubai.

 

Marhaba Dubai featuring “Shreya Ghoshal” Live in Concert

1 August, Al Nasr Leisureland

A musical spectacle by India’s biggest singing sensation Shreya Ghoshal who will sing her popular numbers from Bollywood and do a medley of s songs from Malayalam & Tamil Films as well. The concert promises to be a treat for music fans from the Indian sub-continent.

 

Dino Live, Planetarium360, Brick Adventureland

From 28 July onwards, Arabian Centre

Visit the world’s largest movable Dinosaur Exhibition and the world’s largest mobile Planetarium, all under one roof at the Arabian Centre. Families and children can also experience   the only one of its kind Brick Adventureland and also catch the Vegas Magic Illusion Show, and participate in many more fun-filled activities.

 

Modhesh Craftsville

28 July – 3 August, Mirdif City Centre

10 – 16 August, Deira City Centre

20 – 26 August, The Dubai Mall

Children can enjoy learning arts and crafts in a specially-designed area within the mall. At Mirdif City Centre, they can use clay and Popsicle sticks to mould and create their own art pieces to take home. At Deira City Centre they can cut, paste and create their very-own musical instruments using recycled materials.  At The Dubai Mall, children can weave their own basket and make a lantern and their very-own crown. During these workshops children will have the opportunity to meet Modhesh at a Meet and Greet session.  

 

Movie Mania

28 July – 3 August, Deira City Centre

A cast of 12 professional performers present a spectacular dance musical dedicated to the biggest musical hits of the past decades. Witness the greatest movie soundtracks of all time played out on stage, embracing Hairspray’s ’You Can’t Stop the Beat’ to Slumdog Millionaire’s ‘Jai Ho’! Set in the guise of a movie awards night, the ‘award nominees’ for the ‘Best All-Time Movie Soundtrack’ are announced and live clips of the soundtrack are played out in front of the audience to simply rock the venue!

 

Kimora Lee Simmons in Dubai

10 August, Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall

One of America’s leading supermodels and fashion designers Kimora Lee Simmons is hosting an interactive style session, taking centre stage at the fashion catwalk of Dubai Mall to judge a styling competition and offer fashion advice on how to dress for the occasion and one’s personality, while showcasing how to accessorize and look fabulous in the latest trends in day wear, evening wear, abayas and more. The catwalk seating is by invitation only but mall visitors can watch the show from the surrounding balconies.

 

“100 Years of Indian Cinema – Tribute to Bollywood”

15 August, Zabeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

A four hour entertainment extravaganza  featuring all time musical hits and popular film dialogues from different decades, in a tribute to the music directors, film directors and actors of the past century, a period that is considered as the “Golden Years of Indian Cinema”. 

 

Modhesh Jungle Show

13 – 19 August, Mercato

Modhesh introduces children to some of his wild jungle friends for a dance party with a difference. Meet Paulie the party parrot, Marky the funky monkey and Georgina the elephant ballerina.

 

Modhesh Celebration Show

21 – 27 August, BurJuman

Join Modhesh and his friends to celebrate summertime! Modhesh will be joined onstage by six performers who will dance and sing along with him. The show is great fun for all the family in the tradition of caring and sharing and having lots of fun along the way!

 

Sheyaab

21 – 23 August, Mirdif City Centre

Sheyaab comprises three young, Kuwaiti artists who play the role of very old men, imitating their behaviour, moves and dialects. The YouTube clip of their participation in the TV talent show, Arabs Got Talent, got more than 4.8 million hits in just three weeks. Sheyaab – Romeo, Mirshiego, and Alijandro – sing and dance as they play various musical instruments.

 

Street Theatre

Various malls in Dubai

Families and children visiting malls will be entertained by a number of roaming artists and activities including balloon bending, art circus featuring eight circus performers combining circus acts, illusion and puppetry, an amazing one-man band.

 

Musicians Flash Mob

10 musicians with assorted instruments, such as flute, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin and keyboards, will appear impromptu at various malls and play well-known film and TV theme tunes, such as the new Spiderman movie theme, as well as Arabic songs by Fairuz and Dalida.

 

Disney on Ice Skating Master classes and Meet the Stars

27 – 28 August, The Dubai Mall

Disney on Ice world-class skating performers will give master classes to talented skaters who have registered from local skating clubs. The skaters will experience a learning workshop with world class athletes who perform with the Disney on Ice shows around the world.

2 September, The Dubai Mall

Disney fans will have the opportunity to meet the Disney on Ice stars.

 

Aerialist Silk Show

7 – 15 August,  Mall of the Emirates

Three aerialists with amazing strength and flexibility will fly above the MOE atrium for four hours daily, with a thrilling show. Highly compelling to watch, the skilled artists will perform aerial gymnastics on special silk fabric, doing hoops and back flips.

 

Adventure Time Live on Stage

28 August – 3 September, Ibn Battuta Mall

Adventure Time is a live-action stage show that follows the adventures of two best friends, Finn and Jake, as they travel through the mystical land of Ooo. Finn, the human boy with an awesome hat, and Jake, the wise dog with magical powers, meet up with fun characters during their adventures, such as rescuing beautiful princesses and tackling evil-doers. The show’s characters engage the audience with witty dialogue and involve them in the activities on stage, which are full of songs, dancing, story-telling and games. Three shows daily, each of 25 minutes duration.

 

Jungle Jive

5 – 11 August, Mercato mall

Jungle Jive show is a live-action stage show that brings all the favourite characters from Cartoon Network’s hit shows into one amazing show. The action starts when Dexter, Dee Dee and Johnny Bravo set off on a holiday, deep in the heart of the African jungle, where they come across the native Tumba tribe and meet the Powerpuff Girls. But disaster soon strikes when Mojo Jojo, disguised as a witch doctor, tries to poison them! The CN characters will provide endless fun for the audience as they take on Mojo Jojo with their own brand of magic! Three shows daily, each of 25 minutes duration.

 

Dexter Laboratory Interactive Science Show

13 – 20 August, Dubai Festival City Mall

Dexter is an eight-year-old boy genius who has a secret laboratory. Unfortunately, his old sister, Dee Dee, always manages to gain access to it and delights in destroying his creations. When Dexter and Dee Dee come on stage, they greet the audience, then host (Lab Manager) explains to the audience that they need to settle an argument between them about science and magic. The Host invites the kids to join Dexter as he runs some experiments to see who’s right and who’s wrong. Three shows daily, each of 25 minutes duration.

 

Dubai Sports World

Until 30 August, Dubai World Trade Centre

One of the largest indoor sports destinations in the Middle East has opened its doors to offer those with a penchant for sporting excitement the opportunity to be a part of the action within a professional standard and air-conditioned arena. The purpose-built indoor sports facility will feature action and excitement across the sporting spectrum –football, rugby, basketball, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and much more.

 

Free Summer Camps

28June to 6 September, Dubai Outlet Mall

6 July to 16 August, Dubai Sports City

20 July to 6 August, Reef Mall

These summer camps are organised in association with DFRE and Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Ministry of Education, Dubai Educational Zone. Some 100,000 registration forms have been distributed across more than 100 schools. Kids between the ages of 3 and 16 can participate for free with each participant getting one session free at any or all of the venues. A special ‘Eid in Dubai’ Kids camp will be held at Dubai Outlet Mall from 28 July – 2 August from 10am to 10pm.