Concerts, family-themed entertainment, stand-up comedy, and shopping are set to lure visitors to Dubai for the 17-day Eid Al Adha celebrations beginning September 25.
Dubai has started decorating the city and preparing for the celebrations organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The Eid in Dubai – Eid Al Adha celebrations are aimed at strengthening Dubai’s position as a family-favourite destination during the Eid holidays.
Shoppers can look forward to a world-class shopping experience in Dubai, with the leading malls and shopping centres extending opening hours throughout the 17 days of festivities.
Eid fireworks will be at the Kite Beach this year beginning on October 2 at 9pm. The nightly fireworks will run until October 11.
Australia’s the Ten Tenors, who have sold more than 3.5 million concert tickets to date, will enthrall music lovers in Dubai this Eid Al Adha.
Circo Boom or Comedy Circus will provide families with lots of laughs in a 45-minute show. Created by the Cirque du Soleil veteran Dimitri Bagatirev, Comedy Circus was nominated for the Ovation Awards, in the category of best touring show. It has delighted audiences from around the world, performing for more than 500,000 people in Japan, Mexico, Korea, Singapore, Russia and Chile.
Those seeking additional family entertainment may go to Zabeel Park for the Rhythm of Arts from October 5 to 11 between 4pm and midnight to watch musical stage shows by street artists and popular bands. They can also participate in creative workshops and street art.
Here is a list of out of the way things to do in Dubai that is suggested by the Eternal Wanderer at http://www.footstepsofawanderer.com:
1. Trampolining!
Make like Tigger and bounce for an hour! I recently wrote a post all about the new Bounce outlet in Al Barsha where you can take part in Dodgeball matches, propel yourself onto crash mats, try to do a Michael Jordan with the basketball hoop, or walk up walls – all good fun, great exercise and guaranteed lots of laughs.
2. Go diving!
Head underwater where the temperatures are much cooler. Whether you’ve done it before or are learning the ropes, the dive centres at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jebel Ali Resort both offer trial dive sessions, beginners and advanced, as well as a whole range of specialities if you fancy doing something different. What better time to learn something new??
3. Cool off at a water park!
If you don’t want to be below the water (for long!), check out Wild Wadi or Aquaventure, both offer a great experience whether you prefer floating along a lazy river, or getting an adrenaline high by hurtling down near vertical drops! Wild Wadi remains my favourite as everything seems much more accessible and easy to get around.
4. Take up skiing or snowboarding!
Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, no matter what your level of experience, there are lessons available for all, and if that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other activities available from zorbing and sledging to ziplining and even meeting the penguins! I haven’t yet had a chance to try these activities but they look fun from the mall, and I enjoyed my snowboarding lessons!
5. Take up a new watersport!
This is something else I have dedicated a post to in the past here, although now I would also add paddleboarding (SUP) to the list. I still haven’t had a chance to take lessons but I have attempted this with my godchildren, and it’s harder than it looks! If I was staying in Dubai over the next couple of days, it would definitely be something I would try! Temperatures might make it a bit warm for kayaking at the moment, but wake boarding would definitely be good right now too.
Eid Al Adha Break with Dnata Travel
This Eid Al Adha, look forward to making new memories on an Emirates Holidays break. Take advantage of the wide range of attractive holiday packages, from city breaks to beach holidays and starting from just AED 2,750 per peron, in some of the most beautiful destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates, has holiday options to suit every budget and requirement. The holiday packages are based on two adults sharing and are inclusive of economy class return flights on the award winning Emirates, accommodation with breakfast in a range of three-star to five-star hotels, room tax and service charges, airport departure tax, and fuel surcharge.
Sri Lanka
From AED 2,750 per person – visit Sri Lanka with its diverse attractions. From beautiful beaches to tea plantations, to visits to an elephant orphanage, or a river safari through mangrove plantations – Sri Lanka presents a memorable holiday destination.
Emirates Holidays offers a four night break to Sri Lanka staying at the 5* Heritance Ahungalla from just AED 2,750 per person. The break includes return airport transfers, a boat trip on the Madhu River and accommodation, with breakfast, for two adults. To book visit www.emiratesholidays.ae or call 800 5252.
Vietnam
Vietnam is an ideal family destination, with welcoming and friendly people. Ho Chi Minh, the heart and soul of Vietnam, is a shopper’s paradise with its colourful markets teeming with silk and handicraft shops. To explore the best of Ho Chi Minh, take an insightful private city tour or book a speedboat ride to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels – an elaborate underground community made up of 250 kilometres of tunnels and chambers below the town built in the 1940s and expanded in the 1960s during the Vietnam War.
Emirates Holidays offers a four night break to Vietnam staying at the 3* Elegant Hotel, Ho Chi Min City from just AED 3,745 per person. The break includes return airport transfers, a half-day private city tour and accommodation, with breakfast, for two adults. To book visit www.emiratesholidays.ae or call 800 5252.
Austria
Austria is a country rich in culture, tradition and beautiful scenery. Vienna, the capital and largest city – offers stunning architecture and excellent food and drink for which the city is famous. Explore the city’s old town in a horse drawn carriage and enjoy a cup of coffee with a piece of original Sacher-Torte or an apple strudel.
Emirates Holidays offers a four night break to Vienna staying at the 4* Holiday Inn Vienna City from just AED 4,140 per person. The break includes a Vienna Ring Tram tour and accommodation, with breakfast, for two adults. To book visit www.emiratesholidays.ae or call 800 5252.
Italy
Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and deservingly so. Here you will find masterpieces of Roman architecture such as the world-famous Colosseum and The Pantheon; or you can make a wish by throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Rome today is a modern and cosmopolitan city that the entire family can truly enjoy.
Emirates Holidays offers a four night break to Italy staying at the 4* Hotel Diana, Rome from just AED 5,890 per person. The break includes a walking city tour and accommodation, with breakfast, for two adults. To book visit www.emiratesholidays.ae or call 800 5252.
Mauritius
Known as the land of sugar and smiles; the Island of Mauritius is a spectacular natural wonder boasting crystal clear lagoons, endless coral reefs, sandy white beaches and stretches of sugar cane plantations. Explore the lively waterfront of Port Louis for handmade souvenirs, take in the breathtaking views from Black River Gorges National Park or get your heart pumping with a host of water sports.
Emirates Holidays offers a five night break to Mauritius staying at the 4* LUX* Grand Gaube from just AED 6,899 per person.
