Darth Vader and his storm troopers descend on Dubai Mall

Festive 'Star Wars' exhibition will run until December 30

Memebrs of Dubai's 501st Legion visit to the Dubai Mall 'Star Wars' exhibition. Can you tell which are real?

Dubai Mall is getting festive this month with snow-topped trees, fairies, snowflakes and the world's largest exhibition of life-size Star Wars figures.

The latter may not entirely fit the festive remit, but in the absence of this year's traditional Star Wars movie release, it's something to keep fans' on their toes during the long wait for next December's Episode IX.

Taking over the mall's Grand Atrium, fans will find around 40 life-size storm troopers in battle formation – whether it's a knowing nod or not, we can't be sure, but these particular storm troopers could well attract Princess Leia's famous sarcastic question "aren't you a little short for a storm trooper?" They all appear to be about 5'6". Leading the troop is the fearsome Darth Vader, while at the edge of proceedings, fans will also find models of bounty hunter Boba Fett and Rogue One's talkative droid K-2S0.

You won't need long to check out the exhibition, but it's a definite photo opportunity for fans, even though they may be troubled by the distinct lack of good guys. The models were all hand-assembled and created over the course of six months by California-based Sideshow Collectibles, and this claims to be the largest display of Sideshow's Star Wars figures in the world.

On a more traditionally festive note, visitors to Dubai Mall can also take in an interactive version of Disney's live action fantasy The Nutcracker and the Four Realms  in the Star Atrium, experience a magical installation featuring giant decorated fairies, with up to a four-metre wingspan, floating high above the Fashion Avenue Atrium, or visit Dubai Ice Rink's festive market, complete with a "Snow Ball Fight Zone."

The Star Wars exhibition runs until December 30, while all other festive celebrations will be in place until January 12.

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