DUBAI // Hundreds flocked to Creek Park last night to enjoy a fireworks display, fire dancers and a water show at the launch of the 18th Dubai Shopping Festival.
The theme of the ceremony marking the beginning of the month-long event - this year called "Dubai at its Best" - focused on the history, prosperity, expansion and modernity of Dubai.
The last act depicted the shopping festival's evolution and importance.
Floating tableaus built in the shape of horses to signify the emirate's equestrian past floated down Dubai Creek as dancers swayed to marching music and depicted the heritage of Emirati horsemanship.
"It is a nice opportunity to watch this spectacular show, especially when the weather is so nice," said Yazed Ahmad, a 27-year-old salesman who attended the show with his friends.
Yasmin Mohammed, a 24-year-old accountant, said it was nice to see the Creek and Dubai sky light up to mark this important festival.
"I love the Dubai Shopping Festival because there are a lot of opportunities to do shopping with lesser prices," she said.
The festival's organisers, the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, chose the Creek "because of its special position in the history of Dubai".
"From its humble beginnings as a cluster of pearling settlements on the shores of Dubai Creek, or Khor Dubai, the city has grown in every direction and in all spheres in a short period of time to embrace a vibrant present that makes it the cynosure of the world and a beacon for the best in everything it touches," a statement added.
More than 6,000 stores across Dubai are expected to participate in the festival and offer consumers attractive discounts.
The city will also host activities until February 3 to provide entertainment for the shoppers.
A black light show will be held at the Mall of Emirates this weekend as part of the festivities. The famous Arabic musician, Omar Khairat, will also appear at Dubai World Trade Centre tonight.
The first edition of the festival in 1996 attracted a total of 1.6 million visitors, who spent more than Dh 2.1 billion, the organisers said.
The number of visitors and money spend continued to increase yearly until it reached more than 3.6 million visitors, who spent a total of Dh 15.1 billion in 2011.
There were no available figures regarding the number of visitors or money spent last year.
Margret Rosa, a 34-year-old Filipino administrator who accompanied her two children to Creek Park,tt said the show was entertaining.
"My children loved it and was so full of joy and life," she said.
Firework shows also occurred at the Heritage and Diving Village, Al Seef Street and Festival Promenade to mark the start of the festival.
wissa@thenational.ae
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F1 The Movie
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4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Tafaakhor, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
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Winner: Cranesbill, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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Always use only regulated platforms
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Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
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Price, base: Dh1.2 million
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Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
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Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.3L / 100km (estimate)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
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In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
The Bio
Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959
Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States.
He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses
Buxani followed in his father’s footsteps when he applied for a job overseas
His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s
Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business
He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery
Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all
