Dubai comes alive with performances, shopping offers

Throngs of people have continued to flock to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) to enjoy great deals and lively entertainment options.

Among the most popular venues has been the Market Outside The Box in Burj Park, which attracted thousands of visitors and families on Friday and Saturday.

The market includes a variety of fashion retailers, as well as home-grown entertainers.

"I came to Burj Park specifically to check out Market OTB which I have read and heard about a lot lately. I really liked it. It's a beautiful and innovative idea, much like other DSF events," said Egyptian expat Mohammed Al Bahy.

"The second we stepped into the market, my children went on a hunt for the play area," Al Bahy added. "It is a simple and free of charge area and what's great about it is that you can leave your kids safely in the hands of the supervisors at the location."

Organisers have noted that over 600 children under five years old have been registered at the play area since it opened.

I came to the market to enjoy the fun activities. I like this corner because they gave me an apron to wear to keep my clothes clean and because I am going to keep my drawing at the end," said 10-year-old Palestinian Yasmina Abu Ghazaleh. "I came here with my mom. She went shopping and I stayed here to play. I am also going to meet my friend here to have even more fun and to enjoy."

Market OTB will be open until January 30 from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 10pm on weekends at Burj Park.

In Mercato Mall, residents and tourists are also being given an opportunity to see the famous Comic Chaplin Street Theatre, all the way from Florence, Italy.

The performance - which includes a Charlie Chaplin impersonator - includes magic shows and a hilarious mime act.

The highly anticipated event will take place between January 26 and February 1 at Mercato Mall at 5pm, 7.45pm and 9pm every day, except Sundays.

Among those who've come to Dubai for DSF is supermodel and designer Alessandra Ambrosio, well known for her work with Victoria's Secret. From today to February 1, fans will have an opportunity to meet her as she visits various perfume-themed events around Dubai.

"I can't wait to visit Dubai during the festival to feel the exciting atmosphere and learn about everything that the Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer as I heard that the festival is widely known for offering unique shopping experiences and bringing together people for a unique celebration," she said
Source :The National