• Home

They braved queues, crowds to witness 'greatest show on earth'

Dubai - The heroine of the show was a ballerina, who danced across the water, drawing planets and stars, and also unleashing the forces of chaos

It was a collective proud moment for those who became part of a groundbreaking and record-setting multi-media show. But they also have personal reasons to celebrate the latest attraction which has become one of the main highlights of the 22nd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
To celebrate their first wedding anniversary, literally, with a bang was the main reason why Khurram Musa and wife Maria joined the more than 5,000 people of various ages and nationalities who thronged to the promenade of Dubai Festival City on Monday night to witness a show featuring water fountains, fireworks, laser show, fireballs and multi-media projectors, which is set to become a permanent feature at the mall.
"We travelled all the way from Abu Dhabi to witness this and we were not disappointed," Khurram told Khaleej Times.
"It was like a perfect wedding anniversary gift to us and it was also a double celebration because our son, Musa, just turned three months old."
Early in the day, as seagulls were flying overhead, DJs from various radio stations of Arabian Radio Network were entertaining the residents and tourists who filled the DFC promenade as early as 2pm.
Sharjah resident Senthilkumar and his wife, Rathi, and daughters Monishree and Madhumitha were among those arrived first.
"I wanted to make sure that my family will get a perfect holiday entertainment. I'm glad the DSF came early this year and whilst waiting for the show to begin we also had some time to go shopping," Senthilkumar said.
Colleagues Chandu and Naveen also spent their day off and had a post Christmas celebration. "We were completely astounded," the two said.
But, perhaps, no one can be more amazed than sisters Joelle, 7, and Liona, 5, who went with their mother, Nawel. "We felt like Disney princesses," the two girls told KT.
"We came at 2pm and had lunch here and we did not mind waiting because we really enjoyed the magic - it was like a scene from our favourite Disney movie 'Frozen' where Elsa and her sister Anna were dancing and singing. We were singing and dancing too," the sisters said.
Six-year old Jumana, who came with her father Akbar, was also hugely impressed by the multi-media spectacle. Another 'Frozen' fan, Jumana simply and honestly said: "I felt like a princess."
Guests were given LED wristbands which synchronized with the music and lights from the show and this greatly impressed Brazilian expats and brothers Philip, 14, and Nicolas, 11. "Dubai has really shown to the world its advanced technology," Philip said.
And perhaps no one could be more proud than Emirati Mohammed Al Mahri. He said: "Of course Dubai is no stranger to glitz and glamour but this is another proud moment for us."
"I've seen a similar show in Singapore but this one, with the Dubai skyline serving as background, is really much better. This is more magical because it's closer to my heart especially when they play some Arab music as part of the excellent show."
angel@khaleejtimes.com