Celebrating Eid in Dubai? Here's the calendar of events

Spectacular fireworks at JBR Dubai. Photo by Rahul Gajjar

The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has unveiled the highlights of its annual 'Eid in Dubai' celebrations aimed at further enhancing Dubai's position as the holiday destination of choice for families and tourists during the joyous occasion of Eid Al Adha. 
Held for ten days from 8 -17 September and featuring a diverse range of events and activities, the ninth edition of 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' will bring together people from different communities and cultures from within and outside the emirate to showcase the true spirit of Dubai's multicultural environment under the theme, "United in Celebration". 
Highlights of this year's 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations include live concerts featuring some of the iconic Arab singers, Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan on 13 September and Mohamed Abdo on 16 September; a performance by Pakistani singer and Sufi maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; a Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, spectacular fireworks shows and numerous events for families and children hosted by malls across Dubai. In addition to the entertainment offering, Eid shoppers can avail themselves of the opportunity to win prizes up to AED 1.5 million in the 'Shop. Spin & Win' promotion run by DFRE in collaboration with the Dubai Shopping Malls Group. 
In addition to the 'Eid in Dubai' calendar, residents and visitors can also enjoy numerous other attractions that make Dubai a 'must-visit' year round destination, including the mega theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure.
As part of the campaign to woo more visitors from target markets, two social media influencers will be travelling to Saudi Arabia to promote the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations through various general knowledge quiz competitions and live shows, offering prizes and gifts to the winners. 
Commenting on the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations, Laila Mohammad Suhail, CEO of DFRE, said: "Eid in Dubai will add to the overall holiday experience for residents and tourists who will be in Dubai during this year's 'Eid Al Adha' celebrations. In each edition of "Eid in Dubai" we ensure that the celebrations reach out to the widest possible range of people, in every nook and corner of Dubai, as we want everyone to experience the joy of Eid irrespective of their cultural background. The festivities also offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore and discover Emirati customs, cuisine and culture through social, cultural and entertainment events. 
"The calendar of events during the ninth edition of 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' will help position Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination and ensure that Dubai remains a busy hub for retailers throughout the year. The various retail promotions offering attractive prizes is further evidence of the longstanding collaboration that exists between the government and private sectors, specifically DFRE's Strategic Partners, who have played a crucial role in the success of all our festivals and celebrations." 
DFRE's Strategic Partners for 2016 are: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates, AW Rostamani Group, The Dubai Mall, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Al Futtaim Group, Ibn Battuta Mall, Meraas, Mercato, Dubai Duty Free, ENOC, Etisalat and Paris Gallery.
 
'EID IN DUBAI- EID AL ADHA' 2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Dubai Concerts- Eid Al Adha 2016
13 & 16 September, Dubai World Trade Centre 
Iconic Arab singers, Mohamed Abdo Rabeh Saqer & Shamma Hamdan will take the lead in providing world-class entertainment at live concerts organised in collaboration with Rotana, as part of the line-up of events during the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations' this year. Rabeh Saqer and Shamma Hamdan will perform on 13 September and Mohamed Abdo will take centre stage on 16 September.
 
Eid Al Adha fireworks shows
11- 16 September, THE BEACH, opposite JBR 
Residents and visitors can watch a breath-taking fireworks display light up the skies above THE BEACH daily for six straight nights.
 
'Shop. Spin & Win AED 1.5 million'
1-17 September, participating malls of DSMG 
A rewarding shopping experience awaits residents and visitors to Dubai during the upcoming 'Eid in Dubai- Eid Al Adha' celebrations, as an innovative retail promotion 'Shop, Spin & Win' by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Dubai Shopping Malls Group offers shoppers spending a minimum AED 200 the chance to win prizes worth AED 1.5 million.
 
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Live in Concert
16 September, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre 
Pakistani singer and Sufi maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform live for one night in Dubai for his only performance of 2016, as part of the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations. At a brand new show featuring a live acoustic segment never seen before, Rahat will play all his biggest Bollywood hits and Qawwali classics in a spectacular 3 hour musical show.
 
MALL ENTERTAINMENT
Looney Tunes "What Stole My Chicken" Live Show and Workshop
8 - 17 September, Ibn Battuta Mall 
The Looney Tunes show featuring Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Taz in "What Stole My Chicken" will provide live entertainment for the whole family that will run for 10 days in Ibn Battuta Mall as part of the 'Eid in Dubai- Eid Al Adha' celebrations. Come and enjoy the fabulous show, 'Meet and Greet' sessions and a workshop. Make a film strip bookmark, engage in spot the difference and colouring activities and wear a Daffy Duck mask.
 
Eid in Dubai TV show
8 - 17 September, Souk Atrium, The Dubai Mall 
A live TV show featuring the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebration that will be aired by Sama Dubai TV, offering prizes to the winners of games and competitions. The show, which will have a full studio set up at the Souk Atrium in The Dubai Mall, is highly interactive and is based on various games and questions revolving around Eid in Dubai. AED 20,000 worth of prizes will be offered to the winners.
 
Iftah Ya Simsim Live Show, Workshop and Parade
8 - 17 September, Dragon Mart 2 
Based on the popular Arabic entertainment series for children, the Iftah Ya Simsim live show, will make its debut in Dubai in Dragon Mart 2, accompanied by a fun and educational workshop. Characters from this show will also roam the mall before the shows to meet excited guests!
 
Colour Workshops
8 - 17 September, Dragon Mart 2 
Join in the colourful workshops and enjoy a range of arts and crafts activities for kids.
 
Eid Al Adha entertainment
11 - 17 September, Mall of the Emirates 
Visitors to Mall of the Emirates are in for a treat this Eid as they get to watch amazing themed entrance entertainment concepts - Human Puppet, Top hat tapping bunnies, and a Toy Music Band, plus three more themed roaming acts and shows - the Toy Maker, The Dolls, and The Soldiers.
 
Comedy Illusion Show
11 - 17 September, City Centre Mirdif 
Bringing an original and fresh specialty illusion will be the Comedy Illusion Show. These comedy illusionists combine stunning illusions, mind blowing magic and hilarious comedy into one action packed show you will never forget. They have been described as 'Very Funny' by Kenn Dodd and as'Real Magic' by Terry Pratchett. Their achievements include; winning Brit Idol 2012, reaching the Grand Finals of Britain Does Variety and they were voted the best illusion act in the UK National Magic Championships.
 
The Jungle Book
21 August - 17 September, CITY WALK expansion, located at Multaqa Al Adua'a (next to Hub Zero) 
Step into a fascinating world with your favourite Jungle Book characters. The Jungle Book experience is all about the family exploring the jungle environment together and creating fun memories. Visitors are taken on the journey deep into the Indian Jungle with a feast of visual and audible surroundings. With some real animals, twisted vines, foliage and large trees, you can also enjoy experiences like taming the tiger, feeding the monkey and planting a tree.
 
Larger Than Life Mimes
8 - 14 September: Mall of the Emirates
15 - 16 September: Dragon Mart 2
17 September: Ibn Battuta Mall 
These exciting larger than life mimes will not only put on a great performance as they walk above everyone on stilts, but they will also turn heads with their silence! Refusing to use the sense of sound to attract an audience, these performers will draw in a crowd in a visual way with their colourful lined costumes complete with shaggy lace, and crazy facial gestures that will surely tell a wonderful story.
 
Nickelodeon PlayPark - Live at Dubai Festival City
8 - 26 September, Dubai Festival City Mall 
Visit Dubai Festival City Mall to experience a free interactive Nickelodeon PlayPark for the first time in Dubai, as part of the 'Eid in Dubai' celebrations. Loads of family fun at four themed zones in the mall's main atrium, Festival Square, with Shimmer & Shine, Paw Patrol, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This unique PlayPark is free for kids of all ages.
 
The Spark!
8 - 17 September, Dubai Festival City Mall 
During the upcoming 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations' families are bound to enjoy The Spark!, a magical live music, movement and lighting spectacular, in which mysterious characters composed of light and sound transform the landscape around them. The Spark! Is a medium scale street theatre show performed by seven characters that combine highimpact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs.
 
Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha 2016
11- 17 September, Mercato 
Mercato is offering families the opportunity to enjoy an Eid to remember with special entertainment activities including Quick Change Show, which will feature performers changing into different dresses in split seconds in front of the audience, breath-taking Rollerblading acrobatic performance, roaming acts, and a kids workshop conducted by the performers, which will include painting, themed arts & crafts activities and Meet and Greet opportunities with the artists 
From 8 - 17 September, in a 'Shop & Win' promotion, shoppers spending AED 200 at any shop or outlet at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah during Eid, will be entitled to receive a coupon that will be entered into the raffle draw, offering one of these prizes - Gulf Cruise for a family of 4 by Imagine Cruising; jewellery prizes worth AED 30,000 or one of 2 Macbooks from iStyle. 
 
Teddy & Otto
8 & 9 September: City Centre Deira
11 & 12 September: Dragon Mart 2
13 & 14 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
15 & 16 September: City Centre Deira
17 September: Mall of the Emirates 
The most friendly, funny and furry characters you're likely to meet have come on a visit to Dubai to join the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations. Meet Otto the Otter and Teddy the Fox as they wander through the crowd telling tales of fairies and woodland magic. Otto and Teddy invite anyone who wishes to test their knowledge at a quiz of fairytale fantasy!
 
The Couch
8 & 9 September: Mall of the Emirates
11 & 12 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
13 & 14 September: Dragon Mart 2
15 & 16 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
17 September: City Centre Deira 
As one of the events of the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations, two artists will join hands to pose as a Living Couch, singing and creating a fun ambience for all those seated on this Couch! 
 
Al Capone Jazz Band
8 & 9 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
11 & 12 September: City Centre Deira
13 & 14 September: Mall of the Emirates
15, 16 & 17 September: Dragon Mart 2 
A roaming music act from Italy, this live comic Dixieland will feature unique repertoire of classic Jazz and Swing music that will involve the entire audience in singing and clapping, as part of the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations.
 
Circus Follies
8 & 9 September: Dragon Mart 2
11 & 12 September: Ibn Battuta Mall
13 &14 September: City Centre Deira
15 &16 September: Mall of the Emirates
17 September: Dragon Mart 2 
Visitors to the 'Eid in Dubai - Eid Al Adha' celebrations will be amazed by this magnificent comic juggling street act from Italy featuring super equilibrist performers using unique techniques and comedy animation. 
 
Forever Friends Picnic
8 - 17 September, Dragon Mart 2 
The Forever Friends Picnic is a delightful garden themed event, which will welcome families with storytelling, arts and crafts and 'Meet & Greet the giant Forever Friends bears! 
(Please note that in the above schedule of events there will be no shows on the Day of Arafat.)