Dubai all set to ring in the Year of the Rooster

Participants of the Dragon Boat Festival rowing their way to finishing point at Dubai Canal on Friday.

Grand festivities across the city marks Chinese New Year in Dubai, with an extensive programme of events celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Rooster. Spectacular fireworks, cultural performances, exclusive culinary offerings, shopping discounts and a Dragon Boat festival are part of this year's programmes - which kicked off on Thursday.
Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasi, executive director, retail and strategic alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: "Cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year have always created a strong sense of community in Dubai, bringing together people from diverse nations and cultures. A key highlight of the Chinese New Year entertainment will be the DP Dragon Boat Festival, taking place at the Dubai Water Canal." The race will conclude today.
Dragon Mart 1 & 2 are bringing the occasion to life with a number of cultural performances and music concerts from January 26 - February 8. Taking place every day from 6pm to 9pm, these include an acrobatic performance by Asia's Got Talent participants Liu Xin and Gao Lin; a showcase of Kung Fu stunts; the fascinating ancient Chinese dramatic art of 'Face Changing'; a Lion Dance by the world's largest Dragon Dance team, the Guangzhou Laborers Lion Dance association; as well as musical performances by traditional Chinese musicians. Visitors will also be greeted by Chinese mascots across the mall, and can visit a Chinese Fortune Teller and a Chinese calligrapher. Children will also be able to take part in the festivities by visiting the Face Painting stall in the mall.
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Continuing the exciting lineup of activities, The Dubai Mall is offering visitors exclusive gift vouchers, a selection of Chinese movie screenings on the big screen and underwater Dragon Dance. Traditional Dragon Dance performances are being held at BurJuman centre, Mall of the Emirates, and The Outlet Village are also offering shoppers chances to win cash prizes.
Burj Al Arab hotel will host a Lion Dance Show and a walk around by Caishen (the God of Prosperity) today at 6pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm, along with a live Chinese harp performance from 6pm - 10.30 pm.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai