EID IN DUBAI

What to do and where to go during the festive period

Shreya ready to play

PLAYBACK SINGER EXTRAORDINAIRE Shreya Ghoshal will entertain thousands this Friday at the Madinat Arena.

The event, titled ‘Salaam Dubai 2012’ and organised by Oberoi Middle East, is being held as part of the city’s Eid in Dubai celebrations.

During the three-hour show, Shreya will be backed by a 20-member troupe, with the 28-year-old singer belting out hits from Ooh Laa La (from The Dirty Picture) to Chikni Chameli (from Agneepath).

See www.facebook.com/shreyaghoshaldubai for ticket details.

Moneymakers

YOU COULD WIN one of five prizes worth Dhs50,000 if you shop at Al Ghurair Centre between now and November 2.

The mall in Deira, open till 1am daily for Eid, is holding draws on October 26 and 27, and November 1 and 2, with anyone spending Dhs200 at any of its stores eligible to enter.

A hospitality majlis will also offer relaxation for visitors, a photo booth will be set up for fun snaps, and shows such as Bollywood and Tanoura dancing will run daily from 5pm to 11.30pm.

Water lot of fun

DOES ANYONE YOU know deserve a good soaking?

If so, bring them along to the first ever ‘Water Balloon Bash’ at Zabeel Park (Gate 1) this Saturday from 2.30pm. Teams will divide themselves into yellow and blue colours before engaging in a friendly water balloon fight.

Other activities on the environmentally-themed day will include water-based games, a funfair area, horse riding, a food section plus musical shows.

The water used in the event will serve to irrigate the grass, as Dubai Municipality will cease to water the area for four days to compensate for the water used in the event.

Register now for free at www.facebook.com/dxbevents.

A spot of culture

THE AL KHOR cultural district of Dubai is hosting activities from traditional music to Emirati customs and cuisine during Eid.

The district, which flanks the Dubai Creek, includes areas such as the Historical Souq Neighbourhood, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Bur Dubai and the Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood.

Your clucky day

A CHICKEN BAND is flocking to Jumeirah Beach Residence to perform three times a day at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

The band of street performing drummers, dressed in colourful costumes and mounted on chicken legs, will be accompanied by stilt-walkers as they entertain and meet the crowds.

Baby, you’re a firework

WATCH A DAILY fireworks show at 9pm during Eid from Al Seef Street in Dubai Creek.

The dazzling five-minute show will light up the night sky with myriad colours, and has been created by the Al Zarooni Group for Eid in Dubai.

Up all night

POP TO THE Dubai Mall after midnight on weekends and experience a wealth of entertainment as well as 24-hour shopping (until November 2).

As part of its ‘All Night Long’ promotion, visitors spending Dhs300 will enter a draw to win Dhs300,000 in National Bonds, plus there will be hospitality tents and a Yawela band, Arabic dancers, Tanoura dancers, an Arabic music band, falconers and Henna painting.

‘The World of Pinocchio’, an exhibition by Italian artist Bartolucci, will be showcased at the Star Atrium featuring children’s workshops from October 25 to November 3, and flash mobs will be popping up to surprise shoppers at the Fashion Catwalk and the Grand Atrium.

In the air

WATCH THE SUN rise over the city of dreams from the world’s highest observatory deck, as ‘At the Top’ in the Burj Khalifa offers 24-hour access on weekends for Eid (until November 3).

The deck, situated on Level 124 of the world’s tallest building, allows visitors panoramic views of Dubai, plus an interactive journey through the history and evolution of Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.

Entry prices will also be reduced to mark the festival, costing Dhs85 for adults and Dhs65 for children.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.atthetop.ae or directly from the ticket counter.

24-hour fun

BETWEEN NOW AND November 3, Magic Planet and Playnation will be operating 24 hours a day on weekends, as will VOX Cinemas in Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre (with new films including the latest James Bond adventure, Skyfall).

Also offering extended hours will be Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, which will remain open until 3am on weekdays and 1am on weekends.