Supplied photo

DSF events for Dubai foodies: Chocolates, coffee and dates, anyone?

Dubai - Plus, catch the fireworks tonight (December 18) at Al Seef.

A Staff Reporter

Published: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 1:21 PM

Last updated: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 1:25 PM

Preparations are in full swing at Dubai’s popular waterfront promenade, Al Seef, to celebrate the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) with a full-fledged DSF Market. Foodies are definitely in for a treat with the line-up of family-friendly activities starting next week until January 23, 2021.

And if you missed the grand DSF opening fireworks at Dubai Creek on Thursday, you can still catch the spectacular show tonight (December 18) at 8.30pm and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24 to 25)

Presented by Al Foah, here are some of the exciting DSF events at Al Seef next week:

Al Seef Chocolate Week

For a full week, starting December 24, chocolate lovers can indulge in tasting experiences and chocolate themed workshops.

Visitors to the destination can stop by the ‘Cocoville’ stand, and sample a range of delectable treats. From handcrafted caramel sea-salt truffles to chocolate sticks, its signature ‘chocolate in a jar’ or out-of-the-world brownies are lip-smacking good – and there’s something to suit every palate!

Chocolate lovers can join tasting experiences led by chocolate sommeliers who will invite them to learn about the endless blend of flavours and design the most exquisite cocoa-based creations.

French artist chocolatier, Corentin Vignal, will create a spectacular sculpture live at the destination using fine chocolate.

Kids can join the little chocolatiers workshops, and have a fun time guessing the flavours of different chocolate varieties, in addition to making their own treats, and decorating chocolate bars and lollipops with personalised chocolate wrappers.

Al Seef Kite and Bubble Week

From December 31 until January 6, Al Seef will celebrate the new year with a Kite and Bubble Week that includes fun and frolic for all age groups. Comprising kids workshops that teach the little ones to create their own colourful kites, bubble performances, bubble shows, bubble painting and lots more, the unmissable week will also feature an ocean-themed kite show. The show will bring to life stunning mammoth sea creature shaped kites that transport you into an underwater wonderland across the skies at Al Seef.

Al Seef Coffee Week

From January 7 to 13, visitors to the destination can savour a host of aromatic coffees from the UAE’s trendiest homegrown coffee shops in a relaxing ambience with the whole family. Baristas from around Dubai will showcase the latest techniques used in brewing that perfect mug of coffee.

Al Seef Date Week

Al Seef is also set to host a delightful Date Week from January 14 to 20, where all things date will be celebrated - from modern international fare where they are the star ingredient to the more local and traditional dishes, drinks and desserts.

At the heart of the week is the Al Foah date experience, where visitors can learn about the wide variety of date offerings and sample a host of date-based delicacies. Among its key attractions, is the dates craft area, where visitors can give free reign to their creativity as they shape items from date palm leaves. Kids can explore their own dedicated workshops to create date dishes with different fillings.

Al Seef Waterfront Weekend

Al Seef will also host a spectacular Waterfront Weekend from 21 to 23 January, offering visitors 3 days filled with gastronomic delights, entertainment and much more. The thrilling Dragon Boat race will be on 22 and 23 January, where visitors can not only cheer on their favourite team, but also participate in multiple water-bound and shore side experiences. Promising fun, fitness and friendships galore, the Waterfront Weekend is set to delight one and all.

Art @Al Seef

Visitors to the waterfront destination can discover the works of young local UAE artists exclusively at the Art District, and enjoy a dynamic and illuminated play of colours as they experience cultural snapshots at night during the artistic building projections show.

The Emirati Experience

For anyone who wants to experience and learn more about the Emirati way of life, The Market is a must visit. Emirati culture will be showcased at various stops, featuring live, traditional heritage and artifact stations. Visitors can also tour a traditional Emirati Bakala (grocery store) and get their hands painted with contemporary neon henna designs.

Kids will love the arts and crafts area that allows them to shape colourful kaleidoscopes, sun catchers, and paper spinners at unique workshops.

What’s more, Al Seef is bringing a barrage of diverse entertainment acts to regale audiences throughout the month, including a caricaturist, fire breather and the beloved Emirati Ayallah dancers.

After all the fun, visitors can indulge in foods they fancy — with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from — Al Seef’s selection of waterfront dining experiences and Souk street-style food include Five Guys, Dukkan Burger, Doors, Mitra, Al Fanar, and Nablus, to name just a few.