Latest news with #AhmedAlKhaja
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Eid Al Adha in Dubai: A guide to what's on offer from shopping to live events
Images: Supplied Get ready for an extraordinary Eid Al Adha in Dubai. From June 2 to 8, the city will transform into a vibrant spectacle of joy and entertainment, offering an action-packed programme curated by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). Whether you're a resident or a visitor, prepare to create unforgettable memories with world-class entertainment, the season's biggest retail offers, exclusive hotel and attraction deals, endless culinary adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime prizes. As Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, aptly puts it, 'This year's Eid in Dubai programme is designed to create memorable moments through world-class entertainment, cultural showcases, incredible retail and dining offers, and breathtaking experiences that truly reflect the warmth and vibrancy of our city. We welcome everyone to celebrate Here's a breakdown of what's on offer to make your Eid truly special: 1. Live events, concerts and shows Dubai's Eid Al Adha celebrations promise a spectacular line-up of entertainment for all ages and interests. Mohamed Abdo Live: The legendary Saudi singer lights up Coca-Cola Arena on June 7 for an unforgettable evening of music. Tickets are available via the Coca-Cola Arena website. The Greatest Wish : Families can enjoy a feel-good Arabic play with lively characters and captivating scenes at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, from June 6 to 8. Comedy Nights : French comedian Roman Frayssinet performs at the Emirates Theatre on June 7, while Indian comic sensation Shraddha Jain makes her Dubai debut at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, on the same night. Dinner With A Clue : For a night of suspense and intrigue, this live-action murder mystery returns aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 on June 7. Candlelight Concert : Soak in the glow of flickering flames on June 7, featuring classical renditions of timeless works by Vivaldi and modern tributes to Coldplay, at Mina A'Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah. One Thousand Nights and A Wedding : Enjoy a comedic twist on a classic tale, performed on June 7 and 8 at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre. The Messi Experience : Football fans can immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Lionel Messi with nine interactive zones spanning 2,500 square metres at Dubai Festival City Mall until February 28, 2026. 2. Retail offers and city-wide shopping raffles Dubai's retail scene brings exciting offers, exclusive collections, and irresistible promotions across the city this Eid Al Adha. 3 Day Super Sale (3DSS): From May 30 to June 1, enjoy up to 90 per cent off at more than 500 top brands across over 2,500 outlets. Shoppers can also unlock greater value using loyalty programmes like BLUE Rewards, SHARE, Amber, Tickit, AURA, Privilege Plus, or Skywards Everyday. Dubai Festival City Mall's Spend & Win: Spend Dhs300 or more for a chance to win a whopping Dhs20,000 mall gift card. Dubai Jewellery Group: Explore stunning Eid collections and unlock exclusive deals like complimentary gifts, 50 per cent back on select diamond and pearl jewellery, free custom engraving, and zero deduction on old gold exchange until June 8. Dubai Shopping Malls Group Shop & Win: Running until the second day of Eid Al Adha, 25 lucky shoppers can win cash prizes worth a total of Dhs200,000 when spending just Dhs200 at participating malls, including Al Ghurair Centre, Arabian Center, and Sunset Mall. 3. Mall activations Dubai's malls are transforming into vibrant hubs of celebration with a wide array of immersive experiences, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Mercato Mall: From June 6 to 9, enjoy a Fun Eid Explosion main show, cotton candy performances, face painting, craft and painting workshops, and roaming entertainers. Shoppers can also unlock exclusive discounts through the PrivilegePLUS App. City Walk: Escape the summer heat with exceptional dining, live entertainment, and engaging family activities from June 6 to 9, between 5pm and 10pm. Ibn Battuta Mall: Experience VERSUS 2.0, a next-generation gaming activation at the Egypt mini court from June 6 to 15. Dubai Festival City Mall: Witness a brand-new IMAGINE Show, with breathtaking projection mapping performances every hour from 7pm, traditional cultural shows on the first two days of Eid after 5pm, and special giveaways from 2pm to 9pm. Roaming Entertainment: Enjoy the vibrant rhythms of Al Ayala and Al Harbiya bands, an essential part of Emirati celebrations, across top destinations like Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City Mall, with multiple showtimes throughout Eid. 4. Dining delights across the city This Eid Al Adha, Dubai's culinary scene comes alive with a host of festive feasts and indulgent dining experiences. High Tea to Luxury Dinners: From exquisite high teas at Mosaico Lobby Lounge to luxurious Eid dinners at Enigma, food lovers have endless choices. Authentic Flavors: Popular venues such as Varq, Palm Kitchen, Punjab Grill, and Dhaba Lane present dishes bursting with authentic flavors. Lively Atmospheres: The Permit Room and The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall offer vibrant dining experiences. Family Outings: Ranches Restaurant at Arabian Ranches Golf Club hosts BBQ nights, Sunday roasts, and a magical breakfast with Magic Phil. Signature Hotel Dining: Celebrate in style at Palazzo Versace's Giardino or enjoy signature offerings at renowned hotel restaurants including Novotel World Trade Centre, Fairmont Dubai, Swissôtel Al Ghurair, and Dukes The Palm. 5. Exclusive staycation deals for a luxurious eid break Residents and visitors can make the most of the long weekend with exclusive staycation offers across Dubai's top hotels. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai: GCC residents can enjoy 25 per cent off dining across its award-winning restaurants. InterContinental Dubai Festival City: Guests receive 25 per cent off stays, gourmet breakfasts, VOCO Monaco beach access, Dubai Festival City Mall discounts, and One Rewards bonus points. Leading properties: Packages and savings are available at Swissôtel Al Ghurair, 25hours Hotel One Central, Fairmont Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Waldorf Astoria DIFC, and many more. 6. Family-friendly stays and Eid attractions Dubai is set to pull out all the stops for families this Eid Al Adha, with irresistible staycation deals and thrilling attractions for all ages. Atlantis The Palm: UAE residents enjoy up to 35 per cent off rooms and suites, plus Kids Go Free perks and complimentary access to Aquaventure. Dubai Festival City Hotels: InterContinental Residence Suites, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Crowne Plaza offer luxury escapes with breakfast and dinner packages, discounts to kid-friendly hotspots, spa credits, and IHG One Rewards points. The First Collection Hotels: Get up to 45 per cent off advance bookings, free stays and meals for kids under five, and generous F&B discounts. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa: Enjoy 15 per cent off a secluded Bedouin villa stay with a private pool, full-board dining, and desert activities including stargazing and horse riding. Beyond hotels, the city's top attractions are rolling out exciting Eid specials: Dubai Dolphinarium: 30 per cent off Dolphin & Seal Show tickets using promo code EID25. Wild Wadi Water Park: Cool off with water rides and live entertainment. LEGOLAND Dubai: Join the Summer Splash Fest with interactive games, a Build-A-Boat Championship, and an exclusive afterparty. The Green Planet: Transforms into a tropical Eid haven with henna, face painting, and family movie screenings. Chaos Karts and PACMAN Live: Enjoy discounted 10 per cent off family bundles. Hatta Wadi Hub: Slashes prices on outdoor adventure packages by 50 per cent. House of Hype: Offers four tickets for Dhs449. AYA Universe: Invites families to explore its wonders for Dhs399. Eid in Dubai promises to delight residents and visitors alike, with a citywide celebration that blends ultimate excitement, cultural charm, and unforgettable moments for all ages. For the latest updates and full event details, visit the
Trade Arabia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Dubai announces exciting Eid Al Adha celebrations
Dubai is set to transform into a spectacular season of joy, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences for this year's Eid Al Adha celebrations, with an action-packed programme of iconic citywide experiences organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) from June 2 to 8. Friends, families, residents, and visitors will come together to create unforgettable memories this Eid, with show-stopping entertainment, the season's biggest-ever retail offers, exclusive deals at citywide hotels and attractions, endless culinary adventures, once-in-a-lifetime mega prizes, and all-round unmissable adventures for everyone of all ages. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'Eid Al Adha is a time of reflection, celebration, and shared joy, and Dubai is proud to host a festival that brings together people of all backgrounds in the spirit of unity. This year's Eid in Dubai programme is designed to create memorable moments through world-class entertainment, cultural showcases, incredible retail and dining offers, and breathtaking experiences that truly reflect the warmth and vibrancy of our city. We welcome everyone to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Dubai, where unforgettable memories await.' LIVE EVENTS, CONCERTS AND SHOWS Dubai's Eid Al Adha celebrations promise a spectacular line-up of entertainment for all ages and interests. A top highlight of this season is a showstopping performance by legendary Saudi singer Mohamed Abdo as he lights up Coca-Cola Arena on 7 June in an unforgettable evening of music. Tickets are now available via the Coca-Cola Arena website. Meanwhile, families can enjoy a feel-good theatrical experience from 6 to 8 June as the Arabic play The Greatest Wish brings lively characters and captivating scenes to the stage at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Comedy lovers are in for a double treat on 7 June as French comedian Roman Frayssinet heads to the Emirates Theatre while Indian comic sensation Shraddha Jain makes her Dubai debut at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School. For a night of suspense and intrigue, the live-action murder mystery, Dinner With A Clue returns aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 on 7 June. Music lovers can soak in the glow of flickering flames at the Candlelight Concert on 7 June, featuring classical renditions of timeless works by Vivaldi, as well as modern tributes to Coldplay, at Mina A'Salam Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah. Theatre-goers can enjoy a comedic twist on a classic tale with One Thousand Nights and A Wedding, performed on 7 and 8 June at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre. Rounding off the line-up, football fans can immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of Lionel Messi with nine interactive zones spanning 2,500 square metres at The Messi Experience, now open at Dubai Festival City Mall until 28 February 2026. RETAIL OFFERS AND CITY-WIDE SHOPPING RAFFLES Dubai's retail scene brings exciting offers, exclusive collections, and irresistible promotions across the city this Eid Al Adha. The eagerly awaited 3 Day Super Sale (3DSS) takes over the city from 30 May to 1 June, bringing the season's biggest-ever discounts of up to 90 per cent off at more than 500 top brands across over 2,500 outlets - perfect for everyone looking to pick out the perfect gifts for Eid, refresh wardrobes, upgrade to the latest tech must-haves, and enjoy the thrill of a well-deserved shopping spree. 3DSS shoppers can unlock even greater value by using their favourite loyalty programmes to enjoy incredible rewards, points, air miles, and exclusive perks - be it BLUE Rewards, SHARE, Amber, Tickit, AURA, Privilege Plus, or Skywards Everyday. Adding to the 3DSS excitement, Dubai Festival City Mall's Spend & Win promotion gives shoppers who spend AED 300 or more the chance to win a whopping AED 20,000 mall gift card. Throughout Eid, the Dubai Jewellery Group invites shoppers to explore stunning Eid collections and unlock exclusive deals like complimentary gifts with minimum purchase, 50 per cent back on select diamond and pearl jewellery, free custom engraving, and zero deduction on old gold exchange till June 8. Adding to the citywide excitement is the Shop & Win raffle promotion from Dubai Shopping Malls Group, running until the second day of Eid Al Adha. 25 lucky shoppers stand the chance to win exciting cash prizes worth a total of AED 200,000 when they spend just AED 200 at participating malls, including Al Ghurair Centre, Arabian Center, Sunset Mall, Silicon Central Mall, and Bay Avenue Mall, among others. MALL ACTIVATIONS Dubai's malls are transforming into vibrant hubs of celebration with a wide array of immersive experiences, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. At Mercato Mall, families can dive into delightful activities from 6 to 9 June including a Fun Eid Explosion main show, cotton candy performances, face painting, craft and painting workshops, and roaming entertainers. Shoppers can also unlock exclusive discounts through the PrivilegePLUS App, making it a rewarding experience both on and off the stage. Over at City Walk, visitors can escape the summer heat and immerse themselves in exceptional dining experiences, live entertainment, and engaging family activities from 6 to 9 June between 5pm and 10pm. Ibn Battuta Mall turns up the excitement with VERSUS 2.0, a next-generation gaming activation at the Egypt mini court from 6 to 15 June - complete with immersive gameplay, competitions, and a buzzing atmosphere. Meanwhile, Dubai Festival City Mall sets the stage for a brand-new IMAGINE Show, featuring breathtaking projection mapping performances scheduled every hour from 7 PM onwards, in addition to traditional cultural shows on the first two days of Eid after 5 PM, and special giveaways at the VIP entrance from 2 to 9 PM. Roaming entertainment and traditional performances bring an authentic cultural flair to malls across Dubai this Eid Al Adha. Shoppers can enjoy the vibrant rhythms of Al Ayala and Al Harbiya bands, an essential part of Emirati celebrations, across top destinations like Ibn Battuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall, and more. Performances are scheduled throughout Eid, with multiple showtimes at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. DINING DELIGHTS ACROSS THE CITY This Eid Al Adha, Dubai's culinary scene comes alive with a host of festive feasts and indulgent dining experiences. From exquisite high teas at the elegant Mosaico Lobby Lounge to a luxurious Eid dinner at Enigma, food lovers are spoilt for choice. Popular venues such as Varq, Palm Kitchen, Punjab Grill, and Dhaba Lane present dishes bursting with authentic flavours, while The Permit Room and The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall offer lively atmospheres. For themed evenings and family outings, Ranches Restaurant at Arabian Ranches Golf Club hosts everything from BBQ nights and Sunday roasts to a magical breakfast with Magic Phil. Diners can also celebrate in style at Palazzo Versace's Giardino or enjoy signature offerings at renowned hotel restaurants including Novotel World Trade Centre, Fairmont Dubai, Swissôtel Al Ghurair, and Dukes The Palm. Whether it's a refined meal or a casual gathering, Dubai's dining scene serves something special for every palate this Eid. EXCLUSIVE STAYCATION DEALS Residents and visitors can make the most of the long weekend with exclusive staycation offers across Dubai's top hotels. Beyond the hotels, the city's top attractions are getting ready to roll-out exciting Eid specials. Families can make magical memories at Dubai Dolphinarium with 30 per cent off Dolphin & Seal Show tickets using promo code EID25, or cool-off with water rides and live entertainment at Wild Wadi Water Park. Little builders can join the action at LEGOLAND® Dubai's Summer Splash Fest, featuring interactive games, a Build-A-Boat Championship, and an exclusive afterparty at LEGOLAND Hotel. For nature lovers, The Green Planet transforms into a tropical Eid haven with henna, face painting, and family movie screenings. Tech-fuelled thrill-seekers can enjoy discounted 10 per cent off family bundles at Chaos Karts and PACMAN Live, while Hatta Wadi Hub slashes prices on outdoor adventure packages by 50 per cent. For immersive fun, House of Hype offers 4 tickets for AED 449, and the cosmic AYA Universe invites families to explore its wonders for AED399.
TECHx
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TECHx
Dubai Esports Festival 2025 Sets New Records and Growth
Home » Emerging technologies » Gaming » Dubai Esports Festival 2025 Sets New Records and Growth Dubai's gaming economy took a major step forward with the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025. Organisers announced that the event was the biggest edition yet, showcasing innovation, talent, and investment opportunities across the city. The fourth season of the region's largest esports festival concluded with record-breaking attendance and strong industry impact. DEF 2025 welcomed over 45,000 fans, families, and professionals. The festival spanned 17 days and featured 12 major events. It combined family-friendly activities with strategic programming aimed at growing the gaming sector. Organisers reported that the flagship GameExpo event attracted more than 34,800 attendees. It offered interactive zones, tournaments, cosplay competitions, and exclusive giveaways. Live streams on TikTok MENA highlighted key moments from popular games like Valorant, Fortnite, and Tekken 8. The festival featured 3.8 million gamers competing in over 90 tournaments. Popular titles included EA FC 25, Yalla Ludo, and Fortnite. In total, DEF showcased more than 130 games, including over 10 new releases. Furthermore, DEF 2025 hosted 2,000 industry professionals from 70 countries in two B2B events. The festival spotlighted 260 SMEs from gaming and tech sectors. These companies gained access to investor networks and collaboration opportunities. Youth engagement was a key focus. The DEF Education Programme involved more than 16,000 students and educators from 250 schools across the UAE. It included gaming tournaments, workshops, career advice, and a mobile game truck visiting schools. The event aligned with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. The CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Ahmed Al Khaja, revealed that DEF supports Dubai's goal to become a global hub for gaming and digital innovation. Highlights included: The Dubai Cosplay Championship with a prize pool of AED 30,000. An all-female Valorant faceoff supported by Benefit. The GameExpo Summit, which gathered over 1,700 professionals to discuss AI, Web3, and investment. Retail promotions were also reported. More than 2,500 outlets offered deals during the festival. Selected Rove Hotels provided exclusive discounts to attendees. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 was supported by key partners such as Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, and Virgin Radio. This year's event confirmed Dubai's expanding role in the global esports landscape and its commitment to nurturing the gaming ecosystem for entertainment, education, and economic growth.
Hi Dubai
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 Breaks Records and Reinforces Global Gaming Ambitions
Dubai solidified its status as a global gaming hub with the record-breaking success of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025, the region's largest celebration of gaming, esports, and digital innovation. Drawing over 45,000 attendees across 17 days, the fourth edition of the festival delivered a dynamic mix of entertainment, education, and economic opportunity. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DEF 2025 featured 12 major events and attracted 3.8 million gamers across more than 90 tournaments on popular titles such as EA FC 25, Valorant, and Fortnite. The flagship GameExpo welcomed 34,800 visitors for the city's biggest-ever gaming weekend, with fans, families, and professionals engaging in immersive experiences, creator showdowns, and cosplay competitions. The festival hosted over 2,000 professionals from 70 countries at the GameExpo Summit and Gaming Matters conference, highlighting Dubai's growing influence in the global gaming sector. More than 75 speakers led discussions on AI, Web3, monetisation, and investment opportunities, while indie developers and start-ups pitched innovations to top investors. Youth engagement was another standout success. DEF's Education Programme reached 16,500 students and educators from 250 UAE schools, offering workshops, tournaments, and career-focused experiences to inspire the next generation of talent. More than 775 brands activated across the festival, reflecting DEF's value as a platform for market expansion and strategic collaboration. Exclusive retail promotions and hospitality deals further enhanced the citywide celebration. DFRE CEO Ahmed Al Khaja hailed the event as a key driver of Dubai's digital economy, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Program for Gaming 2033. 'DEF has evolved into a high-impact platform that delivers real strategic value,' he said. DEF 2025 stands as a milestone in Dubai's journey to becoming a global powerhouse in gaming and esports. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Tourism Breaking News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai participates at IMEX 2025 highlights the city's position as a premier destination for international business events
Post Views: 77 Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism successfully participated at IMEX Frankfurt joined by key stakeholders. At IMEX, a delegation of 30 stakeholders from across the sector has joined DBE in showcasing Dubai's credentials as a premier global hub for business events. The delegation includes leading hotels, venues, DMCs, airlines and other service providers including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai World Trade Centre, together highlighting Dubai's ability to deliver dynamic world-class events at the intersection of innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth. This comes as Dubai continues to earn global recognition, this week being confirmed as #1 globally for highest attendee number per association meeting in 2024, and once again ranking #1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted during the period, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent has this week also confirmed that Dubai maintained its #1 position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The accolades further demonstrate the city's ability to both host prolific events and facilitate event growth for associations, allowing them to tap into the market and increase global access to members. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'As we engage with the global industry at IMEX Frankfurt, we are reinforcing Dubai's position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Our consistent top rankings from ICCA and Cvent, and growing pipeline of major international events, are the result of a focused and collaborative approach with our stakeholders, as we work collectively to reinforce the emirate's position as a premier global hub for the MICE industry. Business events are integral to our tourism strategy and are increasingly driving progress across key sectors. They are playing a vital role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 – to position Dubai as one of the world's most innovative, inclusive and future-ready cities, as guided and championed by the visionary leadership of the UAE.' Dubai's participation aligns with this year's IMEX theme – Impact 2.0: Activating the Future – emphasising the global events community's responsibility to address major global and community challenges while driving positive change through events, partnerships and initiatives. In line with this vision, Dubai continues to attract business events that not only grow visitation but also support innovation and deeper engagement across its economic sectors. This directly contributes to the D33 economic agenda, which aims to place Dubai among the top three global cities for business and leisure. Dubai's momentum was further underscored by a record 437 successful bids secured in 2024 to host international conferences, congresses and incentive programmes, a 20% year-on-year increase. These events are set to attract over 210,000 delegates to Dubai in the coming years, significantly contributing to the city's business and tourism ecosystem. Among the high-profile events won: Amway ESAN 2025, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums 2025, the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2026, the World Congress on Medical Informatics 2027, ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2027, Forever Living Products Global Rally 2026, the Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research 2028 and The International Conference on Computer Vision 2029. Dubai continues to see strong growth in tourism aligned with its MICE strategy. In 2024, the city welcomed a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors, a 9% year-on-year increase. That momentum has continued into 2025, with 5.31 million international visitors arriving between January and March, marking a 3% increase compared to Q1 2024. Business events have been a key contributor to this sustained growth, generating economic impact across sectors and further strengthening Dubai's global brand. Further enhancing the city's capacity to meet rising demand in the events space, a key development includes an expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. As part of broader urban development initiatives including the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, the project is a strategic investment aimed at reinforcing Dubai's position as a global platform for major conferences and exhibitions, enabling the city to host larger and more complex events that deliver long-term value that meets increasing demand and attendance. IMEX remains a cornerstone of DBE's global engagement strategy, providing an essential platform to connect with international associations and networks. Dubai continues to use such platforms to strengthen global partnerships and attract events that support its economic, social and sustainability priorities.
