22 weeks of fun festivities begin at Downtown Dubai

By Divi S.

DUBAI 12 December 2018: Emaar has kicked off a 22-week programme of art, entertainment and events at Downtown Dubai, the world’s iconic lifestyle destination that has captivated the world with its flagship attractions, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera, among others.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Downtown Dubai, the #MyDowntownDubai campaign will bring to life themed events, community markets, food parks, entertainment choices and compelling art installations – creating a sense of home, adventure, exploration, culture and community in the vibrant spaces of the mega-development in the heart of the city.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai will be the hub of activities inviting visitors to explore what’s on offer and share their Downtown Dubai story.

Festive Downtown

The warm lights of Downtown Dubai’s festive decorations have already set the tone for what is to be the brightest place to visit this season. Row upon row of stars, ribbons, leaves and doves illuminate the impressive length of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. There are also six golden stags that are over 4-metres tall, and seven giant golden deer adorned with fairy lights. Also featuring giant ribbons and stars, the festive lights make Downtown Dubai a sparkling place to wander in the cooler temperatures, while enjoying the wide range of food and beverage choices on offer.

Snow Park

Adding to the festive feel this December and nestled within Burj Plaza just off the bustling Boulevard, Downtown Dubai showcases its own Snow Park. Brought by Truckers UAE, the Snow Park will feature real falling snow where guests can enjoy an array of seasonal activities including tubing, a snowball fight zone and curling as well as the opportunity to be enclosed in a giant snow globe.

The Snow Park will also offer a host of family friendly games with seasonal stalls that will get the entire family into the festive spirit. Open until Dec. 25, with free entry for the whole family from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 5pm till 11pm on weekends, it’s a wonderful place to visit and experience real snow outdoors under the backdrop of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. Activities are offered on a pay-to-play basis with tickets available at the venue.

Downtown Market

Those who have a penchant for outdoor seasonal markets can revel in a season of market weekends. Operating twice monthly until the end of April 2019, the market will be hosted on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard and will feature different editions, as the season evolves.

The market will open with a Festive Edition, including crafted items and festive treats. Pop-up stalls will sell festively infused light bites and beverages, toys and seasonal products. The upcoming Downtown Markets are on Dec. 14 & 15 and Dec. 21 & 22 with enticing stalls lining the streets of Downtown with artisanal fares, international wares and original finds.

Outdoor Cinema

Watch some of the most well-loved festive films come to life on the outdoor cinema screen, set inside Downtown Eats, a modern container park featuring four delightful food offerings and fun activations. Choose from an array of comfy seating to kick back and enjoy a screening with the family. There is no better way to spend an evening in December than watching a movie under the stars with family and friends. Follow the Downtown Eats Facebook page to learn more and check movie screening times.

Entertainment & Arts

In addition to market days and an array of events and entertainment Downtown Dubai will host art pieces by world-renowned artists including The ‘Wings of Mexico’ by Jorge Marin, ‘Wild Kong’ by Richard Orlinski and ‘Love Me’ by Richard Hudson, a stunning giant silver reflective heart that stands overlooking The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. The Wings of Mexico is an interactive sculpture located at the entrance to Burj Plaza on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard with Burj Khalifa as a stunning backdrop.

Art and activations, as well as live entertainment, will come alive along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard over the 22 weeks, with new pieces arriving throughout the season. Follow #MyDowntownDubai as well as the Downtown Dubai Instagram and Facebook pages alongside #artemaar to learn more.

Micro Mobility

Navigating Downtown Dubai has never been more convenient or fun with the announcement of a new partnership between Emaar and micro-mobility specialists Qwikly. Aimed at bringing the convenience of micro-mobility to all guests, the electric scooters are available until April 2019. Visitors can visit, tour and explore all that Downtown Dubai has to offer across its range of activations, art and lifestyle events on the electric-powered scooters. Available to all visitors over the age of 18 and with over 50 dockless scooters conveniently located throughout Downtown Dubai, getting around is now so much easier. Visit the Qwikly App and www.qwik.ly to learn more.

Whether you walk, ride or run; Downtown Dubai has an array of art installations, events, shops and activities to transport guests through an authentic season of wonder, excitement and engagement. With over 2,000 parking spaces available along the Boulevard, from Burj Plaza to Dubai Opera, enjoying what’s on offer in Downtown Dubai has never been easier. For parking at Downtown Eats, spaces can be found in The Dubai Mall as well as Souk Al Bahar which is just a short walk away.