DUBAI 17 FEBRUARY 2018: Emaar ushered in the Chinese New Year with dazzling dragon-themed ‘Light Up’ show on Burj Khalifa.
With the New Year message coming to life on the façade of Burj Khalifa, one of the most-visited global attractions by the Chinese, Emaar presented a spectacular theme-show with lights and laser, witnessed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in Downtown Dubai. Joining the celebration were the Chinese Consul-General in Dubai Li Lingbing and senior diplomats as well as Emaar’s senior management.
The ‘Light Up’ show on Burj Khalifa started with a flying dragon taking flight from the Great Wall of China. It soared high in the sky, and toured over Dubai’s landmarks including the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower before marking a splash at The Dubai Fountain.
The ‘dragon’ then swirled up and encircled the tower before releasing a shining pearl from its mouth to the top of Burj Khalifa’s spire – at a height of 828 metres (2,716.5 feet). Shining bright atop the tower, the resplendent pearl of light was a majestic show-stopper before the ‘Happy New Year’ message was splashed on the façade.
The ‘Light Up’ Chinese New Year show on Burj Khalifa will continue from 8pm to 10pm daily until February 24, complementing the ongoing celebrations at The Dubai Mall. Several activities are lined up at the mall that take visitors on a journey through China’s vast provinces with music, traditional dance, arts, crafts and cultural performances.
With over 250,000 Chinese residents in the UAE and thousands of tourists from China arriving to join the celebration, the ‘Light Up’ show was a perfect tribute to the cultural and trade ties that the two nations share.
Downtown Dubai and its attractions including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Dubai Fountain are among the most popular destinations for Chinese visitors. According to the Dubai Tourism 2017: Performance Report, Dubai welcomed over 764,000 Chinese tourists in 2017, a growth of 41 per cent over 2016, especially following the introduction of visa-on-arrivals for Chinese nationals in the UAE.
Dragon Mart transforms into exotic Chinese New Year wonderland
Dragon Mart, one of Nakheel Malls’ retail, entertainment and shopping destinations, has been transformed into a spectacular attraction straight out of China with a 10-day festival of prizes, live entertainment and colourful traditional lighting to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The festivities, which coincide with the second anniversary of the opening of Dragon Mart 2, will feature a host of prize draws, family events, entertainment and attractions till 24 February.
Two lucky shoppers will win a year’s supply of groceries from Carrefour, and hundreds of dining vouchers from Dragon Mart’s food and beverage outlets are up for grabs. Just spend AED200 or more at any shop at Dragon Mart 2 for the chance to win.
Children can enjoy a specially-designed Panda Garden of Prosperity. This will complement a creative arts and crafts zone open daily from 2pm to 10pm to teach kids the art of making traditional Chinese ornaments, Chinese rattle drums and other novelties.
Visitors will be able to witness live entertainment acts every day at 5:00pm to 9:00pm with traditional Chinese face changer, lion dancing, Chinese drummers and dazzling performances by Shaolin monks. Roving stilt-walkers wearing traditional colorful Chinese costumes will add to the atmosphere as they meander their way through the mall.
Guests can also capture and share their experiences at Dragon Mart in a special Chinese-themed photo area, and pen their dreams on make-a-wish cards to hang on a wishing tree. Magical gobo lighting will further brighten the festivities by offering a unique glimpse into the tradition and culture of the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese Spring Festival and lasts around 23 days. In China, firework and decorations mark the start of the festival, heralding peace, prosperity and good health.