Downtown Dubai dazzles with unprecedented line-up of celebratory events

• Venue chosen for celebration of ‘Kullunna Khalifa’ to mark UAE’s 39th National Day
• Spectacular firework display by Burj Khalifa as a tribute to nation’s leadership
• Emirates Classic Car Show Festival, at Downtown Dubai will appeal to car enthusiasts, visitors and community residents
• Downtown Dubai to host flagging off and closing ceremonies of Dubai International Rally

Dubai is in celebratory mood with the arrival of winter, and Downtown Dubai, the new heart of the city, captures the buzz with a spectacular line-up of events that promise unprecedented fun.

The flagship mega development of Emaar Properties is rolling out a remarkable array of events reiterating its premier position as Dubai’s must-visit lifestyle destination.

Headlining the impressive event calendar is the Kullunna Khalifa (We are all Khalifa) celebrations organised by Dubai Committee for National Day Celebrations to mark the 39th UAE National Day and as a tribute of respect and admiration to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President.

To be held on Dec. 1 from 4pm at Burj Park, the glittering ceremony features a spectacular firework display set by Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and is expected to be attended by over 500 VIP guests and more than 3,000 members of the public.

Emaar will continue the spirit of the UAE National Day celebrations with the Emirates Classic Car Show Festival, at Downtown Dubai, from Dec. 2 to 4. The event, hosted for the third time in the community, will feature over 100 classic cars from different eras and of varying models that will line up on Emaar Boulevard, one of the world’s finest boulevards overlooking Burj Khalifa.

The show, in conjunction with the Emirates Classic Car Festival, is organised in collaboration with the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the official representative in the UAE of the ‘Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens’ (FIVA), the world-wide authority for historic vehicles, and with the support of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

Also on Dec. 2 at 7.30pm, Downtown Dubai will also serve as host to the flagging off ceremony of the famous Dubai International Rally, organised by ATCUAE. Featuring all new stages, the event will bring together rally enthusiasts from across the region for a perfect finale to the 2010 FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Following desert trails outside Dubai, the rally will conclude at the Palace Roundabout in Old Town Island in Downtown Dubai on Dec. 4 at 4.30pm.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “We are honoured that Downtown Dubai has been selected by the Dubai Committee for National Day Celebrations for the Kullunna Khalifa celebrations to mark the UAE National Day.

“The celebration at a venue overlooking Burj Khalifa is a perfect testament to the farsighted vision for the country outlined by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It also highlights the national pride associated with Burj Khalifa, a global icon that celebrates human achievement.”

He added: “In addition to the Kullunna Khalifa celebrations, the festive events in Downtown Dubai reiterate our commitment to offer residents and visitors superior entertainment and varied lifestyle choices, and also drive Dubai’s tourism sector through a choice of must-attend events.

“All the events have been carefully planned to maximise the superior location, unique ambience and lifestyle appeal of Downtown Dubai by building on the magnificence of Burj Khalifa and the The Dubai Fountain. The 500-acre Downtown Dubai has indeed established its credentials as the premier events destination in the city with a choice of venues that can host thousands of spectators.”

The festivities in Downtown Dubai had flagged off with the Louis Vuitton public exhibition of high-end luxury boats, followed by a concert by Saudi Arabian singer Mohammed Abdo as part of the Eid in Dubai celebrations. The Burj Steps, one of the finest venues in Dubai overlooking The Dubai Fountain, also hosted the concert of Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasmi. Both the concerts – the first of its kind in Downtown Dubai – attracted thousands of excited spectators.

Downtown Dubai is the most definitive lifestyle development in the city featuring two malls – The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar. The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping center with 1,200 retail stores including 160 F&B outlets, and features Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Middle East’s first and only SEGA Republic; a dedicated children’s edutainment centre KidZania®; an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai’s largest megaplex, Reel Cinemas. Another showpiece attraction at Downtown Dubai is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.

Downtown Dubai also features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace – The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town.