What to do in Dubai during the 1st weekend of 2014

After the refreshing break on 1st January, we are having another time off – the first weekend of 2014 is coming after all! And even those who had to work during the holiday would now enjoy a lazy weekend, family gatherings, and fun nights. And although Dubai Shopping Festival has just begun, there are many other things you can do in the city – visit a sports event, listen to live music, or just watch your favourite movie. In this article, you can see a short list of some of the biggest and most entertaining events and shows that will take place this weekend.

Now may be the perfect time to forget about your life’s savings and get yourself on the loose (if you can afford it)! Dubai Shopping Festival will run for more than a month, so everyone is allowed a little fun. Shopping is hardly the only thing the festival offers – there are tons of music and fashion shows, exhibitions, sports events, contests, and of course many chances to win cash or various awards.

One of the hottest events during DSF 2014, is no doubt the unique spectacle, dedicated to the King of Pop and his significance and influence on the world music and culture. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by the famous Cirque du Soliel is coming to Dubai for the first time and will attract thousands of fans of one of the music icons of the 20th century. The opening show was on December 30 and the closing will be on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, so if you still haven’t seen it, now’s your chance to get a ticket. It will cost you from AED 295 to AED 2295 (for a Royal pass), but it’s definitely worth it – the spectacle presents Michael’s inspirational music and lyrics with visual, musical and dance performances of incredible intensity. So, head to the Dubai World Trade Centre, if you want to witness this once-in-a-lifetime show.

Another huge pop star is coming to Dubai this weekend – the Russian legend from Bulgarian origin Philip Kirkorov will be performing on 4th and 5th January at the Burj Al Arab Hotel as part of the Russian Seasons in Dubai series of concerts. The shows will take place at Marina Garden Tent and will be accompanied by a fashion show from the Italian luxury fur brand Braschi, diamond defile, performance by the duet Da Vinci, and other surprises. Although the tickets pricing is still not confirmed, you can reserve a table on the phone or book online.

During DSF, you can enjoy daily firework displays at the Dubai Creek at 8 pm. In fact, there will be shows on DSF’s opening day, 1st January at Al Seef Street, and then on January 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 1st February. You can also check the DSF Carnival with its eye-catching costumes, festive music and dances, enchanting and colourful characters, and many others. The parade will start from Al Seef Street and will be the biggest DSF carnival so far, so it’s worth checking out!

A great movie you may watch during the weekend is the new Hollywood blockbuster, “47 Ronin” which can be seen at almost every movie theatre across Dubai right now. It’s the 21st century, grim Hollywood version of an old Japanese tale about a samurai who seeks vengeance for his master. The film stars Keanu Reeves and is an absolute must-see for every fan of the action genre. Other movies you can see in Dubai cinemas right now are the classic Disney cartoon “Frozen”, the biopic “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” with Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, or the famous “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”.