In the mid 1990’s, when the Arab Emirates and Dubai also were already tasting world-wide success in the tourism sector – thanks to the lavish commitment in the preceding decades on the part of a people which had also known dark periods and above all by the indispensable contribution on the part of His Highness Sheik Zayed – the brilliant idea emerged of initiating an event that would be over a month long, which was dedicated principally to the family and its needs in consumer terms. The concept thus became established of a Festival that would incorporate all retail trade sectors active in the area, together with all forms of entertainment. So, on the 15 February 1996 the Dubai Shopping Festival came into being, one of the most impressive examples of the happy cooperation between the private and public sectors, with incredible benefits for the tourism sector and its endlessly ramified activity.
Thanks to the DSF, since its beginning the family entertainment sector saw a constant increase and evolution, fast transforming itself into an icon for the entire Middle Eastern area, and an inspiration for the planning of other events in the sector, capable of guaranteeing a large influx on the part of the public and consequently a lot of business. The mass media placed great emphasis on sustaining this long event dedicated to shopping, with specials, news columns, interviews and reportage which brought the DSF into the home of millions of viewers.
Further, given the fact that the principal target of the Dubai Shopping Festival is the family, it is interesting to have a look at some of the more pleasing attractions offered by the city, so as to be able to combine one’s stay with a series of entertaining and interesting visits which are suitable for all.
One stop-off which is a must is the Dubai Zoo: located in the luxuriant district of Jumeira, at a few minutes distance from the city, and which houses a large variety of land animals, marine species and birds, among which there are many protected species.
Another important destination is the Dubai National Museum, inaugurated in 1971 (the year of the foundation of the United Arab Emirates) located in the most ancient historical building in the city built originally as a fortress for sea defence. It conserves significant testimonies from the social and economic life of the inhabitants dating back centuries, together with numerous ceramic, stone and metal finds as well as engraved stone, dating to the third millennium B.C.
Along the atmospheric long and narrow inlet, Dubai Creek, which characterises the city, there is the Diving Village which is part of a large project aimed at transforming the entire area into a cultural microcosm, rich in open air venues like cafes, restaurants and halls for music and live shows. There are many shops in which characteristic local crafts products can be found.
Bastakiya, characteristic area of Dubai, offers a genuine plunge into the past, into the life of the Old City in the nineteenth century, when Persian merchants transferred here for the first time, bringing to life the first shops in which to sell their products. Particularly fascinating, what is more, there are the picturesque, winding alleys and the Wind Towers which, thanks to an ingenious mechanism, channelled the wind to cool the surrounding houses during the hottest months of the year. Today Bastakiya has been transformed into a tourist village complete with cultural centre, museum, art gallery and many restaurants and cafes.
In the sporting sphere, horseracing meets at Dubai host world famous tournaments like the Dubai World Cup which is held annually at the Nad Al Sheba race Course, ten minutes from the centre. Among other things, a great passion for horses has always been a characteristic of the rulers of the Arab Emirates, which consistently boast great champions and excellent results.
Yet going to Dubai with the family can’t not include a day spent in the most modern water park in the world: Wild Wadi. Great adventures, punctual and efficient services, total security and one of the most modern hotels in the Arabian Gulf characterise the park, which is further enriched by cafes and restaurants, a highly modern tourist port and a range of sports structures a few steps away.