Dubai: Those wishing to usher in the Year of the Dog will have plenty of places in Dubai to check out, with entertainment and dining offers starting this week.
City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef, and La Mer will be transformed into an Oriental wonderland from February 15 to 28, with live shows such as the Qipao dance and lion dance scheduled evey weekend from 4pm.
Culture parade
A highlight of the festivities is the cultural parade at City Walk that will feature over 1,500 participants, representing 20 Chinese provinces through their traditional music and dance performances. The event starts at 4pm on February 16.
Chinese New Year dinner buffet
For a Chinese New Year feast, Al Forsan restaurant at the exclusive Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa will have a special buffet on February 16, with authentic Chinese dishes and live performances starting at 6:30pm. Chefs have prepared a big spread that include roast duck, dimsum station and the famous Schezuan baby octopus. Don't forget to grab a fortune cookie. Price: Dh320 per person. Telephone: 04 8096194
Fashion show
Chinese designers will take over the catwalk for an exclusive fashion show at City Walk at 2pm on February 27 and 28. The show includes the latest collections from Judy Fan, To be @ Thrill, Amelie Wang, Wannabebe, Nancy Vuu, D-Harry, Beautyberry, Sunhaitao, Dorm and Hongstar Kids.
Red parcels
Visitors to City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef, and La Mer can also get custom-designed red parcels for free at customer service counters. The parcels will contain special dining, retail and entertainment offers that they can redeem.
Burj Khalifa light show
You can also catch a dragon-inspired show at Burj Khalifa from February 16 to 24 starting at 8pm. Organisers said visitors can expect a “spectacular dragon-themed light and sound show in Downtown Dubai.” More on this here
China at Dubai Mall
You can also experience China in Dubai at Dubai Mall's Star Atrium from February 15 to 25. Think Chinese music shows, traditional dance, arts, crafts and cultural demonstrations. There will be workshops showcasing bottle painting, face painting and calligraphy - all to the tempo of live Chinese music.
At the ground floor in front of Paris Gallery, grown-ups can learn how to play an ancient Chinese chess game, while at the second floor near the Dubai Aquarium, children can endulge in activities like face painting and learn how to make a Chinese dough doll or Chinese origami.
Also, if you head out early enough, there's a free Tai Chi session on the Dubai Fountain Promenade at 11am. If you're a tea lover, head back to the China Art pavilion to learn the art of making Chinese tea or watch a gravity-defying tea ceremony.
Chinese street food
Speaking of food and beverage, Estrellas at Melia Dubai is preparing a Chinese street food fest from February 16 to 23. Expect plenty of noodle selection, dimsum, various kinds of rice dishes, and even crispy lamb tossed in schezwan pepper. Servings are ala carte, which you can enjoy on this beautiful roof deck with a view of the Dubai skyline:
Spend and win
If you're in the mood to shop and have a UnionPay card to use, Dh300 spent at City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef, and La Mer will get you a ticket to the daily raffle draw for a prize of Dh10,000.
At City Centre Deira, shoppers who spend at least Dh300 will be included in the daily draw for Dh5,000 from February 15 to 24.
