UAE. Dubai is getting ready to celebrate 32 days of shopping, entertainment and winning in style as a spectacular opening ceremony is being planned on the first day of the festival on January 20, 2011.

Two areas will be dedicated to the opening ceremony, the first will be in the Burj Khalifa area for an official opening ceremony for community leaders, while the second will be a public celebration at Dubai Creek Park that will be open to all with festivities beginning at 4pm and going all the way up to midnight.

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishments (DEPE), an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) and organizers of Dubai Shopping Festival explained that entrance to Dubai Creek Park would be free during the opening celebrations. Visitors can look forward to an entertaining evening with games, sports and water activities, and various shows presented by bands and dance troupes on several stages that will be specially built across the park. A carnival display featuring clowns and musicians will also start from Gate 1 at 7pm.

Many cultural groups will also perform during the night to introduce the public to UAE heritage and local dance styles and a dedicated area will serve Emarati dishes to the public.

The Dubai sky will be illuminated with bright colours when the fireworks display starts at 8:30pm. Firework shows will take place simultaneously from several areas across the city including the Dubai Creek Park, the area opposite the Heritage Village in Shandagha, Global Village, and the Dubai Outlet Mall.