Chinese New Year: Dubai welcomes the Year of the Dragon with citywide celebrations
Vibrant celebrations with retail offers, hospitality, dining experiences and performances
Dubai: The vibrant spirit of the Year of the Dragon will come to life in Dubai with roaming dragon and lion dances, traditional performances, and dazzling light shows that will create a captivating atmosphere throughout the city.
Dubai gets set to welcome the Year of the Dragon with an exciting line-up of events, activities, and retail promotions to mark the Chinese New Year.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the celebrations is taking place from February 2 to 11, 2024 throughout the city.
Home to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures, Dubai will transform into the ultimate destination for the Chinese New Year celebrations and invites both residents and visitors to take part.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the celebrations by exploring Dubai’s renowned malls and shopping districts and take advantage of citywide retail offers.
Beyond the shopping experience, residents and tourists can discover the rich cultural tapestry of Chinese traditions through engaging workshops, providing deeper insights into the customs associated with Chinese New Year.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Dubai is honoured once more to host the Chinese New Year celebrations, which will offer an enriching experience for residents and visitors alike. The Year of the Dragon presents a unique opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding and foster closer ties whilst welcoming new traditions. Through a diverse program of events, activities, and retail initiatives, we aim to highlight Dubai’s role as a leading global city, fostering diversity, community, and cultural exchange.”
Highlights of this year’s Chinese New Year activities include
Festive Fun at Dubai’s top malls
At Dubai Festival City Mall Chinese residents and visitors will receive a 10 per cent cashback when purchasing a gift card worth Dh300 or more. Two lucky shoppers also stand the chance to win a gift card worth Dh10,000. Visitors can also experience the magic of a Dancing Dragon performance and the immersive IMAGINE show from 9 to 11 February. This exclusive show will celebrate the ‘Year of the Dragon’ with an artistic display of powerful fire, laser and light. To conclude the Chinese New Year festivities, the mall will illuminate the sky with breathtaking fireworks at 9pm on 11 February.
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Mall of the Emirates invites shoppers to partake in the Chinese New Year festivities. Chinese residents and visitors can seize the opportunity to receive 10X SHARE points on purchases, win daily instant prizes, including mall gift cards and other exciting rewards, by spending RMB1000. By shopping at any store in Mall of the Emirates, presenting their receipts at the Chinese Customer Service Desk, and randomly selecting their prize from the raffle box, participants stand a chance to win Dh100,000 in Mall Gift Cards, airline tickets, 22 carat gold coins and electronics.
Dragon Mart will mark Chinese New Year with energetic performances, including the Big Dragon Dance, Lion Dance, Dragon Kung Fu Dance, Peking Opera Show, and Umbrella Dance. The festivities that take place from February 2 to 11 will also feature a Dragon Head Lantern Making Workshop.
As part of the celebration, Dubai will host the China Media Group’s (CMG) Spring Festival Gala 2024, recognised by Guinness World Records as the most-watched television program globally. This public broadcast show is set to amaze audiences worldwide with a musical and visual feast featuring performances of dance, opera, and traditional Chinese heritage. The gala will take place on February 9 from 4pm to 9pm at Dubai Airport Terminal 3 and the Chinatown of Dubai Mall. Additionally, the event will be broadcast live at 4pm Dubai time.
Exclusive retail offers
Customers can use Alipay or WeChat Pay at participating Al Tayer stores across the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates to get 15 per cent off on full-priced items until 16 February.
Visitors will also find great deals at popular brands with offers including special prices and gifts with purchases across multiple branches.
Entertainment
Residents and visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the lively spirit of the new year at IMG World. The theme and amusement park will host a daily array of shows until February 20, including the Lunar New Year celebration dance, dragon parade, and the mesmerising magic show.
The lively atmosphere is enhanced by roaming lion and dragon dances, with the Wheel of Fortune adding a touch of joy on weekends.
A burst of colour and tradition awaits visitors in Jumeirah Lakes Towers as they celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Attendees can enjoy captivating dragon and lion dances, lively drum shows, and engage in arts and crafts. The main event is scheduled for February 10 at JLT Park, between Cluster P and Q, from 4pm to 7pm.
Residents and visitors can also enjoy the celebration with interactive experiences and street performances at Dubai Parks & Resorts, including Legoland, Motiongate and Riverland, starting February 9.