Dubai's Dragon Mart to host UAE's largest ever public Chinese Festival

Dragon Mart, one of the largest trading hubs for products from China outside the Chinese mainland, is set to hold the UAE's largest ever public Chinese Festival to follow the Chinese New Year celebrations for "The Year of the Dog", from 4 pm –10pm on 23 – 26 February 2006.

Located on the Al Awir Road in Nakheel's International City development, visitors to Dragon Mart will be able to witness the diversity of Oriental art and culture, as more than 50 internationally renowned artists perform at the event. Performances will include the talented 'Taiji Kung Fu Troup', who after learning their art at the famous Shaolin Temple, have performed in more than 30 countries, including presentations to HM the Queen of England, Elizabeth II; John Galiano; and Senator Arnold Schwarznegger. Other performances include face changing - perfomed by Master Lee Ke Shi, one of only a handful of artists who have mastered the magical art of face changing, whereby his face transforms with one flick of a cape – as well as spectacular acrobatics, the Lion Dance with supporting percussion, magic shows, and face painting.

Visitors will also get the chance to learn the arts of Chinese cooking, with three food stations demonstrating Chinese fruit carving, art of the wok, and the magic of dim sum. There will also be a spectacular fireworks display every evening at 8pm. Shoppers at Dragon Mart will also be able to join in the celebrations, as all shops at the Mart will be offering major discounts and running attractive promotions. Moreover, there will be a daily raffle for customers, as well as a "Best Dressed Shop" competition supported by China Southern Airlines.

Abdullah Lootah, General Manager Dragon Mart, said, “We welcome everyone to come down to Dragon Mart for the Chinese Festival – which will be by far the largest public celebration of Chinese culture ever witnessed in the UAE. Whether it's kung-fu or cooking, music or magic shows, spectacular fireworks or just spectacular discounts, there's something on offer here for all the family. The Chinese Festival will be an excellent opportunity for the residents of Dubai to gain a better understanding of Chinese culture, tradition and art forms, while making the most of the range of promotions and discounts."

The Dragon Mart is a 1.2 km long Dragon-shaped structure that has attracted residents from Dubai and neighbouring Emirates who come to enjoy a unique shopping experience while browsing a vast and varied selection of Chinese products. The Mart, jointly promoted by Nakheel and Chinamex Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, is the largest development of its kind in the world, assembling an unparalleled collection of Chinese products and services under one roof. 

Dragon Mart includes showrooms, shopping areas, restaurants and warehouses, and is divided into several commercial and service areas, an office area and a business centre. It also has negotiation rooms and three conference rooms within the commercial areas.

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