I was recently on a trip during the Dubai Shopping Festival and got totally absorbed by the countless activities this buzzing city offers. So before I go further, let me brief you on a little history about this fast growing cosmopolitan event.

The Dubai Shopping Festival started in 1996, with two main objectives in mind. The first, to promote Dubai as the ultimate global shopping and tourist destination by creating world class events and retail promotions, and the second, to set the benchmark for events and festivals around the world; all this under the main theme of ‘One World – One Family’. Now that we got this out of the way let me fill you in some of what happened during this year’s event.

With all the festive activities, I visited BurJuman mall, where I got a chance to attend ‘Creations’ which showcased talented and aspiring amateur fashion designers from the region, alongside internationally established fashion designers from around the world. Creations fashion show displayed works of fashion designers in a lively vibrant environment, showing that BurJuman mall can offer great activities besides being one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destination, with its great mixture of high-fashion brands under one roof.

Another amazing landmark that I visited was the Dubai Mall, which is one of the world’s largest shopping malls, with its diverse array of retail and leisure attractions, offering the whole family the world Largest Acrylic aquarium with a 10 million liter-capacity, giving visitors clear views of over 33,000 marine animals representing more than 85 species including over 400 sharks and rays combined. Dubai Mall also offers a Discovery Center Walk, along Rainforest, Rocky Shores and Living Ocean environments at the Underwater Zoo, where you’ll find yourself face to face with dangerous Piranhas, Giant Catfish, playful Otters, a Penguin colony, and Seals among many other animal species.

Whether viewing the Rainforest from a suspension bridge high above the river and tree canopy, or reaching out and touching some of the more hardy rock pool inhabitants, this is one experience you and your family won’t forget.

For more fun and activities, Dubai mall has Dubai’s first Olympic-size ice rink, where you can glide into a magical winter wonderland, so whether you want to learn skating, perfect your technique, play ice hockey, socialize with friends or have a great time, this spectacular ice rink is the coolest place to hang out all year round.

Other Dubai Shopping Festival and carnival events took place around one of the liveliest 1.7 kilometers long shopping boulevard, known as The Walk, located at Jumeirah Beach Residence area and spread over two levels.

It offers strollers new concepts and brands through a vast range of goods and services, and hosts over 400 outlets including 45 restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, new lifestyle light Food & Beverage Concepts, Home Furnishing, Décor and Art Galleries, Women, Men & Children Apparel; Fashion & Accessories, Health & Cosmetics, Jewelry, Culture, Leisure & Sports and supermarkets located directly on the beachfront and all over the community.

The Walk has already become a much sought after destination for visitors to enjoy seamless shopping and eclectic dining ambiences.

With Dubai being a single flight-hop away, families living in Saudi Arabia, and family members of all ages can enjoy the best shopping and family entertainment experience.