Dubai Shopping Festival opening concerts: how to get there, performance times and more

Here's everything you need to know about the big concert weekend

Egyptian singer Sherine Abdelwahab will perform in the UAE for free as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Courtesy Mahmoud Abdel Nasser / AP Photo

The Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off with two free concerts at Burj Park in Downtown Dubai this weekend.

Tonight’s gig (Thursday, December 26) will be dedicated to Arab pop with Emirati star Hussain Al Jassmi leading a bill that includes Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab and Algerian rai music pioneer Cheb Khaled.

The following night, Friday, December 27, is a UK pop affair with former One Direction member Liam Payne performing alongside Jorja Smith. This is what you need to know before going to any of the concerts.

Register online for concert access

This is important: access to all concerts is only granted after you register your details at either the Platinumlist or Visit Dubai websites. That proof of registration, which you can print or show on your phone, will be needed to receive the concert wristband.

Showtimes

Doors open at 3pm and the area is closed to non-wristband holders at 7pm. While DJs will be on hand to perform from approximately 5pm, the billed concerts begin at 8pm. The doors will open to those without wristbands again only at the conclusion of the main acts.

Getting to Burj Park by car

Parking is available at the Cinema Parking, levels 5 to 10, of Dubai Mall, as well as along Downtown Boulevard at P1 and P2 on a first come, first served basis. But the Boulevard gets very busy on weekend evenings, remember.

Getting to Burj Park by public transport

While parking is available, organisers are encouraging attendees to arrive tonight by Careem, Uber or taxi, and there are drop off points at Dubai Opera and Burj Park. Even better, catch the metro and then take a stroll to Burj Park.

More information is available on visitdubai.com/dsf