Dubai celebrates Chinese New Year!

26 January - 08 February 2017; Citywide events

Dubai will usher in good luck and fortune during the traditional celebration of Chinese New Year with parades, fun activities and orient-inspired live entertainment.

Sports enthusiasts can watch the exciting dragon boat races outdoors at Dubai Water Canal (27-28 Jan, 8am-5pm), while indoors at Dubai Mall, divers will perform underwater versions of the traditional Dragon Dance at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (26 - 28 Jan, 3pm-7:30pm). Also, don’t miss the chance watch an authentic Chinese flick at Reel Cinemas or receive a voucher under the Tree of Wealth (26 Jan – 7 Feb).

If you’re into shopping, spend AED300 for a chance to win AED20,000 at Outlet Mall - doubled on weekdays (28 Jan – 18 Feb). Mall Of Emirates will offer instant scratch card prizes for AED1000 spends; and the chance to win AED15,000 daily for spends over AED100 (28 Jan – 10 Feb).

From 1 Feb – 1 May, Union Pay cardholders with card numbers starting from 62, can shop for AED3000 and receive an instant shopping voucher worth AED100 at MOE, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif, while a traditional Dragon Dance will bring good luck and chase away the bad at Burjuman Mall three times daily (5pm, 7pm, and 9pm from 26-28 Jan).

Hospitality will also partake of the festival with Chinese New Year entertainment programmes. Jumeirah Beach Hotel will have traditional Chinese Lion and Fan Dances (27 - 28 Jan). Madinat Jumeirah will continue the dances, including live Chinese calligraphy (29 Jan – 2 Feb). Burj Al Arab will host lion dances, Caishen walk-around, a live harp performance – and for extra good fortune – will honour Chinese New Year with projections on its building sail.

Dragon Mart 1 and 2 will mark this auspicious period (26 Jan – 8 Feb) with Dragon Dancing by one of the top Dragon Dance teams, dramatic Face Changing show, intricate Chinese face painting, a ballet duo from ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ and Kung Fu martial arts performance. Also enjoy traditional Chinese musicians, oriental calligraphy, mascots and of course, fireworks!

Keep an eye on the sky for more firework displays over The Beach (JBR), Kite Beach and Dubai Water Canal (28 Jan, 8:30pm). Chinese restaurants and eateries across the city will also celebrate with special menus or deals. Call your favourite place before 26 Jan to see what they will have on offer.