The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, has kicked off the world football frenzy in the UAE with an unprecedented range of events including live screenings, competitions, colourful parades, celebrity appearances and fun activities, all showcased under the theme ‘The Coolest’ destination.
The Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink has strengthened the fun spectrum with the ‘Football Mania 2010’ – a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts to watch the matches live on a huge high-definition LED screen of size 20 metres by 10 metres at the coolest spot in the city.
There is much fun in store for the entire family during the entire football season with an assortment of activities tailored to keep all visitors engaged. They can tour a special football tent that overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Football is a national pastime in the UAE; it is also a unifying force that brings together people from all walks of life. The Dubai Mall has rolled out a unique showcase of the football championship through an array of exciting events that recreate the thrilling experiences associated with the game. The mall created a carnival mood for the opening ceremony with roaming entertainment, and the ongoing big-screen live telecasts at the Dubai Ice Rink ensure a real stadium-like experience for visitors.”
Visitors are treated to a special, one of its kind football tent showcasing the history, heritage and excitement associated with the sport as well as official merchandise. Stilt walkers, mascots, and colourful performers create a festive ambience across the mall. Celebrity visits are also scheduled to add to the excitement.
Visitors can also match their skills at the Football Skill Zone. A Kids World Cup tournament will be hosted at the Star Atrium from July 4 to 12 in addition to face painting stations alongside the official FIFA merchandise kiosks.
To add to the excitement, visitors to any of The Dubai Mall’s leisure attractions – Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, SEGA Republic or Reel Cinemas – can enter a raffle draw to win the official FIFA car, a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, for every AED 100 spent, individually or collectively.
Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail, said: “The championship has united the world, highlighting the appeal of football as a truly global sport. The solidarity fostered by the event is a perfect fit for Dubai, a city that is home to over 180 nationalities, and The Dubai Mall, which hosts millions of visitors from all over the world. The colourful showcase of events at the mall will make it the must-visit destination to enjoy the tournament in the company of friends and family.”
The Football Mania 2010 at Dubai Ice Rink offers a refreshing stadium-like seating arrangement to watch the matches live on the high-definition LED screen. The screen, centrally placed, is among the largest in the region, and is backed by a state-of-the-art audio system highlighting every minute detail of the game.
A special cheering booth has been set up in partnership with McDonalds, where fans can root for their favourites. The fun at the booth will be uploaded on YouTube and McDonalds’s website.
The entire ice rink has been transformed with football-themed décor, banners, giant inflatable footballs, and flags of participating teams. Stand-alone models of Zakumi, the official mascot, have also been placed. The Mezzanine floor of the ice rink has been converted into hospitality zones for sponsors to facilitate corporate get-togethers. Fans can also indulge in face and hair painting.
Hosted by a Master of Ceremony, at the Football Mania 2010 at Dubai Ice Rink, fans can look forward to an assortment of on-ice entertainment events as well as a caricaturist to capture the thrills of the day for posterity. Guess & win contests keep the fans busy right through the tournament.
The tickets at Dubai Ice Rink are priced AED 25 for side-seats from June 11 to July 11. Special seating will be arranged for matches on June 17, 22, July 6, 7 and the final, on the ice rink, priced at AED 50 only. All tickets will have a tear-off coupon providing 20 per cent discount at McDonalds. Tickets can be bought from the reception of Dubai Ice Rink. For bookings and reservations, please contact 448 5111 or email info@dubaiicerink.com.
Football Mania 2010 at Dubai Ice Rink is supported by McDonalds, Standard Chartered Bank, Visa and Hyundai.
