Dubai Festival of Lights at The Centre of Now

Dubai has always been shiny, shimmery and splendid! Just when I thought I'm used to its extravagant surprises, the city of glitz and glamour made my jaw drop once again! Ed and I just witnessed the much-talked about Dubai Festival of Lights at The Centre of Now, Downtown Dubai. 

Dubai Festival of Lights is the newest vibrant celebration in the city that never fails to amaze the world. The spectacular event is organized by Emaar Properties, in partnership with the City of Lyon where one of the world's biggest festivals 'Fete des Lumieres' is being held. They have created a 10-day celebration of light, art and culture which made the bustling modern part of Dubai beaming in a whole new light.

Minutes before sundown, Ed and I grabbed a festival map and planned our scenic route in the "brightest square kilometer on earth". There are 32 light installations, each made by world-renowned artists, scattered all over Downtown. There are luminous art pieces and sculptures, breathtaking light projections, light choreography and video mapping. We were treated to a visual feast! 

I think, it is best to let the photos and videos speak for themselves. 

The Prince of Light by Damien Fontaine at Souk at Bahar

The Prince of Light video

XXLustre by Pitaya Light at The Dubai Mall Star Atrium

Aquarium Car by Stephanie Masson at The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade

Mirage Metropolis by Jean-Charles De Castelbajac at Souk Al Bahar

The Water Dragon by BIBI at Burj Lake

Stars Gate by Fabrice Oudin at The Palace Downtown Dubai

Mikado by Edouard Levine at The Palace Downtown Dubai

Vertigo by Les Orpailleurs De Lumiere at Souk Al Bahar/The Palace gate

Vegetalization by Richard Fontaine at Al Manzil Hotel

Keyframes by Groupe Laps at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Star Fishermen by Akira-Lisa Ichii at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

Elephantastic by Catherine Garret at Burj Residence

Big Tree by Jacques Rival and The World According to Piet by Daniel Knipper at Burj Plaza

Big Bag by Jacques Rival at the Burj Lake

Pennants of the Party by Sebastien Lefevre behind us  

Ombrellum by TILT at the Burj Park

Luminous Algae by Aerosculpture at the Burj Lake

Metamorphosis by Jerome Tor'q at the gardens of Burj Khalifa

The Anookis at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

We were only able to see 26 out of the 32 amazing art pieces; blame it on my not so comfy flats. On our 18th stop, I was already walking barefoot on the grassy Burj Park. Nevertheless, it was all worth the tired legs and aching feet! :) Hate long walks? Purchase a Boulevard Bus Tour ticket or ride a Byky to explore Downtown at your own pace. For a private tour, rent a Segway at Vida Hotel. 

Dubai Festival of Lights runs from March 20, 2014 to March 29, 2014! 

Light shows start at 7pm until 12mn. 

Admission: FREE!

Location: Downtown Dubai

Dubai Festival of Lights 2014 map courtesy of the event's official website

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