DSF and partners enthralling shoppers and visitors

The continued collaboration between Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and its strategic partners and key sponsors have ensured that visitors to the 23^rd edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) get to enjoy a range of extraordinary experiences that will further enhance the emirate’s position as a leading family tourism destination.

The latest edition of DSF, which commenced on December 26, runs until January 27. With retail sector entities playing a pivotal role in DSF 2018, a number of events and activations are run under three themed retail segments – beauty & perfume, gold & jewellery and apparel & fashion. Further, thousands of retail outlets have added to the shopping excitement by offering amazing deals including discounts of between 25% and 75% on a range of merchandise.

Commenting on the long-standing partnership between DFRE and its strategic partners and key sponors, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, DFRE says, “DSF has seen more than two decades of exciting growth from the time it set a benchmark for the retail sector in the region in 1996 to its current position as a major global attraction. Such a strong achievement would not have been possible without the solid cooperation between government and private sectors.”

“Year after year, DSF has made a positive impact on different economic sectors in Dubai, and in 2018 we are confident that the flagship festival of Dubai’s annual retail calendar, will help keep up the momentum for retailers, and other business entities in the emirate. We expect to achieve this by offering shoppers an unbeatable combination of unique retail experiences, life-changing daily raffles and world-class entertainment drawn up in collaboration with our key partners, sponsors and supporters,” he adds. “With the 23^rd edition of DSF well underway, we are truly grateful to our strategic partners and key sponsors for their unwavering commitment to ensure that the latest edition of the festival will also be a huge success, providing residents and visitors even more reasons to celebrate and be rewarded when they shop in Dubai.”

For the festival’s 23^rd edition, DFRE is supported by strategic partners Emirates, The Dubai Mall, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, AW Rostamani Group, Al-Futtaim (Dubai Festival City), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 1, Dragon Mart 2), Dubai Duty Free, ENOC, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato), Meraas and Etisalat. Additionally, the key sponsors of DSF 2018 are Visa, Emirates NBD and Jumbo Group, while key supporters of DSF are Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group and Dubai Shopping Malls Group.

“Emaar Malls looks forward to another season of DSF, which continues to flourish year-on- year. As a catalyst for growth driving diverse sectors including hospitality and aviation, DSF spurs tourism and bolsters the robust economic environment of Dubai, led by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president & prime minister and ruler of Dubai. DSF draws visitors from around the world and highlights Dubai on a global stage as a hub for shopping, leisure and entertainment. As part of this season of DSF, Emaar Malls is hosting a range of family-friendly activities across our portfolio of malls that will appeal to families and children, as well as support retailers to offer attractive in-store specials, ensuring that both shoppers and businesses alike benefit from the event. Following its remarkable successes in 2017, DSF will set the tone for another exciting year of leisure and entertainment for Emaar Malls in 2018,” says Nasser Rafi, CEO, Emaar Malls.

“Majid Al Futtaim has been a strategic partner of DSF for over two decades, and each year has delivered unrivalled shopping experiences, dynamic winning opportunities and world-class entertainment for the whole family. The annual festival is a platform for Majid Al Futtaim’s six shopping malls in Dubai to create innovative shopping experiences which exceed our customers’ expectations, while delivering our vision of creating great moments for everyone, everyday. We look forward to another successful DSF at Mall of the Emirates, City Centres Deira, Mirdif, Me’aisem, Al Shindagha and My City Centre Al Barsha as each mall hosts a unique schedule of events and promotions that started with the exclusive 12-hour sale on December 26,” shares Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, managing director for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Shopping Malls (UAE, Bahrain & Oman).

“DSF is one of the key events in the calendar for Dubai Festival City as we see a marked increase in footfall through the period. In order to positively capture that heightened shopper interest, we are working closely with our retailers to provide engaging activities, events and offers in order to both surprise and delight our visitors,” adds Steven Cleaver, director – shopping malls, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate.

“We look forward to yet another successful partnership with the Dubai Shopping Festival for the 23^rd edition of this key retail event. The festival continues to grow as Dubai’s retail sector continues to mature, and DSF 2018 is another opportunity to highlight the unique offerings at Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart during the festival and beyond,” states Omar Khoory, managing director of Nakheel Malls. “DSF marks the start of Dubai’s annual line up of retail festivals, and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart during this exciting, highly-anticipated event.”

“Dubai Duty Free’s (DDF) continued support to DFRE demonstrated its commitment to playing a significant part in the development of the tourism and retail sectors of Dubai at the start of the year. In turn, DDF also benefits from its many initiatives like DSF as evident by the large number of visitors who shop at DDF in Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport during the event period,” says Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free.

“Our continuous support towards the DSF underlines ENOC’s commitment towards positioning Dubai as an iconic hub for tourists offering unique retail and lifestyle experiences. We are privileged to return as a strategic partner for the 23^rd edition of DSF. Over the years, the festival has become synonymous with the emirate’s drive to diversify its retail offerings to maximise residents’ happiness which is reflected across ENOC’s services,” adds Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO, ENOC.

“DSF is the perfect mixture for those who wish to pursue enjoyment and shopping at the same time. The extravaganza will paint the city with a festive mood through its unique blend of shopping, raffles and entertainment. This DSF at Mercato there is a world of unbeatable offers, fantastic prizes and sensational entertainment to be enjoyed! Shoppers will take advantage of the incredible offers by spending AED200 between December 26 and January 27 and get the chance to win a luxury holiday or AED30,000 weekly cash prizes. Having worked with DFRE team over the years, we look forward to a spectacular DSF in 2018, which will make the emirate a key attraction for visitors for full 33 days with a riot of vibrant activities and festivities,” says Nisreen Boustani, PR & corporate communications manager of Mercato.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with DFRE and to see DSF go from strength-to-strength. The festival is one of the most eagerly-anticipated events in the region and has evolved to become a city-wide celebration of the very best Dubai has to offer. In recognition of the impact this has had on the economy and society, Meraas has transformed its destinations to create a carnival atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy as they shop, eat and play,” observes Sally Yacoub, chief malls officer at Meraas. “In addition to spectacular firework displays at The Beach, Al Seef and La Mer on the opening and closing nights and weekends, there will be performances by stilt walkers, fiesta troupes, LED butterfly groups and African drummers, as well as family-friendly activities taking place throughout the festival. We have also created an exciting selection of offers and prizes, including the chance to win a trip to the Maldives at La Mer and a competition to win 1kg of gold at Al Seef, among others.”

“Jumbo Electronics has been one of the key sponsors of DSF since its inception. DSF is one of the most important festivals on our annual sales and marketing calendar and has played a key role in contributing to our overall sales. During this period, we have always rolled out special promotions and exciting prizes including this year’s #JumboGoldRush promotion and we will be back with similar deals and offers this DSF,” states Nadeem Khanzadah, head, omnichannel retail, Jumbo Group.

“Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group’s strategic association with DSF has been growing from strength-to-strength over the years. The gold raffle promotions have been one of the key attractions of the festival and the gold winnings have made a huge difference, financially, in the lives of many of our winners. This year, we hope for an impressive sale season as the gold price is at very affordable levels. The City of Gold coins from Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group is an added attraction to the campaign this year. We look forward to welcoming shoppers from all over the world to have the best jewellery shopping experience and win kilos of gold which may turn around their lives,” comments Tawhid Abdullah, chairman, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

“Launching the 23^rd edition of DSF in December is very advantageous to retailers throughout the city as it gives them the extra boost to finish the year on a high note. Working with DFRE as a key strategic partner has always proved beneficial to the Dubai Shopping Malls Group and its membership as DSF is one of the biggest and most important retail calendar events continuously shaping industry trends across the region. We expect the 23^rd edition to provide further growth to malls, retailers and the industry as whole,” concludes Majid Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Shopping Malls Group.