News Dubai

DSF gets ready to roll
By Cleofe Maceda, Staff Reporter

Dubai: More than 3.5 million people are expected to spend around Dh11 billion at the 13th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), that guarantees 32 days of excitement from January 24 to February 24.

Organisers are confident of smashing previous DSF records, with consumer spending projected to surge 10 per cent from Dh10.2 billion last year to a massive Dh11.2 billion in 2008.

Visitor numbers are also expected to swell five to 10 per cent from 3.5 million to almost four million.

The number of participating retailers will increase from 2,800 last year to over 3,500, all expecting sales to rocket by enticing shoppers with juicy treats like extremely competitive prices for branded products, raffle draws and other attractive offers.

And with at least 27 key sponsors-international and local firms-- putting together a package of events that will add value to the overall DSF 2008 experience, visitors are in for another scintillating edition of shopping, winning and family entertainment.

Major prizes up for grabs will be more than 90 Lexus and Nissan cars, which will be given away every day, 32 kilos of gold and massive cash prizes.

Laila Suhail, DSF chief strategy officer, said the 13th edition of the shopping and entertainment extravaganza will be unique in its own way as it will add "new look and feel" to the usual events which have been associated with DSF over the last 12 years.

"We've lined up a lot of exciting events, promotions and other activities that will showcase Dubai in a happier, festive way. This will be one of another successful event added to the history of Dubai," Suhail told Gulf News.

"Like in the previous edition, there will be fireworks and food festivals, and even an art oasis. But there will not be repetitions as each event will feature something new," Suhail added.

Visitors can look forward to a 20-minute fireworks display that will take place every weekend in one of Dubai's strategic locations. Last year, each fireworks show lasted three minutes.

Another highlight will be a mega fashion event featuring collections of noted international designers from Paris and other places.

"It will be one of the biggest fashion events in the region. It is going to be huge and different, in terms of overall strategy, global participation and the way it is structured," said Suhail.

The 2006-07 edition of DSF, which lasted 45 days, welcomed 3.5 million visitors, registering a seven per cent increase over DSF 2005. The combined edition recorded huge consumer spending to the tune of Dh10.2 billion, marking a sharp increase of 53 per cent over DSF 2005.

Organisers attributed the exceptionally high consumer spending in the previous edition to its duration, attractive promotions and international events.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the DSF Supreme Committee, earlier said the upcoming edition is designed to stand out as a full-fledged festive season on its own.

"The overwhelming success and the achievements of the DSF over the years has made it possible to set the ground for a vibrant entertainment industry in the region. It has set new standards for family entertainment along with a diversified spectrum of events that have combined to become a catalyst in the growth witnessed by the economy and especially by the tourism sector," Shaikh Ahmad said.