Hone your bargaining skills this Dubai shopping season

Dubai - The DSF 2017 is greatly enhanced by the innovation of Dubai itself.

Today is the day residents of the UAE and shopaholics around the world have been waiting for. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2017 opens today, offering an additional six days of shopping extravaganza.
For the first time in the history of the DSF, the festival will leap from one year to the next, offering Christmas and New Year visitors deals they usually wouldn't be able to find in the festive season.
The DSF 2017 is greatly enhanced by the innovation of Dubai itself. The numerous new leisure and entertainment facilities, attractions, restaurants, hotels and shopping destinations that have opened over the last year are the icing on the shopping cake!
With its continuously expanding proposition, Dubai is truly an awe-inspiring destination, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. And what better time to visit than during the DSF, asks Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasi, executive director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
Dubai will open its glorious gates to the world with its mega event and every single resident will have an eye for betting on best bargain in this longest shopping festival of 34 days.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Al Falasi, said: "After 21 consecutive years of organising this world-famous festival, we have developed a strong understanding of what visitors and residents enjoy as part of the DSF experience. This has helped us look for ways to innovate and be creative while staying true to our commitment to the festival's three pillars, - Shopping, Winning and Entertainment. The DSF 2017 will be a fresh experience and will last longer than previous festivals, starting on December 26 and lasting 34 days.
"We believe that starting earlier and during the festive holidays will encourage many more people to visit Dubai during the DSF and in turn help retailers start the New Year on a solid foundation."
In the last few years, an average of around four million people visited each edition of the DSF, with total spend averaging about Dh14 billion. "We expect to generate the same response and maintain the momentum during this DSF. Dubai is home to as many nationalities and the DSF only adds to the diversity. In addition to the millions of people from various nationalities who live and work in the UAE, the DSF also welcomes large numbers of visitors from our key markets including the GCC, India, Indonesia, Russia and China," said Al Falasi.
In terms of events and activities, the focus of the festival remains on families and communities from different cultural backgrounds, and as always, the DSF places great emphasis on innovative attractions to ensure the event is memorable. This year, visitors can experience regular favourites like Market Outside the Box, firework shows, Carpet & Art Oasis and performances by hundreds of roaming artistes, as well as a series of events at numerous malls, reflecting the cultural diversity of the people who visit and live in Dubai. In terms of retail, there will be a number of promotions that guarantee rewarding experiences for visitors.
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
The long road to shopping success
The DSF was launched in 1996 with the aim of supporting the two main pillars of Dubai's economy - the tourism and retail sectors. Since then, the DSF has played a significant role in contributing towards both. "With the help of Dubai Tourism's overseas offices, we are able to reach a wide audience as well as new markets across the world, all with the aim of increasing the number of tourists during the DSF. Additionally, we are also running a global marketing campaign to create awareness of and promote the DSF among families and tourists," said Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasi, executive director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).The DSF has 14 strategic partners and key sponsors, in addition to thousands of participating retailers- local, regional and international brands. Businesses recognise the potential of the DSF and it is a mutually beneficial relationship for shoppers and Dubai as a global retail destination. It is a big win for everyone.
 

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