Dubai - Visitors from all over the world flock to popular mall to grab unbeatable deals
Since day one of the 19th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the region's longest running summer extravaganza, malls and shopping centres in Dubai have been bustling with shoppers of different nationalities and ages, enticed by the numerous deals, bargains and unique offers on a wide range of merchandise from local, regional and international brands.
Organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency ofthe Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), DSS 2016 features discounts of up to 75 per cent offered by participating retail outlets, in addition to great bargains and promotions with fabulous prizes from luxury cars to shopping vouchers.
The Dubai Mall, the world's most visited shopping and entertainment destination, embodies what DSS 2016, is all about. The Dubai Mall houses over 80 luxury boutiques within luxury precinct Fashion Avenue, over 1200 stores, 200 restaurants and cafes, in addition to unique entertainment destinations including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, SEGA Republic, Kidzania, Dubai Ice Rink and the flagship 22-screen Reel Cinemas.
Whether you're trying to keep the kids entertained or just want to sit back and immerse yourself in the movies, there's something for everyone at The Dubai Mall.
Bargain hunters get the best deals
Among the bargain hunters at The Dubai Mall during DSS were UAE nationals Abdullah Abdul-Razzaq and his friend, Isa Ahmed: "We live in Sharjah, but prefer to come to The Dubai Mall for shopping as it houses many brands not available elsewhere. I bought today some clothing at very reasonable prices," Abdullah said.
"We decided to come to The Dubai Mall specifically to shop at Level Shoes which is not available elsewhere. We spent more than two thousand dirhams on clothing and dining at restaurants in the mall. We are really happy with the splendid time we spent at The Dubai Mall"," said Isa.
UAE nationals, Faisal Abdullah and Mohammed Abdullah along with Mohammed Salim and Said Mohammed from Yemen also enjoyed their shopping spree in The Dubai Mall buying sports apparel and shoes and their favorite cookies and sweets.
"It was a fun-filled experience, we bought the new season's sports apparel at bargain prices, and we will surely come back to shop at The Dubai Mall during Dubai Summer Surprises as there are huge discounts that attract residents and tourists alike," said Mohammed Abdullah.
Frequent shoppers from Saudi Arabia
Saudi tourists are everywhere in Dubai, including malls and shopping centres, shops, restaurants, and entertainment centres, and this is evident by their presence at The Dubai Mall too.
"This is not the first time that I visit Dubai as I've been frequently visiting it with my family for the last 16 years. In fact, sometimes we come to Dubai twice a year to spend a great time and shop for the kids" said Wafa Mohammed from Saudi Arabia.
"This year I came to Dubai with my husband and three of our children, and we are happy to be here. We have already started shopping, we bought lots of electronics, perfumes, incense, clothing, shoes, and bags. We usually set aside some ten thousand dirhams for shopping" she added.
Favourite brands under one roof
"I am on a five-day visit to this beautiful city, I came here for tourism and shopping, and over the last two days I visited a couple of Dubai's landmarks, including Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. I also went on a safari in the breathtaking desert. As for shopping, I bought sports apparel, suits, jeans, shoes and perfumes. Dubai is a top shopping destination and prices are reasonable and discounts are real", said Rafi Singla, a university student from India.
"Dubai is a top choice for shoppers; here you can find a variety of favourite brands and real discounts and bargains which encourage shoppers to buy more and more. No wonder I have already overspent on my travel budget," added Singla.
Dubai is also an ideal destination for vacationers and shoppers from neighbouring Arab countries and Europe, in both winter and summer. Dubai Summer Surprises attract shoppers with discounts, promotions and bargains.
"I came to Dubai with my daughter and we are enjoying our time here. The people here are very hospitable and the city has a distinct character that can be seen in its building and markets. As far as shopping is concerned, this is the best city for shopping, as we can find here brands which are not available even in France. My daughter is extremely happy as she usually buys these brands online," said French-Algerian tourist, Thuraya Faris.
"I bought lots of things from The Dubai Mall which has hundreds of stores. For example, we bought clothing, handbags, chocolate, and such things at reasonable prices. We spent thousands on dirhams on shopping alone." she added.
DSS 2016 runs until 20 August under the theme 'Own The Summer' offering residents and visitors unbeatable deals, great events and family fun.