Gear up for an exciting time at Dubai Shopping Festival

Al Dhiyafah Street illuminated for the Dubai Shopping 2010, beginning tomorrow. As in the past, this year too the festival features an exciting array of events.Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News Dubai: Some of the best-known and leading business institutions in the country and region have come out in support of the 15th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) that begins tomorrow. The sponsors for Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 are: Al Rostamani Group, Al Ghurair City, AW Rostamani Group, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises, Mercato, Arabian Centre, BurJuman, Al Futtaim Group, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emaar Malls Group, Emirates, Emirates NBD, Enoc, Dubai Outlet Mall, Jumbo Electronics, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, VISA, Dubai Properties Group, and Wafi. Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment said in a statement on Tuesday that the support of leading business entities in the country for the 15th edition of DSF was by itself a vote of confidence for the festival under all circumstances. “Our participation in DSF over the last 14 years reflects our strong commitment to Dubai’s vision of providing the finest products and services to its citizens and visitors. AW Rostamani, through its flagship company Arabian Automobiles, the exclusive distributor of Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, will be announcing special offers and activities in support of the DSF celebrations,” said Khalid Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman, AW Rostamani Group. “Dubai Shopping Festival, launched in 1996 through the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was an exceptional initiative to enhance the economy in general and the retail and tourism sectors in particular. Over the years, this initiative has marked many milestones to become one of the recognised festivals in the world. Al Rostamani Group’s sponsorship of DSF is part of our continued commitment towards this unique event,” said Marwan Abdullah Al Rostamani, Chairman of the Al Rostamani Group. “As a key sponsor of the DSF, it gives us yet another opportunity to contribute towards Dubai’s economic growth and in the process help make this event a success,” said Salem Al Ghurair, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ghurair City. “DSF is a true celebration of enterprise and excitement that plays a vital role in Dubai’s tourism industry as one of the world’s leading shopping and family entertainment events. It provides A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises an ideal platform to showcase its gamut of brands catering to the hospitality, service and lifestyle segments,” said Mohammad Khoury, General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments.

Strategic partnership

“Since the inauguration of the mall in 2002, we have been proud to be one of the patron sponsors of the DSF each year. Mercato will continue this strategic partnership by being one of the key partners of the festival for this year as well”, said Rana Jaser, PR and Corporate Communications Manager of Mercato. “Al Futtaim is a committed supporter of Dubai Shopping Festival. We believe DSF stands for values, beliefs and lifestyle experiences, the same values which underline DSF 2010. This year’s event promises to be very special indeed and we are proud to be associated with this shopping and entertainment extravaganza,” said Charles Awad, Senior General Manager, GMASCO, Al Futtaim group. “Over the last 15 years, the shopping festival has played a major role in promoting Dubai as one of the leading retail destinations of the world. The DSF’s success can be gauged from the fact that many more cities around the world are working on creating similar models,” said Tim Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Arabian Centre. “As a proud key sponsor of this strong government initiative, BurJuman is bringing customers the best of DSF with an exciting theme celebrating the best of shopping, entertainment and winning. ‘BurJuman Rocks’ will provide shoppers with amazing deals, daily surprises, luxury prizes and fabulous entertainment with UK’s hottest tribute acts, dance shows and more, making anyone’s DSF experience all the more memorable,” said Eisa Adam Ebrahim , General Manager, BurJuman Commenting on Dubai Duty Free sponsorship, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director said, “Dubai Duty Free is proud to once again be involved in DSF 2010 and the event promises to be even more spectacular than last year’s festivities.” “Supporting events like DSF is in complete alignment with our vision to make Dubai the leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events. As part of this commitment, DWTC is proud to continue its long-standing association with this major shopping event,” said Hilal Saeed Al Merri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “The DSF is one of the most powerful and innovative retail and leisure growth drivers which has made considerable contribution to the overall growth of the Dubai economy. The vision of DSF to offer both retailing and entertainment complements the operational philosophy of Emaar Malls Group,” said Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group said.

Leading sponsors

“We are proud to support the Dubai government and remain committed to contributing to the success of DSF, which has established Dubai as the shopping destination of the world,” said Vishal Mahajan, Director, Dubai Outlet Mall Ahmad Khouri, Emirates’ Senior Vice-President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “Emirates has been a leading sponsor of the Dubai Shopping Festival since the events inception. Throughout the years DSF has gone from strength to strength gaining increased global recognition to become one of the world’s premier shopping events. Thousands of international visitors flock to Dubai each year to partake in the shopping and leisure festivities, bringing in millions of Dirham’s in revenue to the emirate. “Emirates NBD has been a supporter of Dubai Shopping Festival since it was first introduced in 1996,” said Saif Al Mansouri, Head — Group Business Marketing, Emirates NBD. “We have sponsored this high-profile event for 15 consecutive years and are delighted to be extending our commitment to the local community through our continued association with DSF. Khalid Hadi, Enoc Group Brand and Marketing Manager, said: “Once again, we will be rolling out wide range of promotions that will appeal to people from all sections of the society and strengthen their participation. Our strong links with DSF reflect the growing prominence of Enoc as a retailer and our commitment to partner in Dubai’s initiatives at economic diversification, especially with a focus on retail.” “As one of the UAE’s largest and longest-standing retailers, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a very important time of year for us. Jumbo has been a key sponsor of the event since its inception in 1996 and are proud to continue our support in to its 15th year,” said JP Nambiar, Head of Retail at Jumbo Electronics “This DSF will see two of Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ flagship shopping malls, Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre, come together with a joint promotion where customers stand a chance to win some truly fabulous prizes worth a whopping Dh2 million,” said Fouad Al Najjar, Vice-President, Deira City Centre,. Khalid Al Malek, Group CEO, Dubai Properties Group said, “We are confident that the diverse and exciting events scheduled for The Walk will significantly contribute to the success of the DSF experience this season and we believe that our partnership compliments The Walk’s position as an entertaining and accessible destination for both UAE residents and visitors to the region.” “During DSF Wafi will offer unmatchable deals on some of the world’s most renowned and unique designer brands. “The family activities planned during the festival are sure to attract both regular and new shoppers to the mall to enjoy the unique experience, while taking advantage of the great bargains on offer,” said Shajahan Unneen, Wafi Property’s General Manager.