Rajamma Sathyan, 59, Indian
Dubai has shopping offers on all 365 days but the Dubai Shopping Festival is different. I completely enjoy the festival-like atmosphere that it creates. Perhaps it is the only place in the world where you have a shopping season along with summers and winters. What I really look forward to is the fireworks. They start from New Years’ Eve until the end of DSF. This year too I am trying my best to spot some marvellous firework displays in the sky.
Samia Saleh, Emirati
Being an Emirati, I feel very proud and happy that the Dubai Shopping Festival 2014 has highlighted a very inspiring and thoughtful heritage. It is Dubai’s heritage season with four weeks of cultural activities. These activities not only remind me of my childhood days but also make me realise how far we have come from a small simple country to a multicultural sophisticated society. It also gives visitors an insight into the history of this beautiful country.
Elizabeth Bruce, 55, British
The carnival is a must-see during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Colourful costumes and music caught the attention of hundreds of shoppers at Mall of the Emirates last Saturday. Music and magic filled the air. Communities from all over the world were smiling. People gazed in admiration. The atmosphere was incredible. Small children, adults and parents stopped in their tracks. The amazing characters and costumes were fabulous. People were taking videos and photographs. We were woven into the circumference of the carnival. The feeling was electric. It was an amazing and a very happy experience.
Alfred Galang, 28, Filipino
Most people think Gitex is the only great time to shop for electronics. In reality the best offers are during DSF. It is easily one of the times in the year I most anticipate. It is a heaven for hard-core gadget- and electronics-enthusiasts, but people from different walks of life come to the DSF to avail of all the incredible offers and, of course, the raffles. From mobile phones, laptops, tablets, HD TVs — you name it, and an irresistible offer will be there to lure you into shopping. The DSF really is an amazing experience and it goes without saying that it is the perfect chance to satisfy your need for IT eye candy. My only wish is for more DSFs to be held each year. More power to the people who make DSF possible.
Marianna Schreiber, 40, German
I was avoiding my choice of sophisticated garment shopping as they were all expensive all year long. Shopping discounts are definitely the most attractive feature of DSF. My latest buy was at Mirdif City Centre’s Jane Norman. Not disappointed this time. The salesman was helpful despite the busy counter. They all seem trained to handle the extra pressure this season. I came home with skirts, boots, handbag and a satisfied self.
Diya Sanjeev, 12, Indian
I love to go to the Global Village during the Dubai Shopping Festival. I feel it is the best place in Dubai. They have dancers and performers there from across the world. I particularly love the rides and try to go there as many times as possible with my parents. It is almost similar to travelling across the world and it inspires me to start travelling and seeing all the amazing places all around the world.
