32-day DSF shopping extravaganza begins

Dubai: The 15th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the 32-day shopping, entertainment and cultural extravaganza will get off to a colourful start on Thursday evening.

Organisers of the event are expecting a larger visitor turnout this year from the Gulf and Asian countries.

"Based on our marketing strategy for this year, with focus on GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] and Asian markets, we're looking forward to seeing more visitors from there," Laila Suhail, chief executive of event organiser Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) told Gulf News on the sidelines of a press conference on Wednesday.

Last year, visitor numbers increased 4.6 per cent to 3.35 million. They spent approximately Dh9.8 billion.

The government funding for DSF's 15th edition as well as sponsorship from the private sector will combine to a total of Dh65 million this year.

The Lexus Mega Raffle draws during the 32 days will see 32 Lexus LS 460 cars, four Lexus LX 570 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and cash of over Dh3 million given away to winners.

Additionally, there will be 32 Nissan SUVs and 12 Nissan sedans to be won in the Nissan Grand Raffle.