Shopping: New system will usher in a mall of a time for families

Dubai: Patterns of one of the UAE's favourite pastimes look set to change as a result of the new weekend, with Saturday expected to become a busier shopping day, although Thursday night is also expected to remain popular, according to industry experts.

"We expect a transfer of day shoppers from Thursday to Saturday," said Graham Dreverman, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) shopping malls, which include Mall of the Emirates and Deira, Ajman and Sharjah City Centres.

"We fully expect Saturday to show significant growth compared to historical traffic and sales. … Many people who might have shopped on a Thursday will now come on Saturday. Friday will remain a busy day."

Dreverman said as the weekend will now start on Thursday evening, many are expected to take advantage of late shopping in Dubai throughout the three days.

'Positive step'

Describing the change as a "positive step", Dreverman said it would also work to further align the UAE with international markets, adding that MAF Shopping malls currently attract over 1.3 million customers every week.

"We will of course respond to the traffic patterns that develop over the coming months … [and] will also take into account any direct customer feedback and the comments of our retailers," he said. "With more working parents being able to spend the whole weekend with their children, we anticipate an increase in demand for family-based leisure activities."

Sabina Khadhwani, Head of Research and Marketing at BurJuman shopping mall, anticipates a similar scenario, pointing to a boon for business as well as an increase in family-time.

"I think shopping patterns will shift, and we anticipate that people will now shop across the two days and it will now become busier on Friday and Saturday. People in Dubai are very shopping oriented," she said.