Dubai: Bargain hunters in UAE will be treated to non-stop shopping for 24 hours during the Eid Al Fitr weekend and prices will be slashed by up to 90 per cent.
At least seven malls in Abu Dhabi - the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mall, Al Jimi Mall, Dalma Mall, Hili Mall, Marina Mall, Bawadi Mall and Yas Mall - will be participating in the annual 24-hour mega sale, it has been announced.
Retailers at these malls will offer discounts of up to 90 per cent and there will be giveaways including a Tesla Model-X car.
The mega sale, which will start on June 15 at 10am and run until 10am the next day, will kick off the Eid Fest celebrations at the capital, just a few days ahead of the annual Abu Dhabi Summer Season (ADSS).
Both events, unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), seek to stimulate consumer spending and encourage residents and tourists to enjoy their summer in the capital.
At the megal sale, there will be discounts at 500 retailers of jewellery, accessories, electronics, home furniture and sporting equipment.
“We are pleased to build on the success of Yas Mall’s inaugural 24-hour event last year which brought over 250,000 shoppers in one day, by adding in more malls to join in the fun - including the Mall at WTC, Abu Dhabi and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain,” said Saoud Khoory, Yas Mall general manager.
Organisers said the mega sale will be bigger and better than last year.
Fireworks
Along with the 24-hour mega sale, residents will also enjoy fireworks shows taking place at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Marina and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on the first day of Eid starting from 9pm.
The mega sale will kick off ahead of the recently launched Abu Dhabi Summer Season, a mega festival that promises to offer a “rollercoaster ride of entertainment” and enticing deals at shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments.
#ADSummer is packed with the most exciting destinations, events, offers, hotels, activities, restaurants, shops and all what you need for your exciting summer plans, all happening #InAbuDhabi from June 21 - August 18 pic.twitter.com/LM0jclxzp8
— Abu Dhabi Summer Season (@ADSummerSeason) June 4, 2018
The ADSS will be held from June 21 to August 18 this year.
Throughout the festival, more opportunities to save money await budget-conscious consumers, with a number of hotels across Abu Dhabi expected to offer deals such as 25 per cent off on room rates and food and beverage.
ADSS 2018 will see the participation of more than 50 hotels offering several discount promotions ranging from 15 to 50 per cent with an aim to attract both foreign tourists and residents to make the most out of the summer holidays.
Commenting on this year’s ADSS and Eid celebrations, Sultan Al Mutawa Al Daheri, executive director of the Tourism Sector at the DCT Abu Dhabi, said that such events are part of a long-term strategy to boost Abu Dhabi’s image as a summer destination.
“The Eid fest celebrations and ADSS are annual anchor activations that aim to underpin the emirate’s credentials as a destination of distinction during the summer, especially for families looking for unmissable experiences and offers.
“It forms part of our long-term strategy to incentivise the private sector and tourism industry and get them involved in event development while building both regional and international awareness of the emirate’s appeal,” he added.
Al Daheri said the DCT Abu Dhabi is looking to increase the number of tourists to Abu Dhabi during the summer with its ADSS programme and hotel promotions, particularly from the GCC states and India. “Through this summer season, we aim to contribute to the increase in overseas visitors to Abu Dhabi — especially from top-source markets including the GCC and India — raise the average length of stay of visitors, and position Abu Dhabi as an attractive destination to visit during the summer.”
Among the several popular shows taking place as part of this year’s ADSS include Al Beit Beit Aboona (June 22-23), Nickelodeon Experience (July 5-15), Around the World (July 5-August 14), Pinkfong and Baby Shark (June 15-16 and June 28-30), and Sparkles of India (August 16-18) among many others. The full range of shows along with their details and venues can be found on the ADSS’s official website — www.abudhabisummerseason.ae.
Residents and tourists will also be able to enjoy a wide range of retail, food and beverage promotions throughout the ADSS, with 10 participating shopping malls taking part and offering discounts of up to 80 per cent.
Food lovers will also be in for a special treat with the ADSS Zomato Experience, with discount offers at more than 200 participating restaurants through its Zomato Gold Membership, which will offer both residents and tourists discounted rates for their meal purchases.-- With additional reports from Sami Zaatari, Staff Reporter
