Dubai: Companies participating in Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) promotions are expecting strong retail sales during the month-long shopping and tourism event.
Hundreds of outlets dealing in consumer electronics, jewellery, apparel and a number of hospitality services form part of the promotions.
The 13th edition of DSF began with a spectacular opening ceremony yesterday evening as fireworks, fountain shows, laser displays, and themed settings greeted around 1,000 invited guests at Dubai Festival City.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority, were among those who attended the event.
The show opened with a performance by the Dubai Symphony and focused on the rich heritage and culture of UAE.
Display screens mounted on a platform on the waterfront showed various aspects of UAE's everyday life and highlighted the country's growth through the decades.
Gold sales
Gold sales during DSF, generally the busiest time for jewellery sales in the city, are expected to increase 20 per cent to Dh1.2 billion, according to Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG).
Hundreds of jewellery outlets are participating in the shopping extravaganza.
The Dubai government launched DSF in 1996 to bring in more foreign visitors and promote economy.
DSF 2008 will go on for 32 continuous days till February 24, showcasing the best of shopping, winning, and family entertainment in the region, said Laila Suhail, chief executive officer of DSF.
The DSF calendar of events will cover entertainment, art, culture, sport, and heritage among others.
Kuwaiti visitors Walid Al Ansari and his wife Noha Al Khalaf said their family is looking forward to enjoy DSF events.
"The new malls in town should be interesting and we are hoping for some tangible discounts and value shopping. Discounts or no discounts, it is the whole experience of visiting Dubai during DSF that's exciting. The lighting on the roads, the decked up malls and street festivals add to the charm," Al Khalaf said.
"We have been in Dubai for almost a week now and will be leaving in just a couple of days but would love to see all we can of the DSF," said Brian and Kathy Gilliland from Britain.
Discounted sales and prizes draw a large number of people to shop during DSF. Electronics dealer Jumbo is expecting an increase of 30 to 40 per cent in sales during the DSF.
Jumbo offer
As part of the promotion, shoppers spending Dh300 at any Jumbo store will receive a raffle coupon that will be entered into a daily draw for a gold prize.
Payment card company Visa said it will be giving away prizes to the value of Dh400,000 throughout the festival.
Visa and Visa Electron cardholders will be automatically entered into a draw every time they make a transaction using their Visa card at the DSF and get a chance to win a grand prize of Dh200,000.
In addition, another 40 prizes worth Dh5,000 are up for grabs during DSF by simply using a Visa card.
"DSF has developed over the past 12 years to become a major contributor to the development of Dubai. Each year Visa has partnered with DSF to support the success of the event," said Norliza Kassim, head of marketing for the Middle East and North Africa.
