Dubai Shopping Festival engine of growth for retail sector

DUBAI, 22nd January, 2018 (WAM) -- The first half of Dubai Shopping Festival 2018 has led to an upswing in activity across various sectors in Dubai including retail, hospitality and financial services, and given a boost to ancillary services such as money exchange houses and travel agencies. Shopping malls, international brands and hotels, as well as travel operators, exchange houses and many other support services have been making the most of the festival’s 23rd edition, which started on 26th December 2017, and will run until 27th January 2018, offering residents and visitors an enriching shopping experience created by a combination of incredible deals, life-changing prizes and world-class entertainment. The festival provides visitors with the opportunity to shop and celebrate through special retail experiences featuring promotions and events that have the active participation of people from all nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Commenting on the good showing across various sectors in Dubai, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, DFRE, said that with Dubai Shopping Festival crossing its halfway mark, key economic sectors have reported improved performances, giving Dubai’s retailers a great start for 2018. "As an engine of growth for the retail sector in Dubai, DSF has also given a boost to various other sectors including hospitality, travel and financial services. The success achieved in just over two weeks of the Dubai Shopping Festival further validates our strategy to start earlier than usual to coincide with the festive and holiday season and the winter vacation for schools, leading to more business for retailers." He added, "The positive impact that the festival has made at its halfway stage is also ample testimony to the spirit of cooperation and excellent work being done by the different government departments and the private sector to continue enhancing the emirate’s position as a leading tourism destination offering unique shopping experiences." Malls and thousands of retail outlets have recorded sharp increases in footfall, as DSF shoppers avail themselves of significant discounts going up to 75 percent on a wide range of merchandise including electronics, home appliances, computers, perfumes, cosmetics and fashion. Since the start of the festival, families have been flocking to DSF’s key attractions at several locations in Dubai including the Carpet and Art Oasis and Global Village. Tourists have also taken advantage of the best rates that are being offered by money exchange dealers while travel agencies have been busy coping with an upsurge in visitors.