Shopping spend boosts tourism
Dubai’s popular shopping festivals not only boost tourism but also allow the retail industry and economy in general to grow, says Saeed Al Falasi, Executive Director, Retail & Strategic Alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.
Qshopping
How important are
festivals to Dubai for promoting tourism?
Shopping is an important pillar of any economy. The infrastructure and facilities that are available inside the shopping malls are quite different than any other place in the region. Shopping is a key attraction for many people, and we make sure that we have enough festivals and initiatives in Dubai for people to come and spend their time with us.
QWhat role does DFRE play? The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has been a key pillar in attracting tourists throughout the year. We start with the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), move on to Ramadan & Eid celebrations, then unto the Summer Surprises, immediately followed by the bigger Eid and finally prepare for the Shopping Festival. This year DSF is scheduled from December 26 to January 28, 2017. All of these festivals highlight the tremendous support by the retailers, to ensure that we actually provide a good environment for them to work in Dubai and gain more visitors to the destination.
Qnew
Have you added any
festivals to the existing list?
The Big Clearance Sale is a new initiative that we launched last year. It has been attracting a lot of tourists from the region and the residents. It is different from a normal shopping mall as we bring all big brands together under one roof with competitive pricing. Most of the shopping malls would offer 25 to 70 per cent, we ensure that all products within the Big Clearance Sale are actually over 80 per cent.
QHow important are these festivals to boost tourism?
Events like these are quite important to help tourism and the retail industry. In terms of retail, it ensures that they have a clear sale out before they start getting their new products for the new season. It is very supportive to the economy as well as to the tourism sectors as people are aware and make sure that they visit.
Shopping is a key attraction for many people, and we make sure that we have enough festivals and initiatives in Dubai for people to come and spend their time with us