When smaller is actually bigger
A large portion of Dubai residents prefer to be at local community events — not malls — and be with their families.
dubai — While many UAE residents know Dubai as the city with lots of large shopping malls, they will be surprised to know that a large portion of residents actually prefer smaller community events where they can dine and shop with their families and friends.
Around 84 per cent of UAE consumers surveyed want to be more involved in their local community, a recent survey by Dubai Properties (DP) has revealed. In addition, 82 per cent of respondents would like to buy from ‘home-grown’ shops and restaurants more often. The survey found that majority of respondents felt that unique local businesses are often overlooked or undiscovered, and that by integrating these ‘hidden gems’ within a residential community, residents are far more likely to get involved with supporting their neighborhood stores and being actively involved in community events and activities.
The survey also revealed that 80 per cent of UAE shoppers would prefer to look for such ‘hidden gems’ on their doorstep, while 81 per cent of respondents preferred a location closer to home for dining out and daily shopping. In addition, 67 per cent prefer to support home grown businesses over big brands, and 56 per cent believe that homegrown stores offer something different and ‘unique’.
This trend towards more personalised community and shopping experiences, where family activities and neighborhood spirit take precedence over ‘big-brands’, crowded malls and high-traffic tourist attractions, has been the main focus of DP as it aims to become a world class asset operator of sustainable communities and continues to develop its retail and leisure offering in renowned destinations such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubailand, and Culture Village.
Juma bin Darwish, executive director of retail and hotel asset management at DP, said: “Keeping in touch with consumer trends and understanding the diverse needs of the city’s social diversification when it comes to shopping, dining and leisure activities is a key component in DP’s aim to become a world class asset operator of sustainable communities. As the city welcomes more and more residents into its fold, DP will continue to transform its communities into family-friendly ‘it’ destinations where residents and visitors can get together through a variety of event offerings and family-fun activities throughout the year.” Throughout the winter months, DP hosted a number of unique events and community happenings at the centre of Business Bay that brought together entire communities to enjoy the good weather and sample some of the neighborhood’s hidden delights. Sporting events proved particular popular with residents and visitors alike, and children’s activities were also a huge hit.
Dubai’s food lovers and culinary buffs were also treated to the ‘Farmers Market on the Terrace’ by Baker & Spice, which began in November and will continue till the end of May 2017. The market has more than 40 vendors and plenty of food stalls, cooking stations and take-home retail items as well as cooking demonstrations from Taj Hotel top chefs. DP’s additional activities for art lovers included a free outdoor Art Class at Bay Square that was open to students aged 10 years and over. Every Saturday, 10 art teachers embarked 20 students on a full curriculum with an introduction to all kinds of painting techniques such as acrylic, spray, oil, water colors, sketching and others.
— rohma@khaleejtimes.com