Dubai, UAE - 29 December 2016:  The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has lauded the solid partnership between the government and private sectors, describing it as a unique role model of public-private collaboration that works collectively with a single-minded purpose to achieve the common goal of promoting a destination.

The role played by the private sector is one of the cornerstones of the success of Dubai government driven retail initiatives like the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), and their crucial contribution has once again come into sharp focus at the 22nd edition of DSF, which started on Monday, 26 December.

Some of the biggest private sector entities in the UAE have come together to support DSF 2017, one of the major annual festivals organised by DFRE. The latest edition of the world’s longest running festival of its kind runs until 28 January, providing 34 days of unique shopping experiences combined with big winnings and world-class entertainment.

Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between DFRE and its Strategic Partners and Key Sponsors, Saeed Mohammad Measam Al Falasi, Executive Director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, DFRE, said:  “Dubai Shopping Festival has proven its importance as a global attraction and has raised the bar of excellence in the festivals and events industry in the region to new heights. This would have not been possible without the support and commitment of our stakeholders. We are delighted to welcome back all our partners in the private sector for what will truly be a unique collaborative effort during DSF 2017.  It is this excellent synergy between us and our partners that has helped pave the way for a memorable and rewarding experience every year during DSF in the form of unbeatable shopping offers, life-changing daily raffles and diverse entertainment.”

The start of the 22nd edition of DSF also marked the launch of the Dubai Retail Calendar, a new retail initiative that contains the full programme of anchor retail activities and experiences being conducted and promoted citywide. 

DSF 2017 events and activations will be run under three themed retail segments – Apparel & Fashion, Beauty & Perfume and Gold & Jewellery – that reflects the varied shopping experiences in store for residents and visitors, and also the important role played by the retail sector.

The exciting shopping spirit generated by DSF will spread far and wide across the emirate with thousands of retail outlets offering incredible deals including discounts of up to 75% on a range of merchandise. 

For 2017, DFRE’s strategic partners are Emirates, AW Rostamani Group, The Dubai Mall, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Dubai Festival City, Mercato, Paris Gallery, ENOC, Nakheel Malls, Dubai Duty Free, Meraas and Etisalat. Additionally, the key sponsors of DSF 2017 are Visa and Jumbo Group.

Emirates
“From world-class shopping malls, water parks, beaches and hotels, to hosting international events and festivals including Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), Dubai has become one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world. With the ongoing developments and opening of new attractions such as Dubai Canal and Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai continues to offer something unique for everyone whether they’re here to dine, shop, rest or venture.  Emirates is proud to have sponsored DSF since its inception in 1998. We are committed to developing Dubai into a world-leading tourism and business destination,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Centre. 

“DSF has grown to become one of the most important events on Dubai’s calendar and has raised the profile of the city as a premier shopping destination, thanks to a robust entertainment and activity mix. Emirates is committed to support the government’s 2020 vision to position Dubai as the number one destination for tourism and business both on a regional and international level, “ he added.

The Dubai Mall
Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Malls, said: “Dubai Shopping Festival underlines the city’s reputation as a global business and leisure hub, and welcomes visitors from across the world. As a strategic partner in driving the retail and leisure sector of Dubai, Emaar Malls is supporting DSF with a wide range of festivities across our mall assets. With the focus of DSF on family visitors, we have activities that would appeal to all, in addition to festive sales across the retail outlets. We are confident that DSF 2017 will record robust growth in visitor arrivals and further contribute to the city’s economy.”

Majid Al Futtaim Properties (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me’aisem, Mall of the Emirates)
“Majid Al Futtaim has been a proud strategic partner of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) for almost two decades, transforming the retail landscape in the region and contributing to Dubai’s economy and growth in both retail and tourism sectors.  For the 22nd edition of the renowned world-class shopping festival, we look forward to delivering our founder’s promise of creating great moments for everyone, everyday. Majid Al Futtaim’s five lifestyle destinations in Dubai: Mall of the Emirates, City Centres Deira, Mirdif, Me’aisem and for the first time City Centre Al Shindagha and My City Centre Al Barsha, will delight millions of tourists and residents with a spectacular array of unique entertainment, including performances from international celebrities and glittering fashion shows, thrilling promotions and amazing prizes to win,” said Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Senior Director – Property Development, Shopping Malls for Majid Al Futtaim.

AW Rostamani Group
Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles Company, the flagship automotive division of AW Rostamani Group and exclusive dealer for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said: 'For over two decades, Arabian Automobiles Company has enjoyed a lasting relationship with Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment that produces momentous results. This Festival, and all that it stands for, is instrumental in recognizing Dubai as a commercial hub and a leading destination for tourists, while contributing significantly to the growing economy of the country. Arabian Automobiles’ strategic partnership with the Festival promises an exciting and engaging experience, with a multitude of offers across the board for all our car brands; Nissan, Infiniti & Renault. As a division of AW Rostamani Group, we are honoured to be able to contribute to the city’s reputation as a high-end retail destination for shoppers.’

Dubai Festival City
Steven Cleaver, Director Shopping Centres, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, said: “We are delighted that the Dubai Shopping Festival launched on 26th as part of the opening of our spectacular new global attraction at Dubai Festival City. Thousands of our guests were privy to the unveiling of the first-of-its-kind attraction at Festival Bay as part of an evening of celebration that culminated in a huge fireworks display synonymous with the shopping festival itself.”   

Paris Gallery
Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group of Companies, said: “We eagerly look forward to celebrating the 22nd edition of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza that promises to enthrall residents and visitors. As always, we are honored to partner with DFRE and to promote Dubai, its innovative and pioneering spirit, and the promise it holds for people from all parts of the world. Many thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has been the driving force behind Dubai’s continued success story.
 
“We hope that DSF 2017 will set the stage for a successful year. Paris Gallery will showcase its unique and exclusive luxury products to cater to a wide range of customers arriving from all parts of the globe. We have planned exclusive launches of product lines in perfumes, cosmetics and accessories across all our stores in the UAE to coincide with the celebrations this year. We have great expectations for DSF 2017. ”

Meraas 
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Vice President, Retail Marketing, Promotions & Recreations, Meraas, said: “Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a world class shopping event that has become a permanent feature on the global retail calendar. As a strategic partner for the fourth consecutive year, Meraas will be running exciting campaigns and activations across destinations; CITY WALK, THE BEACH, BOXPARK and The Outlet Village. 

“Dubai Tourism and DFRE are integral to Dubai’s retail and tourism industry, and their approach to DSF is unlike any shopping festival in the world. Great deals, celebrity performances, entertainment shows, street performances and a myriad of activities elevate the shopping experience, lure tourists to Dubai and encourage both residents and tourists to benefit from the shopping bargains. We are positive that our tenants will reap the rewards of this partnership that aims to increase footfall and attract new customers- eventually translating into increased sales.”

Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2)
Omar Khoory, Director of Nakheel Malls, said: “We are delighted to build on a hugely successful year for Nakheel Malls by supporting the Dubai Shopping Festival.  Our two biggest malls – Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart 2 – will both participate in the event, which coincides with Dubai’s peak tourist season and will therefore be a big draw for visitors, as well as well people who live in the emirate. We expect peak-time visitor numbers to be up to 40 per cent higher during the festival.  

“2016 has been a momentous year for both Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart, with major extensions, new attractions and a huge range of live events and promotions leading to record numbers of visitors.  DSF will undoubtedly boost these numbers even more.  What better way to close out 2016 and welcome in the New Year than to promote our growing retail and entertainment through our strategic partnership of this major annual shopping event.” 

Dubai Duty Free
Salah Tahlak, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services, Dubai Duty Free, said: “Dubai Duty Free has supported the Dubai Shopping Festival since its inception in 1996, and we are very proud to be a part of its 22nd edition, making it the longest running festival of its kind. As a strategic partner of Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Duty Free is constantly striving to offer passengers a world-class shopping experience. Dubai Duty Free is very much part of the fabric of Dubai's growth as a world class destination. As Dubai prepares to host the Expo 2020, it is no doubt a manifestation of Dubai’s ability to maintain its leadership position as the best city for festivals and events and we are certain that this will be the most successful edition to date.”

ENOC
ENOC is honoured to have been partnering with the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment for 22 years. As a long-term strategic partner we have witnessed DSF’s continuous success in promoting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position the Emirate as the region’s retail, tourism and lifestyle hub. Our participation in DSF gives us the opportunity to reward our loyal customers and we hope to continue this rewarding collaboration as we strive to contribute to our country’s economic and social development through strategic initiatives like DSF.” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Chief Executive Officer, ENOC Group.

Mercato
Commenting on the longstanding strategic partnership between DFRE and Mercato, Nisreen Boustani, PR and Corporate Communication Manager of Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah said: “It is our immense pleasure to announce Mercato as strategic partner for the 22nd edition of DSF. It has grown to become one of the most important events on Dubai's calendar attracting visitors from around the world offering unique shopping experiences. With “Shop. Win. Celebrate” being the theme chosen for this year, DSF will paint the city with a festive mood through its unique blend of shopping; raffles and entertainment, in addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events and activities await UAE residents and visitors.

“Having worked with the DFRE team over the years, we look forward to a spectacular Dubai Shopping Festival in 2017.This DSF Mercato will set the scene for an exciting calendar of live entertainment for the whole family as the streets of Mercato will come alive with an Italian extravaganza, incredible discounts ranging from 30% to 75%, and fantastic prizes.”

Visa
Karim Beg, Head of Marketing for MENA, Visa, said: “For over 20 years now, Visa is proud to be one of the strategic partners of Dubai Shopping Festival, a true international event. Through our partnership with DSF, we are able to impart to shoppers in the UAE, both residents and tourists, the ease and convenience of cashless transactions as well as security in payment. As a reward for its cardholders, Visa is again running the ‘Visa Impossible deals’ promotion, a huge success from last year. Visa is offering the most exclusive and unbelievable offers on leading brands, every day during DSF. Customers need to sign up on www.visamiddleeast.com/dsf to participate in the promotion. Over and above Visa is providing a host of exclusive offers available at leading retailers when paying with Visa. The Visa impossible deals promotion will also allow for more than 100 banks in the Central Europe, Middle East and Africa region to participate and promote the DSF event.”

Jumbo Group
Mr. Nadeem Khanzadah (Head – Omni Channel Retail), Jumbo, said: “DSF 2017 changed its dates and started a week earlier. This was a good initiative by Dubai Tourism to capture the festive season and target the tourist visiting UAE during New Year’s. 

While the year started with a bit of retail sluggishness it has since picked up and we expect a reasonable growth this DSF. DSF 2017 looks more exciting as we have aligned our retail calendar to the Dubai Tourism calendar, hence we will have more events and activations to reach the consumers. We expect DSF performance to contribute about 18 – 20% of our annual turnover this year. With our focus moving towards customer engagement, service and digital, we are quite confident that we will meet our DSF targets for 2017.

Shop and win has traditionally worked for us. However, we strive to bring in more and better gifts and free gifts this year. We will be giving out half a kilo gold every week, gold coins every day and two solid gold PS4 to our lucky customers. We are looking forward to present our best offers especially on smartphone, wearable devices and television panels.”