Dubai Shopping Festival 2003 achieved increase of 11.3% on overall spends, 8.95% increase in visitor numbers

Dubai Shopping Festival 2003, which was held from January 15, 2003 to February 15, 2003, witnessed record growth figures across key tourism indicators such as visitor numbers, hotel revenues and retail growth, according to an independent study commissioned and released by the DSF office.

The study shows that the total number of visitors to various DSF attractions had increased to 2.92 million. A significant increase of 11.3% was witnessed in the overall spends during DSF 2003, as spends increased from Dhs 4.6 billion in DSF 2002 to Dhs 5.12 billion during DSF 2003.

Elaborating on the role of DSF's positive results on UAE's distinct touristic identity, Mr. Hussain Ali Lootah, Executive Chairman, Dubai Shopping Festival, said: "UAE has been able to establish itself at the forefront of the travel and tourism industry inthe region. Within the last few years, its fine  tuned promotional machinery has become such a professional industry, that UAE now has the envious reputation of being on top of the list of Arab touristic attractions. We have also been able to make a differentiated offer at different times of the year, depending on varied commercial, social and environmental elements."

"Dubai Shopping Festival, in particular has surpassed local, regional and international expectations by attracting an international clientele from diverse regions in the world, Asia, Europe and Africa."

DSF will continue on its steady path of progress, supported in its stride by the private sector. The next DSF, will witness several fresh creative inputs that showcases the humanitarian value of the event"

Commenting on the results, Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Nabdouda, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Shopping Festival, said: "The Festival was pitched to succeed. We had projected a 5% growth figure over last year and had created elements that would multiply the growth figure at the most effective  cost benefit coefficients, beginning with the change in the date of the festival. Not only have we exceeded all projected growth figures, we also have several achievements to our credit.

The impact of Eid Al Adha and school holidays, one of the primary reasons of shifting the dates of the Festival unmistakably contributed to the increase  in the GCC visitors, up by 19.5%.

Total spends, another key reflector of the Festival's success increased from Dhs 4.6 billion during DSF 2002 to Dhs 5.12 billion, a percentage increase of 11.3%. The 'Shopping Only' expenditure increased by 13.04% from Dhs 3.45 billion to Dhs 3.9 billion.

Remarkably, the 'Eating Out' and 'Entertainment Expenditure' increased significantly from Dhs 550 million to Dhs 650 million, an increase of 18.18%, a clear indicator of the quality of events being held in the city.

Overall preferences

The Global Village remained the number one destination with visitor figures touching an all time high.

The study also reinforced that shopping malls, deals and bargain were also in the highly appreciated category. Amongst the international visitors, the Heritage Village emerged clearly as the preferred destination. 

Dubai Shopping Festival 2004, a celebration unlike any other in the world, will be held from January 15, 2004 to February 15, 2004.