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DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 2003 TO BE HELD FROM JANUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 15, 2003

DSF 2002 sees 22% rise in Arab visitors, Hotels’ guests increased by 15%, overall spends increased to Dhs 4.6 billion

In a press conference held at the Arabian Travel Market, which is taking place in Dubai from May 7 – 10th, 2002, it was announced that Dubai Shopping Festival 2003 would be organised from January 15 – February 15, 2003. It was also revealed that DSF 2002 registered an overall growth figure of 5%. 

Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Shopping Festival said, “The decision to reschedule the Festival was made primarily upon research done in the retail and hospitality sector, who told us that visiting families love to stay in Dubai for longer periods during the Festival. Feedback from the weekend visitors to DSF 2002 also showed that families based in nearby countries needed more time to enjoy DSF activities and events. So timing the Festival with the holidays was the ideal solution.”

“The period Jan 15 – February 15 was chosen with research inputs from several strategists. The period begins with the Spring Break in several GCC countries and concludes with the Eid Holidays.” 

More on DSF 2002 results 

Dubai Shopping Festival 2002, held from March 1 to 31, 2002, had registered a growth figure of 5% taking the total number of ‘shoppers’ this year to 2.68 million during the period, indicating that the Festival continues to strengthen its allure of a truly global event according to an independent study commissioned by the Government of Dubai. 

The study shows that the total number of visitors from the Arab States outside of GCC increased by 22% compared to last year. 

While total expenditure rose only marginally to Dhs 4.6 billion, a significant increase was seen in the ‘Shopping Only’ expenditure, which went up by 8% compared to last year. Expenditure on local transportation increased from Dhs 100 million to Dhs 150 million indicative of the fact that the tourists to the city visited several DSF entertainment venues. 

Interestingly, the impact of Eid Al Adha not being in DSF month was compensated by an increased number of visitors during the holidays of Nauroze and Easter. The study also categorised the strength of the visitors – maintaining that the South Asians remained the largest category, followed by Arab nationals and Europeans. 

The study also reinforces that shopping and bargains continues to be appreciated as one of the best-liked features of Dubai Shopping Festival by international visitors. 

Commenting on the results, Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Shopping Festival, said: “True to our expectations the Festival has moved from strength to strength, despite the pressures on the global economy. The results indicate that this year’s high intensity promotional bouquet yielded the desired results.” 

UAE Resident’s participation

The study also made reference to the big increase in the numbers of UAE residents who participated in the DSF activities. 

“The resident community’s interest in DSF activities is a compliment to DSF’s spirit of innovation.” Mr Al Nabouda said. “Every year DSF reinvents itself to offer a more exciting line-up of events. This year resident participation in the various festivities increased by 13%, reflecting the confidence that the Festival enjoys amongst the UAE residents.”

Global Village – The most liked DSF Destination 

The Global Village remained the most popular and colourful venue of DSF 2002. It had something for every member of the family, from shopping to rides, and stage shows to food courts. It attracted a crowd of over 2.5 million visitors during the short duration of 31 days.

Other Events and DSF Destinations

DSF 2002 saw the public parks play host to three different international shows every evening. The Safa Park was the venue for a feisty dramatisation of the children’s classic Snow White and Seven Dwarfs. The charming story of Aladdin and His Magic Lamp was dramatised by a British troupe at Mushrif Park. Action Man, an amazing stunt show featuring international performers in unique acts of daredevilry and martial arts. 

The Creek Park was crammed with activities and events, the highlight of which was the brand new Children’s City. The Creek Park was also the venue for Layali Dubai featuring daily performances by top Arab singers.

Four main streets of Dubai were lined with non-stop entertainment every evening. Each street had a different theme, and visitors could choose from a variety of options. Visitors could enjoy the unique sight of seeing hundreds of street performers at street carnivals. 

The Shindagha area was filled with numerous heritage activities, including the Arabian Bedouin Lifestyle Festival, handicrafts, Police Cavalry shows, parachute shows, competitions, traditional souqs, folk dances, traditional clinic, etc.

The House of Talent exhibition at the Sheikh Obeid bin Thani House at Diving Village presented a superb collection of handmade artefacts by highly talented women of different nationalities.

The Carpet Oasis, a huge attraction of DSF, once again offered a wide choice of handmade carpets from the world’s most prestigious carpet producing countries.

The second half of DSF 2002 presented a number of mega events, including the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race with a total purse of over US$ 15 million. Another big event was the UAE World Cup Endurance 2002, a sports event featuring participants from 27 countries.The much-awaited premiere of Caracalla’s Two Thousand and One Nights at Dubai Media City was the highlight of the cultural calendar of DSF 2002. 

Finally, the various promotions that have been making a large number of people rich overnight were on as usual, led by the Lexus Mega Raffle with its mind-boggling prize of two luxury cars and Dhs 200,000 cash. DSF 2002 also saw the return of the Nissan Patrol-A-Day Raffle, where shoppers making purchases at any of the participating outlets had a chance to win a top of the range Nissan Patrol 4x4. 

And gold lovers had a chance to win 1 kilo of gold every day, by just buying jewellery of Dhs 500. On the final day, one lucky winner walked away with 10 kilo of gold, a once in a lifetime jackpot. The daily fireworks display over Dubai Creek was a spectacle that fascinated visitors and residents alike, night after night.

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