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Said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group and Chairman of DSF & DSS Supreme Committees,
"The Government-private sector cooperation over the years has contributed immensely in helping the Dubai Shopping Festival reach the altar of success where it is today while enhancing the reputation of Dubai as a regional hub for trade and tourism. It's thanks to this decade-old collaboration that the DSF is an internationally recognised brand icon now."
HH Sheikh Ahmed said that the festival this year will march ahead under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his vision of Dubai as an ultimate tourist destination, it's overall growth and its future. "The Dubai Shopping Festival dubbed as 'A World of Festivals' this time enjoys a unique position in the region and attracts an increasing number of global visitors who give priority to Dubai over other destinations as the emirate offers a unique combination of economic, social, cultural and recreational activities. Thus the festival promotes Dubai and its achievement to the world," he said.
Added HH Sheikh Ahmed, "The great economic developments achieved by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular is a testament to the wise leadership of the UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Rulers of the Emirates as seen from the various developmental projects now underway in the country which are directly contributing in enhancing its tourism potential. The completion of pilot projects will further boost the growth of tourism in the UAE and Dubai," he said.
"On its part, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a major driver of tourism as traders and businessmen in the country await its arrival and expect to make huge profits from the annual sales as they host great promotional offers and discounts to the millions of visitors during the festival," said HH Sheikh Ahmed.
He said that the DSF Organising Committee is always looking for new ideas to present the festival in a renewed form every year and has this time charted out an action-packed plan for the visitors during the 45 days long run of the special edition. Acknowledging the sponsors' backing to the annual shopping, winning and entertaining extravaganza, HH Sheikh Ahmed thanked the key sponsors and the members of the Organising Committee for their constant support and dedicated efforts in making DSF an event of such a tall stature.
"We thank the sponsors of the Dubai Shopping Festival including those who are there with us from the start of the festival, those who joined in between and all those who joined in now, we welcome the new members to the large family of DSF sponsors," he said adding, "Let me assure you that the time-tested partnership between the Government and the private sector is the testimony of the success of DSF which once again stands as a major link between the two sectors assuring all-out success for everyone involved."
Said Saeed Al Nabouda, DSF CEO, "We are proud of the growing number of DSF sponsors which has reached to 27 and the trend justifiably reflects the confidence of the private sector in the annual event. I take this opportunity to thank each of the sponsors who contributed for the success of DSF over the years and all those who are backing us this time as well," he said.
Added Al Nabouda, "The readiness of the Organising Committee and the sub committees in meeting the challenges of hosting such a mammoth event cannot go unappreciated as everyone involved is doing his best in presenting yet another great festival with attractive activities that will go down well with the pot-pouri of visitors comprising a cross-section of international audience."
The DSF CEO assured that the forthcoming 45 days long special 11th and 12th editions of DSF 2006-2007 which starts on December 20 and runs until February 2, 2007 offers great business opportunities for the traders to market their products and services in view of the overall growth in sales and profits. "We expect the sales to go up by 20 per cent and the number of visitors by 15 per cent in comparison to DSF 2005 which in its 10th year managed to break the barrier of six billion dirham to reach 6.67 billion dirhams, an increase of 15 per cent compared to the year 2004 figures of 5.80 billion dirhams while the visitors numbers in the 10th year reached to 3.3 million compared to the 3.1 million of the year 2004, which shows a clear increase of 6.5 per cent," he said.
The three new sponsors on board including A.W. Rostamani - Arabian Automobiles Co LLC, Al Ghurair City and Al Ahli Group - Dubai Outlet Mall sounded all excited about their joining of DSF as key sposors as said Abdul Wahid Hassan Al Rostamani, Chairman, A.W. Rostamani - Arabian Automobiles Co LLC, "As a key sponsor, the new A. W. Rostamani (Abdul Wahid Rostamani) Group is committed to supporting its customers and visitors during Dubai Shopping Festival. Since 1996 this world class event has been the driving force in building Dubai's reputation as the Middle East's hub for business, tourism, entertainment and leisure. May I extend our warmest regards to all our international visitors," he said.
Al Ghurair City
Added Salem Al Ghurair, CEO, Al Ghurair City said, "Al Ghurair City is pleased to be associated as a Key Sponsor of the Dubai Shopping Festival. This prestigious international event provides malls in Dubai an opportunity to do attractive promotions and draw huge benefits in terms of substantial increases in retail sales. DSF will act as a catalyst to creating greater awareness about the activities and attractions at Al Ghurair City, which in turn will help increase visitor numbers and sales," he said.
Al Ahli Group & Dubai Outlet Mall
Mohammed N. Khammas, CEO, Al Ahli Group & Dubai Outlet Mall said, "The Al Ahli Group is delighted to participate and support DSF 2006-07 by nominating our mall, Dubai Outlet Mall, to be a key sponsor. DSF, under the vision and guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has grown to be a spectacular world-class event that innovates year after year through the spirit of teamwork and draws people from all walks of life to celebrate everything that Dubai has to offer. Dubai Outlet Mall is also an innovative concept to Dubai and we are very proud to be associated with DSF."
Dubailand
Salem bin Dasmal, CEO, Dubailand said, "We are delighted to be associated with this year's edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival. As the region's ultimate leisure and entertainment destination, Dubailand feels an ownership towards the festival that reflects our vision of turning Dubai into a leading tourist hub."
Emirates airline
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates airline Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide said, "Every year the Dubai Shopping Festival lives up to its promise of staging the most exciting activities for visitors. The Emirates Group supports the festival as part of the airline's mission to promote Dubai world-wide as a tourist destination," he said adding, "We have succeeded in raising the profile of the event worldwide with our global promotional activities and the rising number of tourists we fly in to Dubai every year to witness this annual festival is proof that our value-for-money packages are a great hit with our customers."
Majid Al Futtaim Group (Shopping Malls)
Graham Dreverman, CEO, MAF Shopping Malls said, "The Dubai Shopping Festival is a signature event for the Emirate. It has single-handedly put Dubai on the world map and positioned the emirate as a leading tourist destination. DSF defines the core essence of Dubai, the festival is not limited to businesses, it also reaches out to families and impacts the social fabric of the city and that is exactly what we are all about! MAF Shopping Malls offers customers a world class shopping, leisure and entertainment experience. Visitors to our flagship properties can shop or sample international cuisine at our fine dining restaurants, watch movies, visit Magic Planet and Ski Dubai. Majid Al Futtaim Group has been a central part of DSF since its inception, this is the 11th year that we are participating in the DSF activities. Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre have lined up a series of events and promotions that will keep our customers coming back for more," he said.
Dubai Duty Free
Said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free, "The Dubai Shopping Festival has become a landmark event on the UAE's calendar and the Organising Committee does a great job in ensuring that each event is exciting and appeals to a wide cross section of people. Dubai Duty Free is proud to support DSF once again and we think that this year's event will be even more spectacular than ever."
Emaar Properties
Added Ahmad Al Matrooshi, UAE Managing Director, Emaar Properties, "Dubai Shopping Festival is not merely a celebration of retailing and entertainment. It embodies the spirit of innovation and team work, and reiterates the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the economy - a philosophy shared by Emaar too. It is an honour, therefore, to support this festive event, which brings the world to Dubai."
Al-Futtaim Group
Nawfal Al Jourani, Head - Corporate Communications, Al-Futtaim Group said, "The Al-Futtaim Group has always supported the initiatives of the Government of Dubai, and the Dubai Shopping Festival is a landmark in celebrating not only shopping in the emirate, but has also transformed in to becoming a world-class tourism and cultural attraction. The Al-Futtaim Group is proud to be associated with DSF since day one, and is particularly delighted that Dubai Festival City, will be the highlight of our sponsorship of this year's event. We are confident that Dubai Festival City will play a major role in providing additional attractions and enhancing the stature of this important event.
Dubai Refreshments Company
"Once again, it gives me great pleasure to confirm that Pepsi will be involved in this year's Dubai Shopping Festival," said Alan Salem, CEO, Dubai Refreshments Company. "DSF, when it was conceived 10 years ago, was a stepping stone leading to the greater vision of making Dubai a truly global city. Pepsi stood resolutely behind the Dubai Government's vision in 1996 and we continue to extend our support to develop Dubai into one of the most prominent cosmopolitan cities in the world. The DSF is a pivot to the success of Dubai and we are proud to associate our brands with it," he said adding, "Throughout the Festival, DRC will run promotions offering Pepsi fans the chance to win fabulous prizes. Shoppers should watch out for Pepsi's exciting promotions and activities."
Emirates Bank
Sulaiman Al Mazroui, Emirates Bank, Chief Manager Group Affairs said, "We, at Emirates Bank Group, are very pleased to participates as one of the key sponsors of DSF 2006-2007. Being the only local bank that participates as key sponsor to DSF since its inception reflects our relentless efforts to be the leader in the financial services industry in the UAE and the region. It also demonstrates the Group's belief in contributing to the successful events that take place in our community and shape the development of a prosperous future."
Ibn Battuta Mall
Said Sandy Mercer, Marketing Manager, Ibn Battuta Mall, "The Ibn Battuta Mall is delighted to be key sponsor of the upcoming extended 45 day long Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza. Shoppers at Ibn Battuta Mall will have the chance to 'open their imaginations' as part of our thrilling entertainment, prize offerings and contests, unique in-mall theming and retailer sales and discounts. With Cirque du Soleil performances, our Dubai Shopping Festival will be an enthralling experience for everyone. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a fantastic event, putting Dubai clearly on the world tourism map."
Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group
Tawhid Abdullah, Managing Director, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG), an industry association representing more than 700 members of Dubai's jewellery trade, said, "The DSF has established itself as the most defining event in Dubai's business calendar and we are happy to support it this year as well. Our unwavering commitment to DSF is driven by the desire to work more closely with Government driven initiatives and to establish Dubai as a world class shopping destination," he said.
ENOC/EPPCO Group
Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager said, "We are delighted to once again be involved with the Dubai Shopping Festival. DSF is the perfect opportunity to provide our valued customers with the chance to win exciting prizes from our partners Nissan and Dubai Dunes and this year we are proud to offer the largest promotion by any fuel retailer. As part of ENOC's promotion, customers who purchase Dh25 worth of non-fuel products from ENOC/EPPCO service stations in Dubai are entitled to a coupon to win a Nissan car and a luxury Dubai apartment. Whilst customers in Sharjah who purchase Dh15 worth of non-fuel products will be awarded with coupons to win a luxury apartment," he said.
BurJuman
Majid Saif Al Ghurair, President of BurJuman Centre said, "BurJuman's participation as a key sponsor of DSF 2006-2007 affirms our full support to Government projects that promote Dubai as a world-class international centre for trade and tourism," he said adding, "BurJuman, a popular shopping destination, will continue to be a major attraction offering the best shopping and entertainment experience during this unique event and in order to promote Dubai as the number one shopping destination, BurJuman will have amazing offers for Dubai visitors during the DSF, since the mall hosts the best international brands, along with great promotions and prizes for the shoppers."
Etisalat
Abdulla Salim Al Mana, General Manager Etisalat - Dubai Region said, "Etisalat is once again participating in the premier tourist attraction in Dubai, and is happy to reach out to all residents as well as the thousands of visitors expected. Etisalat has been involved with the Dubai Shopping Festival right from its first edition in 1996, and has been proud to play a role in this benchmark initiative that has put Dubai and the UAE firmly on the international events map. We are confident that the coming together of the Government and business communities will once again create a memorable and enjoyable event for all."
Al Rostamani Group
Hassan Al Rostamani, Vice Chairman Al Rostamani Group said, "The Al Rostamani Group is, as always, proud to be a key sponsor and be associated with the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Group would like to continue the legacy and build on the vision of its late founder and Chairman Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani through its commitment and care for the people of Dubai."
Mercato
Said Debbie Russo, General Manager Mercato & Town Centre Jumeirah, "We are happy to announce that we will once again be partaking in the Dubai Shopping Festival, making this Al Zarooni Group of Companies' 11/12th year as Patron Sponsor, and marking our unwavering commitment to the Dubai Shopping Festival Organising Committee and this wonderful event. The names - Al Zarooni Group of Companies and Mercato - have become synonymous with this ever growing event and is a pleasurable partnership that we take seriously, ensuring that no efforts are wasted in delivering the best firework displays, events and promotions in keeping with the overall theme.We hope to continue living up to this expectation and aim to make this year's fireworks and the Mercato themed promotions and events, prizes and retail store sales a memorable experience."
Al Habtoor Group
Martin Thomas, Director of Research & Spokesperson of Al Habtoor Group said, "This year's DSF is uniquely special for the Al Habtoor Group as it coincides with our 35th anniversary celebrations. Being a UAE-based business conglomerate with diversified businesses, Al Habtoor Group has always been part of DSF, which is promoted internationally and brings the attention of the rest of the world to Dubai. Proud to be a Key Sponsor of DSF, we believe in the success of team spirit and we see our DSF participation as a contribution to the community whose support we have been benefiting from over the past 35 years."
Mashreqbank
Said AbdulAziz Al Ghurair - CEO, Mashreqbank said, "During the past decade DSF has grown into a festival of truly global proportion and makes a substantial contribution to Dubai's retail community and the economy. As a key sponsor, we are proud to play our part in ensuring each year is bigger and better than the last. On its part, the DSF has attracted shoppers from all over the world. Supporting the DSF initiative helps to energise commerce, and when the business community prospers, so does the banking community," Al Ghurair added.
Paris Gallery
Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Fahim, CEO, Paris Gallery said, "On behalf of Paris Gallery, I would like to take this opportunity to express our continuous commitment to the success of Dubai through our active participation as key sponsor for DSF2006-2007. This initiative is part of our strategic partnership with Dubai Government and aims for the benefit of the UAE and Dubai in particular. As the leading retailer of luxury brands, Paris Gallery extends its traditional Arabian hospitality to Dubai's many visitors during DSF, combined with the luxury shopping experience they have come to expect of Dubai."
Axiom Telecom - Al Bannai Group
Said Faisal Al Bannai, Founder and CEO of Axiom said, "The Dubai Shopping Festival is now an established and integral part of the Emirate's retail calendar, drawing thousands of visitors to Dubai from surrounding emirates, Gulf states and overseas visitors. The mix of high-value promotions, entertainment and shopping bargains gives Dubai a truly festive atmosphere and Axiom Telecom is honoured to once again be a part of this fabulous event. The DSF achieves great visibility for brands such as Axiom Telecom and by partnering with Dubai Shopping Festival, we can add value to every festival-goer's experience and offer some great bargains in the process. Axiom Telecom hopes that everyone who visits the Festival does so safely, securely and enjoys what will be a truly spectacular six weeks of shopping and entertainment."
Dubai World Trade Center
Helal Al Marri, DWTC Director General said, "It is a privilege for us to offer our support for DSF which does so much to encourage visitors into the country. As the Middle East's leading venue for exhibitions and conferences our role in attracting business visitors into the country is important and partnerships such as this can only encourage higher number of travelers to Dubai. We have a long history of working with DSF and realise how important it is to the local community. In supporting DSF we are joining together to promote Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a wonderful destination whether people come here on holiday or to do business."
Mohammad Khoori, general manager, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises - Arenco Real Estate said, "We are honoured and happy to be the key sponsor again in the epoch-making combined DSF 2006-07. Ours is a highly diversified group with business interests in different fields there our participation in DSF provides us a great opportunity in reaching out to a larger client base and offer our services to people which could be sustained all year round. "
Spinneys
Said Jannie C. Holtzhausen, CEO of Spinneys Dubai LLC said, "The recognition DSF has received since its inception 11 years ago, is nothing short of remarkable. This DSF promises to bring in more excitement, with a wide variety of special offers and grand festive winnings being offered by retailers across Dubai. We look forward to being part of the vision of Dubai and making this DSF truly memorable for both visitors and residents alike."
Jumbo Electronics Co Ltd
Arvind Nair, CEO of Jumbo Electronics said, "As the leader in consumer electronics and retail in the UAE and region, Jumbo Electronics is indeed proud of its unbroken partnership with Dubai Shopping Festival. With our vision and future goals for the retail sector in Dubai matching that of DSF, we are once again excited to partner a prestigious event like DSF to create a unique shopping experience for the benefit of tourists and residents from around the world. As a Key Sponsor for the 11th successive year, we have lined up a range of phenomenal offers from all the world renowned brands that we represent, as a demonstration of Jumbo's commitment to our valued customers. We are confident that our long-standing relationship with DSF will be further enhanced through our whole-hearted support to make the latest edition of the shopping extravaganza even better."
Visa International
Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager for Visa International Middle East commented; "As one of the Dubai Shopping Festival's founder sponsors, for the past 11 years we have greatly enjoyed participating in DSF and contributing to the success of this much-loved event that has played such a pivotal role in fuelling the growth of Dubai and gaining international recognition. Visa's partnership with DSF symbolises our commitment to the region and provides an important platform to add value for all our stakeholders including cardholders, merchants and banks through innovative promotions and activities that allow everyone to experience the convenience and security of paying by card instead of cash."
The combined edition of DSF 2006-2007 will run from December 20, 2006 to February 2, 2007. The 45 days of family fun, entertainment and shopping frenzy will offer retrospective glimpses of the 10 previous editions combining the best of the best and promises to be even bigger and better.
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Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
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