DSF Office Organising Committee takes stock of DSF 2008

The meeting was presided by Laila Suhail, CEO of DSF Office, and attended by Ibrahim Saleh, General Coordinator of DSF Office, and various members of the DSF Office Organising Committee representing numerous government departments.

According to initial reports and figures, DSF 2008 garnered exceptional sales and revenues in the retail, hospitality, aviation, travel, and financial sectors.

Laila began by thanking His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in transforming the DSF Office into a government department and thereby placing his trust in the DSF team. She also commended the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, that contributed significantly to the success of DSF 2008.

'I would like to also thank the DSF Office Organising Committee members for their continuous support during DSF 2008 and in ensuring the smooth conduct of DSF every year,' she said.

Ibrahim Saleh emphasized the importance of organizing such meetings stating that it provided an opportunity to discuss various ideas in enhancing DSF and also made it possible for government department representatives to voice out suggestions in improving the cooperation between government entities that was an essential aspect of every DSF edition.

DSF Office Organising Committee members

Mohammed Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Media City said, 'From its inception in 1996, DSF has numerous achievements to its credit and it continues to be one among the leading festivals in the world today. DSF 2008 was a success by all means and it witnessed essential changes in terms of the entertainment offered, the raffle draws, and the overall excitement generated. Additionally, shopping promotions and offers in the malls resulted in a steep increase in retail sector revenues. Various other economic sectors also registered higher profits during DSF 2008.'

Masaood Mohammed Saleh, Events and Exhibition Manager, Dubai International Airport said, 'As the airport is the starting point for all visitors to Dubai, we can confidently affirm that the Dubai International Airport welcomed a far more number of international visitors in DSF 2008 compared to last year. One among our priorities was to enhance the smooth process of visitor arrivals to Dubai and we did this in cooperation with the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department and the Dubai Police. Our aim was to let visitors feel the festive atmosphere in Dubai the moment they landed here.'

Retail industry scores major gains in DSF 2008

Eesa Adam, Head of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group said, 'The retail sector enjoyed a 12% increase in sales during DSF 2008 compared to the last edition. BurJuman registered an increase of 8% in the number of visitors to the mall. These initial figures are strong indicators of the ability of DSF to bring in visitors that translate into higher revenues for the retail sector in Dubai.'

Fouad Mansoor Sharaf, Vice-President of Mall of the Emirates said that DSF 2008 was an incomparable period of higher sales and increased footfall. 'Mall of the Emirates achieved its set goal of attracting 3 million visitors to the mall with store sales during DSF 2008 exceeding Dhs500m,' he said. These figures have affirmed that DSF 2008 was a successful period of shopping and entertainment he added.

The promotions launched in cooperation with Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) were also well received by DSF visitors and shoppers. 307 gold and jewellery outlets participated in the gold promotion during DSF 2008 where one kilo of gold was distributed as daily prize throughout the festival.

The total gold sales during DSF 2008 touched a monumental Dhs700m, reflecting the confidence of consumers in shopping for gold in Dubai.

The jewellery industry was not the only sector to benefit during DSF 2008. The tourism sector witnessed a growth of 15%, according to figures. Exchange centres also raked in brisk business, witnessing a 20% growth during the festival. Transport rental companies registered revenue increases to the tune of 25%.

The electronics sector witnessed unprecedented sales increase during 32 days of festivities. Sales revenues witnessed a 30% increase over the last DSF edition totaling Dhs700m.

The figures over various economic sectors in Dubai re-affirm another successful edition of DSF in 2008. The buoyant growth of the retail industry is a significant indication of Dubai's transformation into the retail hub in the region.