Dubai Shopping Malls Group plans new strategies to elevate shopping

The move aims at enhancing the work ethos of the group and elevating its operations towards reinforcing Dubai's leading position as the shopping hub of the region.

The new Board of Directors comprises of Eisa Adam, the current chairman and Head of BurJuman, Majid Al Ghurair, President of BurJuman; Tom Miles, Senior General Manager - Retail at Times Square Center; David Thurling, Managing Director at Nakheel Shopping Malls llc, Fareed Abdelrahman VP - Division Asset Management at MAF Shopping Malls, Jim Badour Chief Executive Officer, EMAAR Malls, Abdulla Ibrahim Binhussain, Director Local Affairs & Marketing at Wafi, in addition to Ms. Laila Suhail, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival Office.

The Dubai Shopping Malls Group was formed in 1998 to support the first ever Dubai Summer Surprises.

Since then the Group has worked with the objective of bringing together industry players to consolidate their marketing efforts and presenting an organised, visible and efficient global representation of the dynamic shopping malls industry in Dubai.

Speaking about the necessity for Dubai's malls to work collectively to promote shopping in the Emirate, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, "Since the mid 90's, the single most important reason for success within our retail sector was a conscious strategy of consolidation. Today, we are a force to reckon within the retail industry in all categories whether it is high-end luxury or the mid-priced consumer provisions. I am confident that DSMG new board will build on its past strengths and charter an ambitious path of growth for its members and through them for an increasing number of retailers."

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum's patronage of DSMG is confirmation of the Group's commitment and dedication to promoting the industry within Dubai and comes shortly before the beginning of this year's Dubai Summer Surprises.

Eisa Adam Ibrahim, Chairman of DSMG said that "Today is a very significant day for us. We are honoured by the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The DSMG members will consider this as recognition of their collective efforts in the past and going forward we now have the duty to share and promote Dubai's vision in all related areas as well as promoting Dubai's shopping as a unique experience - world over."

Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer, DSFO said, "The patronage has come at a key stage of growth in the malls industry in Dubai and is recognition for the efforts of DSMG in sharing Dubai's vision through its support to DSS. Dubai Shopping Festival Office and DSMG will continue to work together to bring out right strategies for promoting shopping in Dubai with wider mall participation and joint working groups. The launch of newer iconic malls in the months ahead will further enhance our efforts in promoting Dubai as one of the global shopping destinations. DSMG is our top most strategic partner in this challenging task."

Retailers renowned for the quality and quantity that have made Dubai a magnet for customers find their natural home in the malls that are members of the DSMG.

The future programmes of DSMG highlights its plan to work as a team with representatives from malls across the Emirate to represent the industry before the government and at various forums.

There will be meetings to promote exchange of ideas and disseminate knowledge at regular intervals.

One of the key initiatives of DSMG since its inception has been the collective organising of Dubai Shopping Malls promotion during DSS.

The promotion is in its 11th year with almost all leading malls enrolling in the campaign.

This year's initiatives and promotion details will be announced soon.