Private sector hails 'Eid in Dubai' initiative by Dubai Shopping Festival Office

Mall officials and retailers in the emirate have applauded the new DSF Office initiative and said it would certainly augment the retail trade sector through notable sales during the Eid period. Shopping malls will reflect the festive spirit through Eid decorations in addition to handing out Eid sweets, and retails outlets will welcome visitors and shoppers with the traditional 'Eidakom Mubarak' greeting, creating an environment of celebration for all.

"The private sector has stood ground as our main partner during the many activities we have organized in Dubai, and its contribution to the success of the initiatives launched by the Dubai government is beyond doubt,"

said Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Shopping Festival Office.

"The close coordination between the private and public sectors in Dubai will play a vital role in rendering the inaugural edition of 'Eid in Dubai' a resounding success as we all expect," she said, noting that the new event had secured a large number of sponsors from among leading companies in the country, including National Bonds as the founding sponsor, and ARY Jewellery, Dubai Festival City, Emirates Airline and Dubai World Trade Centre as key sponsors. The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, two principal retail sector entities, are supporting the event.

Suhail expects the coming editions of the big event to attract a larger number of sponsors and partners.

On his part, Eesa Adam, Head of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, said that the latter half of Ramadan is "a high season during which retailers and store owners prepare every year by offering huge discounts and promotion campaigns."

"Shopping malls in Dubai witness constructive competition during this festive period and draw in a diverse range of shoppers through demand for goods such as garments, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. With such buoyant retail activity existing during Eid, the new initiative will significantly contribute in increasing the visitor base by attracting tourists from around the world during Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha, which are celebrated occasions in the Islamic calendar. 'Eid in Dubai' has the propensity to further push retail sales and increase the volume of business done during Eid,"

said Adam.

"Such momentous initiatives launched by the Dubai government do contribute to strengthening the prestigious position now enjoyed by Dubai on the world tourist map," said Tawheed Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

He stressed that the gold and jewellery sector would be one of the most positively affected entities by the new initiative, especially that it witnesses a higher demand during the period.

"Gold retail outlets will decorate their facades in celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr besides launching special promotion campaigns to attract shoppers," he said, adding that 'Eid in Dubai' is likely to enhance the global status now held by Dubai as the City of Gold.