'Eid in Dubai' raises prospect of higher revenues and footfall as malls gear up for Eid

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The first-of-its-kind concept is designed to make Dubai the first and foremost choice for Eid holiday seekers and augment the retail trade sector through notable sales during the Eid period.

Mall officials expected retail sales to double over the coming few days and even exceed expectations as stores and streets prepare for Eid festivities.

'Shopping malls are among the key destinations that draw in large numbers of visitors into Dubai. With festive embellishments and decorations on store and mall facades during 'Eid in Dubai', Dubai's visitors will enjoy the true spirit of Eid-Al-Fitr,'

said Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of DSF Office.

'In addition to the decorations, shopping centres will hand out Eid sweets and retail outlets will welcome visitors and shoppers with the traditional 'Eidakom Mubarak' greeting, creating an environment of celebration for all,' she said, noting that Fuwallat-Al-Eid - the traditional way of welcoming guests during Eid, - will be observed in Dubai Festival City.

Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG):

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.'

'Such momentous initiatives launched by the Government of Dubai contribute in strengthening the prestigious position now enjoyed by Dubai in the global scenario', added Adam, who is also General Manager of BurJuman and Reef Mall.

Adam also added that introducing the Fuwallat-Al-Eid concept in malls was an innovative idea and that it would help in enhancing the festive mood of Eid for shoppers around Dubai.

Mall of the Emirates:

Fouad Sharaf, Vice President of Mall of the Emirates, stressed that 'Dubai had become the foremost choice for holiday makers from around the world, with Arab travellers now preferring the emirate to many of the prominent global destinations.'

'Eid in Dubai is a pillar initiative that is likely to add more glamour to Dubai and attract more visitors to the region's main tourist hub,' he added.

'At Mall of the Emirates, visitors will enjoy Eid sweets all around the mall while Eid festivities will be held on the mall's main stage, which is its premier attraction,' he noted.

Footfall at Mall of the Emirates had started to increase from the latter half of Ramadan at a rate of 100,000 visitors a day, he said, expecting this number to reach 120,000 during the last days of the holy month and Eid-Al-Fitr.

Dubai Festival City:

Tom Miles, Senior General Manager of Retail, Dubai Festival City, expressed his delight over the launch of the new event, which, he said, would surely contribute in augmenting sales.

'We pride ourselves in being one of the principal sponsors of the new event, which will help Dubai Festival City gain more momentum in its endeavours to be an Eid destination for visitors and residents,' he said.

As a key sponsor of 'Eid in Dubai', Dubai Festival City will host the Eid District that will feature various Eid festivities and programmes designed to cater to all tastes during the Eid period, he added. The Fuwallat-Al-Eid will be a prominent activity at Dubai Festival City with volunteers distributing sweets and Eid goodies to visitors through a specially organized Eid tent at the mall.

Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah:

On her part, Rana Jasser, PR and Corporate Communications Manager at Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, said 'Eid in Dubai will add a special flavour to Dubai's Eid celebrations this year in a way that will surely inculcate the emirate's position as the region's leading tourist hub.'

'Mercato will host a variety of animated shows featuring lovely cartoon characters popular with children in the UAE, including Freij characters at 7pm during the first two days of Eid,' she remarked. Visitors and shoppers to Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah during Eid will also be welcomed with sweets, dates, and other confectionery as part of welcoming them to celebrate the first edition of 'Eid in Dubai'.