Leading business entities come out in support of DSF 2009

DSF Office also revealed the DSF 2008 figures projecting 3.2 million visitors with expenditure touching the Dhs10bn mark.

The list of sponsors for this year's edition includes some of the country's largest private sector companies and institutions. Dubai Retail, a member of Dubai Properties will join in with The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, in addition to Dubai Mall, both coming on board as two new sponsors in addition to the following: A. A. Al Moosa Enterprises, Dubai Festival City, Al Ghurair City, Al Rostamani Group, AW Rostamani Group, BurJuman, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai Refreshments - Pepsi, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, ENOC, Jumbo, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Mashreq, Mercato, VISA, and Wafi.

On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO) Supreme Committee, said:

"This year's edition of DSF comes at a time when the entire world is experiencing an acute period of economic crisis with a number of leading world economies having drifted into economic recession. All concerned are pretty aware of the impact of this economic crisis around the world, a situation where we find ourselves faced with a great challenge in our tireless endeavor to hold events that can contribute to reviving several economic sectors, primarily retail trade and tourism."

"We, however and not withstanding the current challenges, believe in the prudent measures adopted by the UAE leadership to maintain our gains and assuage the negative impact of the current situation. It goes without saying that our economy is robust enough to ride out the current difficulties and continue to achieve good economic growth rates," he added.

"Holding the DSF in its due time this year in addition to the significant support of the private sector through the DSF sponsors and patrons give a clear-cut message that all parties from both the private and public sectors are quite eager on progressing with all programmes and activities likely to revitalize businesses and inject much needed confidence into the market," added HH, noting that the wide variety of entertainment events the DSF will feature this year will be a significant factor in this process.

HH also stressed on the paramount importance of the strong partnership between the private and public sectors, one pillar of which is the DSF, being one of the key strategic initiatives adopted by the Government of Dubai to create a harmonious partnership between the sectors.

On her part, Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer of the DSF Office said that the DSF is a "strong catalyst for tourist, entertainment and commercial projects in Dubai. Though there are doubts on the ability of the world economy to weather the current economic storm, we are quite optimistic that we will be among the least affected by this phenomenon. In such circumstances, optimism is pretty much needed and the lucrative promotions to be launched in DSF will provide high purchasing incentives for those coming to visit Dubai during the festival where the best of world brands are at hand, besides the lure of prizes worth millions of dirhams for which DSF has been famous since its inception."

During the upcoming edition "we are keen to keep the momentum provided by the previous edition, with the main focus to be laid on family entertainment shows and shopping activities," she said.

"The 2009 edition of DSF is designed to stand out as a full-fledged festive season on its own, thus laying emphasis on an exclusive period of world-class shopping and family entertainment. The private sector will have the major share of organising entertainment activities, namely 70% of them, while the role of the Dubai government, represented by the DSF Office, will be to plan and market these activities," said Suhail while thanking the key sponsors for their vital role in the success of the region's largest shopping extravaganza.

On their part, the DSF 2009 main sponsors have affirmed their staunch support for the big event, expressing their satisfaction by participating through their sponsorship.

Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said, "The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is one of the most powerful and innovative retail and leisure growth drivers and has made considerable contribution to the overall growth of the Dubai economy. As a key sponsor of this year's DSF and one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, The Dubai Mall will complement the region's largest shopping festival experience through its diverse array of retail and leisure attractions. The Dubai Mall will be a primary venue for many of the DSF festivities and will offer promotions and entertainment throughout the festival period. We are confident that DSF will be one of the high points for our retailers, several of them making their Middle East debut or opening flagship stores in The Dubai Mall."

Haiyan Mujarkech, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Retail, a member of Dubai Properties, said, "As the first beachfront avenue offering a unique lifestyle experience, The Walk offers a distinctive shopping and leisure choice to residents and visitors during the 14th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. In effect, The Walk has already become a much sought after destination for clients to enjoy seamless shopping and an exquisite dining ambience."

Adnan Kazim, Emirates SVP Commercial Operations, Gulf, ME and Iran, said, "Emirates Airline is proud to have supported the Dubai Shopping Festival since its inception, and watch it grow in scale and global prominence year on year. As Emirates expands its fleet and destination network, we look forward to bringing even more people to Dubai to experience this fantastic event in 2009. We will also continue promoting DSF to our customers and to new audiences across our route network on six continents."

Charles Awad, General Manager of GMASCO said, "Dubai Festival City, Al-Futtaim's flagship development, is a committed supporter of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The mixed use development, which played a key role during last year's opening ceremony, stands for values, beliefs and lifestyle experiences, similar to those which underline the ethos of Dubai Shopping Festival. DSF 2009 promises to be very special indeed and we are proud to be associated with this year's edition of the shopping extravaganza."

"Visa is proud to be a key sponsor of DSF for the 14th consecutive year and to support Dubai's premier shopping event to become a major contributor to the development of the emirate. Our participation in DSF adds value for our cardholders while our promotions actively encourage people to enjoy the convenience and security of paying with their Visa cards," said Norliza Kassim, Head of Regional Marketing, MENA.