Al-Futtaim to once again play leading role during DSF 2009

Al-Futtaim is the key sponsor of DSF 2009.

The vibrant destination has become a complete experience, widely appealing to locals and tourists alike who continue to throng the retail resort that showcases over 600 outlets including 25 international flagship stores and new-to-market brands, over 100 restaurants, cafés and bistros, a 12-screen cinema complex and dedicated parking area for 13,000 cars. Dubai Festival City retail tenants are expected to offer innovative discounts, prizes, bargains and special offers during the month-long festivities.

The flagship development of Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate had successfully hosted the grand opening and closing ceremonies for Dubai Shopping Festival 2008 in an evening filled with glamour and grandeur which in a way celebrated the successful partnership between Al-Futtaim group and Dubai Shopping Festival and also confirmed Dubai Festival City's position as a leading destination for shopping and entertainment in the Emirate.

Charles Awad, Al-Futtaim Group, said:

"Al-Futtaim is a committed supporter of Dubai Shopping Festival. We believe Dubai Festival City stands for values, beliefs and lifestyle experiences, the same values which underline DSF 2009. This year's event promises to be very special indeed and we are proud to be associated with this shopping and entertainment extravaganza."

Al-Futtaim's retail division represents some of the most prestigious and popular international brands. The group's retail portfolio includes Toys R Us, Marks & Spencer, Plug-Ins, ACE, Intersport and IKEA, among others.

"With a retail network of 150 outlets in the UAE, a purchase is made from an Al-Futtaim outlet every three seconds. By creating unique retail experiences Al-Futtaim's retail division has plans to raise the bar by offering its customers the best international brands, outstanding showrooms and facilities as well as quality customer service," Mr. Awad added.

Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim initially operated as a trading company. Rapid development throughout the 1940s and 1950s saw the company establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself as one of the leading businesses in the lower Gulf region.

Headquartered in Dubai, Al-Futtaim is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Real Estate and Joint Ventures. Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, and employs in excess of 20,000 people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore and Europe.

The majority of businesses, built on a portfolio of world leading brands, dominate their sector. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change whilst upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility.