Registration begins for DSF2005 street kiosks and open spaces

As observed over the years, these kiosks are major attractions for visitors and shoppers who love to buy handicrafts, souvenirs, gifts and food stuff including snacks and soft drinks from the traditional marketplace-like stalls offering a wide choice of products in a very informal festival style set-up. The large turnout of buyers help retailers do brisk business during the evening operating hours throughout the course of the festival.

Yousif Mubarak, DSF Events & Operations Director says, "The street-side kiosks, which have been operative from the very first DSF of 1996, are very popular with the festival visitors and revelers because they take a leaf out of traditional fests which everyone from age six to 60 relate to. These provisional outlets not only attract children but also the adults who are pulled in by the variety of products on sale."

Adds Yousif Mubarak, "For their popularity with the shoppers, the kiosks offer an ideal venue for retailers to market their wares. Those businesses renting a kiosk or building their own on any of the busy streets stand a chance to market and promote their products and services during peak hours hence the scope for ample profits. While allotting space, priority is given to dealers who have a strong presence on the venue sites as they are also given the option to take up space outside their store and use it for street entertainment or the promotion of their products."

In the last DSF, a record 120 kiosks and spaces were rented out. This DSF 2005 being the 10th successful year of the festival, the figures are expected to be higher as the kiosks provide added charm to the streets bustling with entertaining activities. So, it's not only the visitors who would look out for a good time but also the vendors who can expect their cash registers to be ringing non-stop.

Outlets wanting to hire a kiosk of 2x2 metres pay Dh6,000 whilst other venues or spaces of 2x2 cost Dh5,000; 2x3 for Dh6,000; 3x3 for Dh7,000 and other spaces Dh10,000. The Snack Kiosks cost Dh10,000 each depending on their size and location. Restaurants pay Dh15,000 for using the space. All the participants are expected to follow the display timings of 4pm-midnight as specified by the DSF office.

Application forms for kiosk hire can be obtained from the DSF office at the Dubai Department of Economic Development. All completed forms are to be submitted with a plan or layout attached. It is also the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that the terms and conditions pertaining to the health and safety rules are strictly adhered to.