Center of attraction

The latest to offer a treasure of cash and prizes is the Al Bustan Center and Residence which is participating with "Strike it Rich" promotion. Through this scheme, Al Bustan Center, part of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) offers lucrative prizes worth Dh3 million which includes Dhs1 million cash, a posh Jumeirah Residential Apartment and a Toyota Land cruiser luxury vehicle. In addition winners also get Dh50,000 preloaded with their Mashreqbank WOW! Mastercard card.

Mousa Al Hayek, general manager of Al Bustan Center and Residence says since the beginning of DSS there has been an active movement of sales at the various outlets in the shopping mall. "The Center hosts many activities and events organised by the different Governments Departments during the 10 weeks of DSS. These activities attract many families with kids from inside and outside UAE," he says, about the growing summer sales in an otherwise lean season. He hastens to add that the Center is promoting its events through a radio and media campaign as part of the Colour Surprises week and other DSS themed weeks.

"Thanks to DSS, the number of visitors and shoppers to the center has increased substantially. In the first three weeks of DSS the number of people visiting the mall has increased by 20 per cent. We expect that sales will either stay the same or increase further until the last days of DSS 2005," says Al Hayek adding, "Various shops operating from the Al Bustan Center have their own promotions, offering up to 70 per cent discount and lot of prizes doled out to the shoppers. Some of the shops have reported a 25 per cent sales increase. The center has a variety of shops that suit all shoppers' diverse tastes especially that of the resident guests who can do their shopping just before taking back the return flight."

Adds Al Hayek, "We have organised "summer offers" in the "Fantasy Kingdom" a kids play zone. The summer season is important because many kids and families prefer to spend their time in shopping malls as various DSS events are now on inside the Center. There is a special play zone for kids where parents can leave their kids to play safely under the guidance of specialised supervisors. Children will be playing safely until the parents complete their shopping. The "summer offer" is an opportunity for kids to receive a free gift after spending Dh70 in the play zone. All games are safe to use and there are always supervisors around. Furthermore there is a cafeteria for the families to rest," he informs

Says Al Hayek, "The Center is hosting many events from 5pm to 10pm as part of the Colour Surprises week organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). On Monday, we have the Fun With Colours events, on Tuesday we are hosting the From All The Colours event while on Wednesday will have The Season Colours event which I am sure will be liked by one and all."

Al Hayek goes on to inform that the residence comprises of 640 suites, which offer exquisite services. Special prices for food and beverages and free transport are other attractions that boost the occupancy rate in the month of July and is expecting it to reach 85 per cent during August. "We have our loyal customers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE who consider Al Bustan as a favourable residential area where guests are well treated," he says.