DSF 2006: The flavour of the festival will be inspired by the remarkable projects of Dubai

The emirate is once again gearing itself to host the 11th edition of DSF which has helped set Dubai apart as the ultimate destination for the global traveller, whether for business or pleasure. Merging artistic forms and traditions with unique and innovative shopping and winning experiences for the whole family, the festival appeals to the multinational community that gets an opportunity to mix and interact with each other in this oasis of communal harmony.

Presiding over a media gathering announcing the participation of the highest number of patrons and key sponsors for DSF 2006 at Park Hyatt Dubai on Monday evening, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Emirates Group and Chairman of DSF Supreme Committee said,

"The Dubai Shopping Festival has made giant strides in the last 10 years, complementing the overall development of the country. This achievement, a miniscule part of the grand vision of the Government of UAE as envisioned by the late President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is today carried forward by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and drives us year after year to create and innovate, to surprise everyone with new attractions, keeping in step with the overall growth of the country, as we seek to gather the global community together as one family."

Added Sheikh Ahmed, "The miraculous rise of Dubai which has amazed the world over the last decade can be accredited to the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his brothers HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and HH General Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The DSF this year shall see a vastly increased liaison and cooperation between the Government departments and the private sector, one that I feel is integral not only to the success of DSF, but to the further development of the emirate of Dubai as well. Once again, the DSF affirms this liaison and brings forth the flavour of a new decade that complements the overall growth of the emirate. Once again, it brings people from all parts of the world to indulge in the season of shopping, winning and family entertainment of the highest order," he said.

"Over the past decade, DSF has achieved huge success and popularity in the Arab countries and on the global platform, making this city the gathering of varied cultures and traditions the world across, and these aspects contribute in organising innovative events and promotional campaigns for visitors during the festival," said Sheikh Ahmed.

In the following decade, the flavour of the festival will be inspired by the big achievements arising from the remarkable projects of Dubai which attracts everyone to this oasis of tranquility hosting over 200 nationalities of the world. The DSF will present the updated Dubai in a classy way for visitors seeking better shopping, winning and entertainment opportunities not found elsewhere in the world.

Acknowledging the contribution of DSF sponsors, HH Sheikh Ahmed said, "The event would not be possible without the big support extended by our key sponsors who are presenting the highest standard of services to the visitors. Their contribution in organising offers and promotions of international caliber goes a long way in establishing the DSF as a brand icon."

HH Sheikh Ahmed announced the names of the Patrons and Key Sponsors: The Patrons are Dubailand, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Telecommunications Corp. - ETISALAT and Al Zarooni Group of Companies while the Key Sponsors are Legends Development Co LLC, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Refreshments PSC - Pepsi, Visa International, Emirates Airline, Emaar Properties PJSC, Majid Al Futtaim, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises - Arenco Real Estate, BurJuman Centre, Al Futtaim, Al Habtoor Group, Al Rostamani Group, Axiom Telecom - Al Bannai Enterprises, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, Mashreqbank PSC, Paris Gallery, Spinneys, Emirates Bank, ENOC - EPPCO and Jumbo Electronics Co. Ltd.

Speaking on the Afkar Awards, which recognises and encourages creative thinking among the various Government departments and involves the stakeholders directly into the implementation of the ideas of the all-endearing festival, HH Sheikh Ahmed thanked thank all the participants of the Afkar Awards, launched by the Dubai Shopping Festival Office, for coming up with fresh ideas and their direct involvement in the attractive activities of the forthcoming festival.

The first prize of the Afkar Award went to the team Admirers of the Peaks (made up of Aisha Saeed Al Sayed Mohammed Al Hashmi and Maitha Mosabeh Salem Al Shamsi from Dubai Ports Authority. The second prize was bagged by the team of Tomooh (meaning Ambitions, comprising of Layal Afeef, Saleha Khamis, Aisha Al Ghuais and Laila Al Mulla) from the Department of Health and Medical Services. And the third prize was secured by the Afkar Team (Buthaina Mohammed and Mariam Yousif) from Dubai Municipality.

While praising the efforts of the media in carrying across the message of DSF, HH Sheikh Ahmed added, "I would also like to highlight the role of the media, local, Arab and international, which has helped spread the positive message of the festival around the world". Sheikh Ahmed also appreciated the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for their vital role in promoting the festival abroad.

Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, DSF CEO, highlighted the role of the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing in promoting the event globally. "This year, the impressive promotional campaign is supported by our international media partners, the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) which has always been in the forefront of supporting the DSF and its activities," he said adding, "And like every year the DSF focuses all its energy on the main markets including the GCC, Middle East, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. Moreover, the Advertising and Marketing Campaigns of DSF coming under the slogan "Expect the World and Get It" highlights the main attributes of the festival - shopping, winning and entertainment for the whole family with exciting shop till you drop purchase options, luxury cars, gold and cash prizes and fun-filled amusement activities during the month-long festival," assured Al Nabouda.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 runs between January 4 and February 4, 2006. For further information visit DSF website: www.mydsf.ae or call Ahlan Dubai on 00971-600545555.