Time to set up shop under the stars

Yet another DSF is round the corner and as every time, the nights are going to be lit up like the star-studded sky overhead for the month that the DSF runs. 'Souq' is Arabic for 'bazaar' and the night souq captures the atmosphere like no other bazaar does. Especially so the DSF Night Souq.

The DSF Office has, in anticipation of the festive nights, already started accepting applications for participation in the DSF Night Souq 2006. Participants in the DSF Night Souq can set up kiosks in the nightly bazaar though the kiosk design is subject to DSF approval.

The DSF Night Souq is a well-established concept. Ever since 2003, when it was first introduced, it has become one of the more easily recognisable attractions of every Dubai Shopping Festival.

Proof is in the realisation that the total area of the Night Souq has increased with every successive DSF. The Night Souq on Al Seef Road during DSF 2006 would as usual be a great business opportunity. It would get one of the best Press and Media exposure during the DSF, and special promotions and raffles will be available in plenty for visitors.

It has been noticed that the DSF Night Souq has become a favourite with Asians, GCC nationals, residents and locals. No wonder DSF 2005 saw a record number of them walking through the Night Souq. If statistics were to tell the story of the grand success of the DSF Night Souq, then DSF 2003 saw 424,722 visitors, DSF 2004 a total of 696,682 and DSF 2005, 1,015,700 visitors, an increase of 46 per cent between DSF 2004 and DSF 2005.

Convenient timings being the biggest attraction of shopping at the Night Souq, a large number of bargain hunters flock to the popular venue seeking fashion accessories, garments, shoes, electronics, make-up items, stationery, jewellery, textiles, watches etc. at cost or wholesale prices which are obligatory on the part of the participants to make available to the shoppers. It's here that the kiosk owners are required to adhere to the quality of goods and services provided to the public. A major attraction of the Night Souq is a raffle offering a car as a grand prize.

As for the terms and conditions for participation in the DSF Night Souq, priority will be given to key sponsors, patrons and support sponsors. Those wanting to participate should attach a copy of the trade licence with the application form which can be collected from the DSF office in the Department of Economic Development headquarters in Dubai during office hours. Registrations close on December 10.

Participants would have to stick to the display timings specified by the DSF Office, and should provide insurance on their goods/products displayed in the DSF Night Souq. They are also to follow all safety and security regulations depending upon the type of participation furnish additional documents like a bank guarantee for the amount due to the DSF Office.

Restaurants in the DSF Night Souq will have to present a health certificate approved by the Dubai Municipality's Food Control Section, and all restaurants would have to serve soft drinks that belong to the Dubai Refreshments PSC - Pepsi.

The DSF Night Souq 2006 will remain open from January 4, 2006 to February 4, 2006. Night Souq timings are from 8pm to 2am from Saturday to Tuesday and 8pm to 3am from Wednesday to Friday.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 runs between January 4 and February 4, 2006.