Dates for Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 announced

DEPE launched a marketing campaign revolving around the theme of 'Dubai at its Best', which builds on the fact that during the 32 days of DSF the city of Dubai presents the best of every thing it has to offer, painting the city in a festive mood with a unique blend of shopping, prizes, promotions and entertainment. It's a winning combination that has helped to put Dubai firmly on the map as one of the world's leading retail destinations.

Dubai now boasts the largest collection of international retail brands in any world city with the exception of London and DSF has become one of the world's best-loved shopping events with a unique and diverse range of retail experiences - from city and street markets, to traditional souks, to world-class shopping malls.

As well as tax-free discounted shopping, visitors to Dubai during DSF can look forward to hundreds of events and activities - from international concerts, musicals and shows to sporting, outdoor, and fashion events as well as the ever-popular fireworks over picturesque Dubai Creek.

More than 70 of the city's spectacular malls will participate in DSF 2013, with bargains, promotions, sales and special offers. There are thousands of chances to win daily and weekly prizes organised by participating malls and retailers; with raffle prizes including everything from cars to jewellery to cash. Shopping during DSF lasts day and night with the highly popular Night Souq, initially introduced in 2003, returns for another year.

Layali Dubai, a signature DSF event, will entertain visitors during weekends with a series of concerts by local, regional and international musicians; while the DSF Carnival will feature performances by international artists, acrobats, percussionists, dancers and more. In addition, DSF's spectacular fireworks and laser shows will dazzle Dubai visitors and residents every day during DSF.

Dubai Fashion has become a must-attend event with high impact stunts such as the world's longest catwalk and biggest makeover providing plenty of opportunities for entertainment and haute couture.

Always one of DSF's biggest draws, Global Village will open for festival season. This unique shopping and entertainment destination features pavilions from countries around the world showcasing their unique products and cultures, alongside entertainment, events, food stalls, rides, sports activities and daily lucky draws.

Launched in 1996 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a leading tourist destination, Dubai Shopping Festival has stayed true its famous slogan 'One World, One Family, One Festival' and, up to its 2011 edition, has attracted more than 42 million visitors from across the world with a visitor expenditure close to $27bn.