Dubai Shopping Festival 2013 dates revealed

The 32 day extravaganza will commence on January 3 and will go on till February 3, and will paint the city with a festive mood through its unique blend of shopping, winning, and entertainment - the main characteristics that have made it one of the most sought-after festivals for tourists from around the world.

Building on the huge success of its last year marketing campaign, DSF 2013 will again project "Dubai at its Best" as its marketing slogan, signifying that the vibrant emirate showcases the best across all its sectors and services during the festival, offering unparalleled experiences to visitors and residents alike.

"Our stakeholders and partners were very positive with our main message last year and were very excited about it, to the extent that most of them cascaded "Dubai at its Best" onto their own individual campaigns and products, which sent a strong message to the world that Dubai brings out its best of everything during the festival," explained Her Excellency Laila Mohammad Suhail, DEPE CEO.

"This year, again with the help of our strategic partners and sponsors from the private and public sectors, we are planning to capitalize on this success and reaffirm this statement through a diverse offering of shopping, winning, and entertainment," added H.E.

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 stayed true its famous slogan 'One World, One Family, One Festival' and, upto its 2011 edition, managed to attract more than 42 million visitors from across the world with a visitor expenditure close to the Dhs100bn mark.

H.E. Suhail indicated that the dates for DSF 2013 were decided in consideration of the spring break in neighboring countries and some international target markets also in addition to stressing on the importance of announcing the dates of the event as early as possible and thereby allowing many stakeholders to plan earlier for the events.

"Government agencies, event organizers, the retail and hospitality sectors, tour operators, tourists and many others would benefit from knowing the dates of DSF in advance. This announcement also comes as part of enhancing the Dubai Calendar brand, the gateway for a more eventful Dubai, and the official point of reference for all events happening in Dubai across the year," concluded H.E.

In addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events and activities await residents and visitors. From international concerts, musicals and shows, to sports, outdoor, and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment.