Tag Archives: Ahmed Al Khaja

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is set to return for its 24th edition. Taking place from July 1 to September 4 , this year’s DSS is an action-packed extravaganza of shopping and so much more that will thrill residents and visitors every day for 10 weeks of summer fun. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the 2021 edition of DSS will showcase shopping, hotel, dining and entertainment options at incredible summer rates offering great value. The city will be illuminated with colourful decorations and lighting to help residents and visitors get into the spirit of DSS and spread an atmosphere of fun and happiness around Dubai during the event. This year’s DSS will get underway with spectacular opening day fireworks, projections and fountain shows at Burj Khalifa, The Palm Fountain at The Pointe and the Imagine show at Dubai Festival City Mall on 1 July. Fans will relish the return of exciting promotions such as DSS Share Millionaire, Daily Surprises and many more. New additions to this year’s line-up include foodie events Summer Restaurant Week, the Big Eid Eat and Dine & Win, while families will enjoy the Movie Magic and the Summer Art Project. As usual, DSS will give residents and visitors plenty of chances to win amazing prizes with raffles and gifts up for grabs as well as super offers in time for Eid Al Adha and the annual Back to School season. This year will also see the return of much-loved entertainers who will delight shoppers with special shows at the city’s malls and landmarks, while some of Dubai’s best hotels, attractions plus fitness and outdoor adventure destinations will also offer great deals throughout DSS. In …

Al Hai project in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Emaar. Featuring immersive, innovative and sustainable art installations that were four months in the making, Al Hai is electrifying the buzzing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, opposite the Address Downtown hotel, through specially installed lights and clever use of shadows. Commenting on Dubai Culture’s participation in this initiative, Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said, “Dubai Lights is an innovative event that aligns with the aspirations of our inspiring leadership and reflects the keenness of Dubai Culture to collaborate with various government and private agencies to enrich the cultural and aesthetic scene of our emirate.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Al Hai is a wonderful and intriguing addition to the packed lineup of entertainment and activities on offer throughout this edition of DSF. The artistic project truly captures the essence and unique nature of the traditional Emirati neighbourhoods that can be found across Dubai by inviting visitors to explore their unmistakable landmarks and architectural features through the highly innovative use of immersive lighting techniques.“AlHai’s light creations will be instantly familiar to long-time Dubai residents and also welcoming to visitors who will be able to stroll through an entire neighbourhood just by following the different installations in place along Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.”

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) announced the global release of ‘Ya Salam Ya Dubai’, launched on New Year’s Day as part of the 26th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Ya Salam Ya Dubai was released as joint project between Dubai Tourism and MBC Group. The new song fuses the talents of two famed artists including Arabic music icon Rashed Al Majed and Moroccan–Swedish singer, songwriter and Multi Grammy award-winning music producer RedOne, who has worked with Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and Nicki Minaj among other successful artists. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “With Ya Salam Ya Dubai, we can truly celebrate how far Dubai has come to be a leading international destination recognised around the world. In a relatively short time period, the city has innovated and adapted to changing tourism trends and the evolving global travel industry, achieving countless milestones, launching world-class landmarks and hosting successful events that continue to attract global attention and visitation.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Throughout the 26 years of DSF, we have remained committed to bringing exciting promotions, activations and experiences to residents and visitors, leaving them in awe, which in turn has established Dubai as the shopping and entertainment hub of the world. Ya Salam Ya Dubai is a celebration of the past, present and future of Dubai.” Commenting on the song, Rashed Al Majed said, “I am honored to be part of the Dubai Shopping Festival’s (DSF) story since its inception 26 years ago and today, I am back to celebrate Dubai, a magnificent city, which …

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced details of its comprehensive 2021 Retail Calendar, with citywide events, activations and experiences set to fully support the emirate’s economic and tourist development goals.Created to attract both residents and visitors to the city’s impressive line-up of destinations, attractions and world-class malls, the calendar is packed with 15 festival campaigns spread throughout 2021. With this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge and Diwali currently underway, plus the UAE National Day celebrations poised to begin, the announcement of DFRE’s annual programme for 2021 reinforces the city’s status as the premier destination for holidays as well as memorable lifestyle and retail experiences. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said, “The announcement of a new, full, busy and exciting calendar of retail events in Dubai for 2021 is a positive indication of progress from this year. We have learned many lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic; with the events of 2020 helping to shape a new focus on what is required to host major events in the months and years ahead. The new 2021 calendar offers a strategic platform of retail events, promotions and entertainment that will help to ensure Dubai stays safe and at the forefront of the world’s important retail destinations. Dubai’s retail sector is an area of major economic importance, and by working closely with our strategic partners, we will continue to provide opportunities for sustainable growth and development and achieve the emirate’s retail and tourism objectives.”

Palm Fountain at The Pointe has secured the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Fountain after a breathtaking launch streamed live across the world. The magical show was attended by distinguished guests, residents and tourists, who watched in awe as The Palm Fountain broke the record in tune to an exclusive song – Dubai is another planet, produced to reflect the city’s vibrant and inspirational spirit. A celebration of Dubai’s creativity and ambition, The Palm Fountain is spread over 14,000 sqft of sea wáter and is the only multi-coloured fountain in the city. Its super shooter stands tall at 105 metres and comes alive with over 3,000 LED lights. Omar Khoory, Managing Director of Nakheel Malls, which operates The Pointe, said, “This is an historic moment which further underscores our commitment to bringing new and unique experiences to the city for the benefit of all stakeholders. As pioneers of retail and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, we look forward to the inspiration it will bring to visitors at The Pointe, residents of the UAE, our retailers, tourists and the international community.” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Securing another Guinness World Records™ title for Dubai further solidifies the city’s status as a must-visit destination where guests from around the world can experience the best sights and sounds as well as unrivalled retail and tourist spaces. The Pointe’s standing as one of Dubai’s premier dining and leisure destinations has been further elevated with the unveiling of this record-breaking new attraction and we look forward to welcoming the many new tourists who will visit.” Shaddy Gaad, Senior Marketing Manager – MENA, Guinness World Records, said, “GWR …

The Pointe is gearing up to launch the world’s largest fountain. ‘The Palm Fountain’, Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, will attempt to break a Guinness World Records (GWR) title on Thursday, 22 October during its inaugural launch event, and the public is invited to witness the celebration. Omar Khoory, Managing Director, Nakheel Malls, said, “Nakheel Malls is proud to launch The Palm Fountain, a celebration of Dubai’s resilience and building on the expanding portfolio of iconic attractions on Palm Jumeirah. As pioneers of retail and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, the launch of The Palm Fountain is a testament to our commitment to support retailers and push boundaries to provide our customers with unique experiences. We look forward to the inspiration this will bring customers at The Pointe, residents of Palm Jumeirah, our retailers, tourists and the wider community”. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The Palm Fountain is yet another incredible addition to Dubai’s list of world-famous landmarks and is sure to be a big draw among residents and visitors alike. Its launch further cements the city’s status as a must-visit destination where guests from around the world can experience the best sights and sounds as well as unrivalled retail and tourist spaces. The Pointe’s standing as one of Dubai’s premier dining and leisure destinations has been further elevated with the unveiling of this record-breaking new attraction.” The Palm Fountain will have 20 bespoke shows with five different shows running daily between sunset to midnight (7pm to 12am) while swaying to an array of popular songs including Khaleeji, pop, classic, international and more. Each show will last for three minutes and will be performed …

The beat is back in Dubai’s events sector with an array of regional and international artists heralding the restart of an industry that is a key pillar of the city’s tourism destination proposition and a growing contributor to its economy.The restart of Dubai’s events sector has been made possible by the decisive citywide management of the global pandemic leading to a phased resumption of events and entertainment activities, starting with a line-up of events hosted under the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) programme. Ahmed Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) commented, “The successful management of the pandemic has allowed us to come out of this unprecedented situation to once again leverage the events and entertainment sectors, as part of efforts to accelerate growth in the tourism industry.” “Dubai has a long history of hosting leisure events featuring A-list musicians and performers, who have made the city a part of their world tours over the years. We are now excited to see the events environment regaining its vibrancy with the return of live events, paving the way for international and regional stars to take centre stage, showcasing Dubai as a safe destination and further enhancing its position as a leading global events hub. Dubai Tourism will continue working with its stakeholders and partners to keep up the momentum in the events sector, as we prepare to cater to the diverse and evolving needs of visitors ahead of the full reopening of the tourism industry,”said Khaja. Commenting on the overwhelming response he received in the UAE, an elated Jimmy Carr said, “My three sold-out shows with Dubai Summer Surprises were fantastic. Dubai is well and truly open and …

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announces a series of exciting festival campaigns including Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Eid Al Adha and Back to School (BTS). DSS will soon begin its 23rd edition, starting on July 9 until August 29, 2020; inviting residents and visitors to rediscover the excitement and joy of summer in Dubai through a rich programme of unforgettable events, promotions, entertainment and digitally led experiences and initiatives. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “This year, more than ever, we look forward to welcoming back the city’s residents and visitors to Summer in Dubai, while ensuring their health and safety remain our highest priority. Through additional safety measures put in place across malls and retail stores, Dubai will once again be the place to be this summer season, and we look forward to another successful and safe edition of DSS, alongside the other summer festivals. As the city thrives, we will bring back our popular events and promotions over the course of seven action-packed weeks, and welcome new elements that will allow shoppers everywhere to participate in the festivities. For 23 years, DSS has paved the way for shopping festivals globally and has proven that it can evolve with the changing times and trends. This summer will be no different, as the city opens up and is set to showcase the best of retail and entertainment, as well as an array of innovative virtual and physical elements, to keep everyone entertained all summer long.”

As the region readies itself for the upcoming Ramadan celebrations Dubai is introducing another retail festival for the tourists and residents of Dubai, to further its position as a hub for homeware. Celebrating the very best of the emirate’s homeware offering, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announced the inaugural Dubai Home Festival (DHF) will run from April 18 to May 1 and give homeware fans the perfect opportunity to shop. Showcasing Dubai as the hub of homeware in the Middle East, the citywide event will feature an array of unmissable home furnishing sales, exclusive promotions, events and life-changing chances to win an apartment throughout the festival. From interiors inspiration to design deals, there will be a host of global and homegrown brands on display, as well as a range of exciting in-mall activations and opportunities to snap up homeware collections as part of the exciting DHF Reveals programme. A key element of the festival, shoppers will also have the opportunity to take part in a series of interesting workshops and masterclasses hosted by design experts to help finesse their furnishing style and create the ultimate decorative pieces. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, commented, “Dubai has a rich history in hosting must-visit festivals that attract tourists from across the world, including the flagship Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, and we are now incredibly proud to be unveiling the very first Dubai Home Festival. We’ve seen significant growth in Dubai’s homeware industry and together with our strategic retail partners, we are excited to shine a spotlight on this flourishing sector to give consumers the opportunity to enjoy unbeatable sales, promotions and events in this …

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) launched a new sponsorship scheme to drive continued innovation and sustainability across Dubai’s events industry. Reaffirming Dubai’s position as a global events hub, the scheme is designed to further empower leisure event organisers with additional incentivisation opportunities in the form of event sponsorship. The new process will build on the growth and competitiveness of the city’s event sector, which recorded an increase of over 100,000 ticket sales and 25 additional events in the first quarter of 2019 when compared to the same period last year. Continuing to effectively showcase Dubai’s proposition as a host city for international events from around the world, the scheme will target entertainment events and will be applicable for events that are ticketed and open to the public, with an eligible leisure event permit. With state-of-the-art venues across the city, Dubai is well placed to compete on the global stage to host international events, as it continues to grow its reputation as a world leading leisure and entertainment destination. The scheme will work in conjunction with the department’s ticketing and permits services to streamline management and coordination of event licensing activities and provide greater operational efficiency. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said, “The sponsorship scheme forms part of our commitment to retain the city’s status as a leading global event destination and has been designed to build on this momentum and act as a catalyst for the local events industry.” The sponsorship scheme, which will directly support leisure event organisers, will take effect for events being held from May 1, 2019 through an online application process. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, …