His Excellency Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), discussed leveraging festivals and events to increase visitation and reinforcing Dubai’s position as an international hub for leisure and business events and the MICE industry. He presented the diverse festivals and events sector in Dubai that are a part of the Retail Calendar including the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival, as well as the upcoming Dubai Summer Surprises, Eid in Dubai-Eid Al Adha celebrations, and the second edition of the Dubai Esports and Games festival, in addition to retail offers and promotions that residents and visitors can avail themselves of this summer in Dubai. The city is all set to come alive this summer with a thrilling line-up of events and activities as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) returns for its 26th edition. Presented by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), and running from 29 June to 3 September, residents and visitors alike can experience all that the city has to offer throughout the summer months. This edition of DSS showcases glorious gastronomy, enthralling entertainment, unmissable shopping deals and much more. And Dubai Summer Surprises also brings double reasons to celebrate, with a packed opening weekend celebrating Eid Al Adha in Dubai. Commenting on Dubai Summer Surprises 2023,H.E Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The summer season does not start until the launch of Dubai Summer Surprises. This year, our focus is on enhancing quality of life for residents – ensuring that families are able to experience a wealth of ways to stay entertained throughout the summer – and making sure that visitors can always experience something new …
Read More »Dubai Summer Surprises returns on July 1
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 …
Read More »Dubai Shopping Festival’s launches mega campaign
Residents and visitors can enjoy sensational winter sun getaways with an exclusive selection of hotel deals and promotions on offer this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Running until 30 January, there’s still plenty of time to check-in to some of the city’s best five-star properties, beachfront getaways and neighbourhood retreats. Wintertime in Dubai is when the city really comes to life, with the wonderful combination of picture-perfect weather, blue skies and amazing offers and entertainment available as part of DSF’s superb lineup of activities, promotions and much more. Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), organisers of DSF, has highlighted some of the best deals available so residents and visitors can enjoy days filled with sun-soaked shopping experiences and cool evenings relaxing with friends and family at a hotel of their choice. After a hard day’s shopping at the DSF sales, guests staying at the Rixos the Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites can unwind in a luxurious rejuvenation treatment available as part of the property’s indulgent self-care holiday offer. The promotion includes 25 per cent off all-inclusive stay rates, a complimentary 30-minute body massage per person, once per stay, and 20 per cent off massages and hammam treatments throughout the stay. Located on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek and a short stroll from some of the city’s oldest and most eclectic neighbourhoods, the Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef hotel is the perfect choice for residents and visitors looking to discover the Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Seef Presented by Al Foah as well as historic old Dubai. This DSF, the hotel is offering a great deal for foodies looking to indulge in traditional Mediterranean-style seafood and international dishes …
Read More »Dubai 2021 Retail calendar to boost economy and tourism
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.”
Read More »Dubai Retail tourism revives with Diwali
Dubai’s celebrations for Diwali, the Indian ‘Festival of Lights’, will spark citywide festivities for residents and visitors of all nationalities to enjoy with spectacular shows, amazing gold and jewellery promotions, diverse retail offers, and much more. A major highlight on Dubai’s annual calendar of events, each Diwali, the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, shopping malls and landmarks are illuminated in a wonderful display of colour, lights and revelry. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s Diwali brings together the different communities that call Dubai home and who help make the city such an exciting place to live all year round. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said: “Dubai’s traditional Diwali celebrations really capture the fun, family focused and cosmopolitan charm of the city. With so many great promotions, activations and shows this year, Diwali is the perfect event to start the festive season and showcase Dubai’s well-earned and famous status as the premier family and retail destination for all residents and tourists from all over the world.” Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Global Village with the UAE’s best representation of Indian traditions, culture and food at the landmark attraction’s India Pavilion. Residents and tourists can shop for unique items and special gifts from more than 240 stalls selling the finest Indian handicrafts and artifacts, while also enjoying spectacular cultural shows at the pavilion’s main stage. Families and friends can indulge in delicious Indian flavours at a wide range of restaurants and kiosks as well as vendors selling street food favourites.
Read More »Dubai Shopping Festival return from December 17, 2020 to January 30, 2021
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is back for its 26th edition from December 17, 2020 until January 30, 2021 with over six weeks of family fun and entertainment, live concerts, unique markets, art installations and stage shows plus super sales, unmissable promotions and chances to win life-changing prizes planned for residents and visitors to enjoy across the city. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s DSF will start a week earlier than usual, so families, couples and friends can make the most of the school holidays, festive period and end of year sales season starting December 26 in Dubai. The exciting line-up of events will kick off with a breathtaking opening weekend on 17 December – the perfect introduction to an amazing line-up of events including concerts by world-famous music stars, stunning light and fireworks shows, entertainment in malls and activations by big name retail brands, plus extra special celebrations on New Year’s Eve and into 2021! Not to mention mega raffles with chances to win luxury cars, cash prizes and much more. As ever, DSF will be a family-friendly affair with each of the participating malls and event venues keeping up the high health and safety standards in line with local regulations. Stay tuned, there’s a lot more to come including big announcements in the coming weeks!
Read More »Dubai announces ‘Summer surprises’ for tourists
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.”
Read More »Dubai prepares for the UAE’S 47th National Day
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to celebrate its 47th UAE National Day, as Dubai lights up with festivity and cheer. From special concerts, mall shows, city attractions and fireworks to promotions and traditional entertainment across the emirate, residents and visitors will be spoilt for choice as Dubai puts on a stunning display of activity to honour the UAE milestone. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Tourism, said, “This National Day, we want everyone – from Emiratis to Dubai’s residents and visitors – to embrace this momentous occasion. We are delighted to announce a vast array of activities taking place all over the city to mark the festivities, and are grateful to our city-wide strategic partners who have really pulled out all the stops to ensure that everyone gets to celebrate this great nation. With a host of events and celebrations taking place across Dubai, we anticipate a lot of footfall over the National Day weekend and encourage visitors to get to the venues as early as possible to really maximise their experience.” A number of events will be held in the emirate to mark the ocassion. On December 1, emirati artist Ahlam and Iraqi singer and composer Walid Al Shami will delight audiences with their repertoire at Burj Park, while famous Emirati singers Bulqees and Hussain Al Jasmi will perform at the same venue the next day. At Global Village, Emirati superstar Hamad AlAmeri will draw fans in with a special concert. Residents and visitors to Dubai will be able to witness a special treat with fireworks taking place across the city. Mall of the Emirates will be commemorating the UAE National Day …
Read More »Three-day Super Sale begins as Dubai thrives on retail tourism sector
The three-day Super Sale is back, offering everyone the chance to take advantage of super savings on top brands from the world of beauty, fashion, electronics and much more. Running from November 22-24, shoppers can grab discounts of up to 90 per cent on a wide range of items at over 1,500 participating outlets. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), in conjunction with strategic partners across the city, key retailers reveal the importance of the sale for Dubai’s retail economy. Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Shopping Malls (UAE, Bahrain & Oman), said, “Previous three-day Super Sales, in line with the Dubai Retail Calendar, have attracted thousands of people to Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls, and have proved to be successful as a key driver for Dubai’s tourism proposition. As a strategic partner of DFRE, we will deliver an unbeatable shopping experience at all our malls in Dubai this November and will continue to support anchor retail activities and exclusive experiences.” Steven Cleaver, Director, Shopping Centers Dubai, Al-Futtaim Malls, commented, “This year’s three-day Super Sale at Dubai Festival City Mall is going to be bigger than ever before. We are giving away instant cash rewards to all shoppers who buy our newly-launched Festival City Gift Card over the weekend. In collaboration with our valued retail partners, we are excited for a weekend filled with promotions and good value for our shoppers.” Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, CEO, Emaar Malls, said: “The three-day Super Sale is a great opportunity to explore the best in store by our retailers, more so as it coincides with the 10-year …
Read More »Dubai Shopping Festival to begin from December 26
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Tourism, has announced that this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is running from December 26, 2018 to February 2, 2019. Back for the 24th edition, this year’s shopping extravaganza will be the longest, bringing shoppers more exciting events, promotions and opportunities to enjoy rewarding shopping experiences across the city. There will be additional retail sales, deals and discounts from a diverse range of top global brands, along with mega raffles and more chances to win life-changing prizes from luxury cars, gold and cash. In addition to the series of exciting sales and promotions, DSF will also offer an extensive line-up of exciting events and activities for visitors to choose from, including concerts by music icons, spectacular fireworks shows and free-to-attend family-oriented activities in malls and activations by leading brands. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most popular festivals in the retail calendar and is enjoyed by thousands of residents and tourists alike each year. Such was the success of last year’s festival, and we’re bringing it back bigger and better than ever before with an elongated, five-week programme of events, promotions and family entertainment. From deep discounts on a host of top-name brands to life-changing opportunities to win, and a packed calendar of world-class entertainment, Dubai will be a truly special place to be during this festival.”
Read More »