São Paulo – Next Thursday (15) should see the beginning of the Dubai Shopping Festival, an annual clearance sale that involves a large portion of the emirate’s retail industry. According to a release issued by the organisation, in spite of the world crisis, the forecasted number of visitors is similar to last year’s, when the Festival received 3.2 million people. In 2008, consumers spent 10 billion dirham (US$ 2.7 billion) on purchases.
The event is going to last one month and, in addition to discounts at stores and shopping centres, it will feature leisure activities. According to the organisers, the festival has been promoted since 1996 and is locally known as Layali Dubai, which means “Dubai Nights.”
According to a release issued by Emirates Airline, over 2,300 stores participate in the event. There are retail sellers of jewellery, perfumes, cars, electronic products, textiles and handicraft, among others. Many hotels also offer discounts on daily rates, as do airlines on tickets.
The theme of this year’s festival will be “One world, one family, one festival," and will feature fireworks, fashion shows, artistic performances, a film festival and children’s activities on the sidelines.
The Dubai World Cup, which in recent years has become one of the world’s leading horse race tournaments, is held during the event.
According to the Emirates Airline, the products sold are tax-free and discounts rise to 75%.
Further information
Festival website: www.dubaishoppingfestival.com
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
