Welcome to Dubai, city of merchants, cultural crossroads, second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates and probably

the most well known. A country where the dust of the desert is clearing to reveal the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century. Under the guidance of Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashid bin Maktoum, it has forged a reputation as one of the most important and vibrant cities in the Middle East. Dubai began life as a small fishing village. It expanded in the early 19th century when large numbers of the Bani Yas tribe settled there. The population had to depend on the sea for their livelihood. It provided fish, pearls and trade. The hamlet soon turned into a small trading port based around the mouth of the Creek. Dubai's strategic location is also a key element in its success. The heart of one of the worlds richest regions, Dubai is located midway between the Far East and Europe. Over 120 shipping lines and 100 airlines connect to more than 140 global destinations. The award winning Emirates airlines is ever expanding into new destinations. Dubai is also one of the world's most vibrant tourist destinations. Attracted to its year round sunshine and luxurious lifestyle, the number of tourists visiting Dubai is expected to reach 15 million by the year 2010. With its lavish reputation, Dubai continues to impress with world-class events such as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai World Cub, and Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament Multi-national companies increasingly see Dubai as the obvious choice for establishing operations in the Region. Proximity to the Indian subcontinent not only gives access to a market of over 1 billion people but the ability to benefit from an increasingly talented and competitive labor supply. The pursuit of excellence has resulted in producing one of the best infrastructure facilities in the world. State of the art telecommunications, reliable power, modern schools and healthcare are all attracting an increasingly multi-cultural and highly trained workforce. The Government projects a doubling of population by the year 2010. Luxurious living, the finest cuisine and world class shopping are now the hallmarks of Dubai enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Demographic and geographical Dubai is unusual in that its population comprises mainly expatriates, with UAE nationals (Emiratis) constituting the minority. The vast majority of these expatriates come from South Asia and the South East Asia. The UAE government does not allow any form of naturalization or permanent residence to expatriates. The climate in Dubai is dry, subtropical and rain is very

rare.The hottest months are between June and September when the temperature often tops 45C during the day and the humidity is very high. The temperature of the ocean can reach 37C at the hottest part of the summer. Hotel pools are cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. October, November and April offer more reasonable temperatures of between 30C and 35C, but the best time to visit Dubai is between the months of December and March, when the temperature is pleasurable and the warm waters and sybaritic spas are sure to have the greatest effect, when the average temperature is 24C.

Entertainment Dubai is an international city and it offers a lively after-dark scene. Hotel bars, pubs and lounges are plentiful and most serve food and offer entertainment. Dubai increasingly attracts popular singers and entertainers from both the West and East. Dubai is an international city and it offers a lively after-dark scene. Hotel bars, pubs and lounges are plentiful and most serve food and offer entertainment. Dubai increasingly attracts popular singers and entertainers from both the West and East. Dubai also has some of the best shopping in the world. From clothes to jewelry to electronics and traditional items, Dubai has great products. The key is to bargain.Visitors especially enjoy fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean lobster, cigale, crab, hammour, shrimp, tuna, kingfish, pomfret and red snapper. A traditional Middle Eastern snack is the shawarma grilled shavings of lamb or chicken, mixed with salad and rolled inside a pocket of Arabic bread that is sold in many small outlets around the city. There are also numerous juice bars where visitors can buy a fresh juice cocktail or a mango milkshake

SHOPPING Dubai is labelled the "shopping capital of the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks, there's no better place to find products at unbeatable prices. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof. Retail prices are very reasonable because of its open port and low import duties and the variety of products available. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in their countries of origin. Products like gold and jewellery, high fashion, electronics, and carpets and handicrafts can be bought for amazing deals that are unmatchable anywhere else in the world. Even major brand name products, widely available in the city, are often less Dubai is labelled the "shopping capital of the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks, there's no better place to find products at unbeatable prices. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof. Retail prices are very reasonable because of its open port and low import duties and the variety of products available. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in their countries of origin. Products like gold and jewellery, high fashion, electronics, and carpets and handicrafts can be bought for amazing deals that are unmatchable anywhere else in the world. Even major brand name products, widely available in the city, are often less expensive in Dubai than in their country of origin. The major shopping areas of the city are Al Faheidi Road, Al Rigga Road, Al Karama, Al Satwa's Al Dhiyafah Road and Beniyas Square. The modern shopping malls, located throughout the city, contrast with the sights, sounds and smells of the traditional souks. The Dubai Shopping Festival is known throughout the world for not only being an opportunity for fantastic shopping and bargains, but also as one of the world's most entertaining festivals including grand firework displays, great prizes to be won, and of course the excitement of being in Dubai itself. Last year over million people attended the event. One of the highlights of the festival is the Global Village, with thirty eight pavilions from as many countries all displaying their traditional and modern wares and local cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do. Normal shopping hours in Dubai are from 9am to 1pm and 4pm until 9pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Most supermarkets stay open all day, from Saturday to Thursday. All shops close for prayers on Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Souks have been called "the heart of urban Arabia", and Dubai has plenty. These Dubai is labelled the "shopping capital of the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks, there's no better place to find products at unbeatable prices. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof. Retail prices are very reasonable because of its open port and low import duties and the variety of products available. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in their countries of origin. Products like gold and jewellery, high fashion, electronics, and carpets and handicrafts can be bought for amazing deals that are unmatchable anywhere else in the world. Even major brand name products, widely available in the city, are often less expensive in Dubai than in their country of origin. The major shopping areas of the city are Al Faheidi Road, Al Rigga Road, Al Karama, Al Satwa's Al Dhiyafah Road and Beniyas Square. The modern shopping malls, located throughout the city, contrast with the sights, sounds and smells of the traditional souks. The Dubai Shopping Festival is known throughout the world for not only being an opportunity for fantastic shopping and bargains, but also as one of the world's most entertaining festivals including grand firework displays, great prizes to be won, and of course the excitement of being in Dubai itself. Last year over million people attended the event. One of the highlights of the festival is the Global Village, with thirty eight pavilions from as many countries all displaying their traditional and modern wares and local cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do. Normal shopping hours in Dubai are from 9am to 1pm and 4pm until 9pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Most supermarkets stay open all day, from Saturday to Thursday. All shops close for prayers on Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late. Souks have been called "the heart of urban Arabia", and Dubai has plenty. These range from the traditional, dusty, alleyways of the spice souk, a stone's throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours. Dubai's most famous market of all is the gold souk, In Gold Souks prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship. The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) provides visitors with legendary shopping, camel racing, mountains, beaches, deserts and oases. Dubai is a futuristic metropolis boasting year-round sunshine that has become a playground for the rich and famous. Of the seven emirates, Dubai is second only to Abu Dhabi in size. Dubai is popularly referred to as the 'City of Gold' because of its famed Gold Market, and shopping in all its forms - from vast malls to bustling markets -

has long been one of Dubai's principal attractions. One popular legend suggests that the name 'Dubai' may have derived from 'Daba,' meaning a prospering or flourishing market. Dubai's famed markets are located on both sides of the creek, with the colourful Spice Market enticing shoppers with its exotic aromas, and the enormous Gold Souk dazzling with every form and standard of precious metals and glittering jewels.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place every winter with its mammoth array of discounts, competitions, prizes, fireworks and entertainment. DSF offers amazing shopping discounts, attracting holiday makers from around the globe keen on grabbing a bargain. The festival began in 1996 as an initiative of the Dubai government to promote trade, and it gets bigger and better every year. DSF is not only a retail festival, but also a family festival with a large focus on mallbased entertainment and early evening shows. Its continued success is proven by the large number of tourists from not only the GCC but also the rest of the world. Traditionally, the festival runs from mid-January to the end of February and it kicks off with a huge opening night that features light shows and fireworks across the Dubai Creek, which are then continued throughout the entire festival. Other events associated with DSF range from in-mall fashion shows, musicians, street performers, jugglers and other entertainers. Dubai Shopping Festival, informally known as DSF, is a dream shopping destination for every pro-shopper. For many shopping lovers it is the most awaited event in the yearly calendar. Dubai is the most welcoming city of United Arab Emirates. This city and its festivals welcome people all round the world. There no big fashion event that is not held at this mega event in Dubai and there is no big brand that does not have their show room in the Dubai city. Dubai city is center of attraction for many investors as well as for those who love to buy branded stuff. Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most important celebration in Dubai which takes place in the beginning of the year just before the summer season begins. It is a festival which has brought great pride to Dubai. This article gives you general information and also some amazing facts of Dubai Shopping Festival.

The UAE emirate, Dubai is also known as the city of gold. This name was framed during one of the awareness campaigns of Dubai Shopping Festival(DSF). The festival is a time for unlimited celebrations for 32 days which usually takes place in the beginning of the year from mid of January to mid of February. Dubai Shopping Festival is basically a shopping paradise especially for shopaholics. During this period of time, tourists flock into Dubai from every part of the world to experience the tax-free shopping that the emirate provides and also to take part in the cultural activities. The roads of Dubai are jam-packed with traffic and tourists during the event. The theme of Dubai Shopping Festival is 'One World, One Family, One Festival' and each passing year, Dubai takes full efforts to showcase the most enchanting and innovative activities for the tourists and locals. The mutual harmony between the private sector and public sector to bring out a mind-blowing success was exceptionally exhibited through this new concept that Dubai invented. Dubai Shopping Festival was formulated under the able guidance and dedicated leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of Dubai Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), known in Arabic as 'Layali Dubai', was first started in February 1996 by the Dubai government as purely a retail event aimed to promote trade in Dubai. Since then it has become an annual shopping, entertainment, and cultural extravaganza that continues to promote tourism in Dubai and draws people from around the world each year. On February 15, 1996, the travel industry in the Middle East heralded the beginning of a new dawn - the birth of the most impressive shopping cum entertainment mega event. An entirely new concept, it succeeded brilliantly in showcasing what co-operation between private sector and public sector could do to create a mind-boggling achievement. Initially, Dubai Shopping Festival was conceived as a pure retail event, the primary aim of which was to revitalise the retail trade in Dubai. It was later developed into a comprehensive tourism product in line with Dubai's far-sighted stance to set global standards in every field Dubai Shopping Festival is basically a shopping paradise. Dubai is know around the world as such a paradise throughout the year, but they really lay out the red carpet during shopping festival month, with over 2,300 retails outlets participating, that offer everything imaginable from gold, perfume, haute couture Along the lines of the stature that Dubai has achieved with its clarity of vision, innovation, initiative and drive, the Festival was shaped under the committed leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. As months of preparations went into creating Dubai Shopping Festival, the shopping festival matured into a major retailing cum entertainment extravaganza. The rest is history.

Today, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the event is the tourism sector. Hotels, travel agents and tour operators contribute to the selling of the event worldwide and it would be fair to assume, run at the peak levels of operation during the event. Every year, Dubai Shopping Festival lives up to its promise of staging the most exciting activities for the whole family inspired by the theme One World, One Family, One Festival. As universal brotherhood, happiness, excitement, joy and adventure became the signature trademarks of Dubai Shopping Festival, the Festival itself became a tribute to the inherent ambition and strength of the people of the United Arab Emirates. Local and multinational brands acknowledged their faith in the event, and brands like Visa, Pepsi and Emirates Airlines became partners to DSF's growth. Most hotels and appartments also get involved offering special offers during the period, even the world famous Burj Al Arab is included in the hotels. With all these special discounts available many would feel that would suffice, but Dubai goes quite a few steps further. They are scores of raffles that offer very attractive prices outlined below, and Emirates and most other airlines flying out of Dubai offer discounted airfares and much needed excess baggage allowances during the festival. There are other events as well, including international fashion shows, children's events, streetside performances, nightly fireworks, film festivals, and many other cultural events that reflect the emirate's cosmopolitan character. Plus one of the biggest events of them all, the Dubai World Cup also takes place during the festival, and with a staggering US$ 12 million purse that makes it the richest horse race in the world - not something to miss. The next DSF will witness fresh creative inputs and innovative promotions that will go a long way in attracting more visitors to the Emirate. Dubai during the shopping festival (March 1 to 31) is a splash of colours, some 30 million bulbs illuminating its streets and bylanes in electronic patterns. As you enter the spectacular fairyland, clowns direct you to your destinations and you are drowned by offers of free gifts and raffle tickets. Genuine goods and good shows await you. Dubai charges no duty, no tax: Goods are cheaper by 25 % to 50 % than in their country of origin. The annual festival has put Dubai, the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates, on the world map. There was a whopping traffic of 2.5 million visitors to the event last year. The sales were to the tune of a staggering Dhs. 4.3 billion. The festival means many things to many people. Apart from its 2,500 outlets of goods and services ranging from haute couture and perfumes to electronics and jewellery, it offers a raffle prize of two Luxus cars and Dhs. 100,000 (Rs 12,50,000) as scholarship for schoolchildren. There is daily draw. A third one, Win-the-World, means a daily prize of business class air tickets for two adults and two children to various destinations.

There are also other 400 events like cartoon shows featuring Pokemon, Casper, Tarzan, Toon Land, Alligator and Dolphin, Fashion Week, Global Village, Carpet Oasis, Al Rostamani Aqua Fantasia and sporting events. The sporting events include the $ 12 million Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Course and the Dubai Tennis Open. There are also Children of the World Olympiad, Open Tennis Championship, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Ice Hockey, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice and Rowing Championships. At Al Seef Street's Youth Sports Oasis, sports lovers can take part in skating activities. Professionals from Russia and Germany conduct training sessions in skating. A major attraction of the festival is the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Draw which gives away a prize of $ 1 million! There is also a raffle of 1 kg of gold every day of the month. This year, the jewellers offer another 5,000 prizes of gold. Shoppers get the raffle coupons from the jewellery shops. There are facilities for visitors' accommodation. Over 18,000 rooms and 6,500 furnished family apartments are available. There will be business conventions, seminars, exhibitions, book fairs, Hope Opera for the Handicapped, closing ceremonies, and many more. The festival theme is One World, One Family, One Festival. It's worth a visit.

Facts about Dubai Shopping Festival

1. 121 Lexus GS300 cars and 43 kg of gold were given away in raffles in the debut year 1996. 2. The 16th edition of DSF (2011) holds the record of being the longest running shopping festival in the world. 3. The number of visitors for the first edition of DSF was 1.6 million. 4. The amount of money around 35 million visitors spent over 15 editions of DSF is Dh74 billion. 5. 100kg of gold was given to a raffle winner during the popular Dubai City of Gold promotion in 2005. 6. The first edition of DSF was launched in 1996. 7. 41kg of gold was given away to raffle winners during the 2001 DSF. 8. 31 Rolls Royce cars were given away in raffles during the 2001 DSF. 9. In the Nissan grand raffle draw 2011, 32 Nissan SUVs and 10 Nissan sedans were won by the visitors. 10. In the Lexus Mega Raffle draw of 2011, 32 Lexus LX 570 SUVs, 1 Lexus LS 600HL, and over Dh3 million were won by visitors. 11. Five of the interesting records that were set by the DSF are: the longest game of Chinese whispers, longest line of footprints, largest wallet, biggest biriyani bowl and biggest shopping cart. 12. 95% of the tourists who visit Dubai during the DSF buy gold.

What Is Dubai Shopping Festival? Dubai shopping festival is an event held once in a year in the city of Dubai. In this event all big names and all big brands participate to promote their brands.

See all 5 photos The event is held in the most happening city of UAE; the city of Dubai. Many shopping lovers love to buy from DSF as there they would find all big names at one place. They can with no trouble find what they are seeking.

It would not be wrong to call it home of all brands. Investors and buyers both prefer to be a part of this grand annual shopping festival to sell their top brands and to buy what they are looking for.

Top Shopping Destinations In Dubai Global Village Dubai The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Dubai. It started in the year 1996 and since then has attracted million of tourists from around the world. This festival is a month long event in which many brands take part. The Dubai Mall Dubai is the future of the Middle East a city that has emerged out of no where and conquered and amazed every ones hearts. Its the place which in a very short span, has developed like no other city in this world.

History Of Dubai Shopping Festival The very first Dubai shopping festival was held in the year 1996 in the month of February. The aim of settling this and other similar events in Dubai is to boost the retail trade of the country. These were the old days when UAE solely depended upon oil trade and economist of the country are now thinking out of the box and boosting industries in retail trade. Boost in retail trades is eventually giving a boost to tourism and investment as well. According to rough estimate this event in the span of a single month attracts more than 3 million people from all round the world to Dubai. DSF From 1996 to 2010 In 2010, this event has completed its 15 years; 15 years of glorious success and permanent increasing number of visitors and every year multiplying profits. It is one of those things in the world which is not in any way affected by economical jam and recession. In every passing year it is attracting more and more visitors to Dubai to spend more and more in the city. From the time it was started and till date the number of investors who are willing to invest in this event in is ever increasing.

The greater number of buyers along with greater number on investors is making it a wilder event than a shopping festival. Dubai Shopping Festival which is known as Layali Dubai in Arabic was started on February 15, 1996 by the government of Dubai as a pure retail event with the only aim of promoting and revitalising the retail trade in Dubai. But year by year the concept began to improve and as seen today, the festival has become a destination for annual shopping at discounted rates, endless entertainment and cultural extravaganza. Presently, Dubai Shopping Festival is the pride of Dubai and promotes tourism to an unimaginable extent by attracting tourists to the most impressive shopping cum entertainment mega event in the world. Over 2,000 retail outlets take part in Dubai Shopping Festival. These outlets offer almost anything under the sky - from perfumes, gold, cars, electronics to handicrafts and fabrics. You name it and you'll get it at the most scintillating shopping venue ever seen. Fascinating fireworks fill the night sky of Dubai for a complete half an hour each and every day from the time the festival begins till it ends. Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 (DSF 2011) (16th edition)

DSF 2011 dates 20 January to 20 February 2011 (32 days) (announced 26 September 2010 by Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE). Dubai International Jazz Festival 2011 from 20-28 January 2011 at JBR The Walk, 0815 February 2011 at Dubai Media City Jazz Garden, 16-18 February 2011 (main events) at Dubai Media City. Al Seef Street (Bur Dubai) - night souk and other events. Al Rigga Street (Deira) - events Al Diyafa Street (Bur Dubai) - events JBR The Walk (Dubai Marina) -events Global Village Heritage events at Shindaga Heritage Village and Dubai Diving Village. DSF Desert Camp - in Al Warqa 4 area from 20 January to 20 February 2011

Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 (DSF 2010)

DSF 2010 dates Thursday 28 January to Saturday 28 February 2010 A Dubai Tourist Visa (30 days, not renewable) is available for free to those travelling with Emirates Airlines if a Visa credit card is used to pay for their flights. The catches are that visitors have to be sponsored by a family member (which doesn't seem to make sense since Dubai visit visas, not tourist visas are usually sponsored by family members), the tickets have to be bought in the UAE, and purchase period dates are 19 January to 01 February 2010. Press release 18 January 2010 said "People looking to travel to Dubai to experience the excitement of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and spend time with their families will benefit from a free one month tourist visa, when travelling on Emirates and paying with their Visa credit, debit or prepaid card in the UAE."

What? Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 (DSF 2010), the 15th time for the DSF. Raffles, discounts, shows, concerts, etc. A month long extravaganza to show off that Dubai is the world's best shopping city. Where? Dubai - various locations, especially Dubai shopping malls. When / Date? 28 January - 28 February 2010. Announced on 08 November 2009 by the DSF office at the World Travel Market 2009 trade show in London. Website? www.mydsf.com. Note that www.dubaishoppingfestival.com (links back to this topic) is not the official DSF website.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2009 (DSF 2009)

DSF 2009 dates 15 January to 15 February 2009 DSF 2009 launch ceremony and party cancelled to show solidarity with the Palestinian suffering in Gaza (31 December 2008 New Year's Eve public celebrations and parties were also cancelled for the same reason). Other DSF activities continued as scheduled. What? Dubai Shopping Festival 2009 (see also list of DSF 2009 events), the 14th annual festival of shopping and gridlock on the roads. Expect more bargains, cheaper flights and cheaper hotel rooms this year than in previous years due to the financial turmoil around the world. About 150 entertainment events are included, and plenty of raffles so everyone will think they have a chance of winning something. Good luck. Where? Dubai shopping malls and shops, other venues for entertainment and activities. About 6000 retail outlets and 40 shopping malls are participating. When? 15 January to 15 February 2009 (32 days) How much? Depends on how much of a shopaholic you are Tickets from where? No tickets needed for shopping, tickets needed for some of the events Organisers? DSF Organising Committee Main Sponsors? Visa (which makes perfect sense), Emirates NBD (the "official" DSF bank), shopping malls and shops, Al Futtaim Motors (Lexus raffle), A. W. Rostamani (Nissan raffle) etc Contact tel? Ahlan Dubai tel +971-600-545555 Website?www.mydsf.com

Dubai Shopping Festival 2008 (DSF 2008)

13th annual DSF, held from 24 January to 24 February 2008.

Chairman of the DSF Supreme Committee is Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Also President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Dubai: Retail spending during the 45-day Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is expected to cross Dh8 billion, or about eight per cent of Dubai's Dh110 billion GDP, a statement said. The DSF 2006-07, ready to kick-start on December 20, is poised to attract 3.6 million visitors which will be at least 15 per cent higher visitor turnout as compared to last year. "The DSF retail revenue is expected to touch if not cross the Dh 8 billion mark, which is about eight per cent of Dubai's 110 billion GDP - by all accounts a significant figure and a strong enough reason for the strong backing of the retail sector," a DSF statement said yesterday. What? The Dubai Shopping Festival 2008 (DSF 2008). An annual event, first one was in 1996. Retailers offer discounts, allegedly, on various goods, and there's a fireworks display every night over Dubai Creek. Many residents prefer to think of it as the Dubai Traffic Festival due to the gridlock on the roads . Where? Dubai shops, shopping centers, shopping malls, Global Village, Dubai Creek, Dubai roads. When? 24 January - 24 February 2008 How much? Supposedly a minimum of 20% discount - retailers register with the DSF office to get discount tags for goods on sale. Organisers? Main Sponsors? Visa (every year since 1996). Visa card holders get entered into prize draws if they use their credit cards during DSF 2008. Contact? DSF help desk tel: +971-4-2235444 Website? www.mydsf.ae. Note that www.dubaishoppingfestival.com (link comes back to this topic) is not the official website for the Dubai Shopping Festival. Dubai Shopping Festival 2007 (DSF 2007, or DSF 2006-2007 since DSF 2006 was cancelled)

45-day event, 3.5 million visitors - a 7% increase on DSF 2005 10.2 billion dhs spent, an increase of 53% on DSF 2005

Dubai Shopping Festival 2006 (DSF 2006)

Cancelled after Sheikh Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, passed away on 04 January 2006 (not 2005 as seen in some sources).

Dubai Shopping Festival 1996 (DSF 1996)

The first Dubai Shopping Festival started in 1996 with dates from 15 February 1996 to mid-March 1996.

Major promotions and discounts during Dubai Shopping Festival

The tourism sector in Dubai has flourished immensely because of the event. Hotels and tour operators are at the peak of operation during this time of the year as millions of people come into Dubai for the shopping festival. These hotels offer discounted rates for room bookings during this period. Even the world-famous Burj Al Arab takes part in the promotions. For the event, airlines companies like Emirates gives special attractive offers for flight tickets and even provides excess baggage allowance. After all the shopping that one would do at the festival, the excess baggage allowance does come as a big relief for visitors.

Dubai Shopping Festival events and activities

Some of the events that take place during Dubai Festival Shopping are raffle draws at almost any outlet in Dubai with the most attractive prizes, international fashion shows, processions, spectacular fireworks in the night sky, film festivals, entertaining events for children and scores of other entertainment activities that showcase the emirate's abilities and bright visions. The biggest highlight of the festival is the Dubai World Cup which is also conducted during this period. Each and every year, Dubai introduces new creative events to improvise the festival celebrations.

Main Attraction Of Dubai Shopping Festival The event is the biggest event of the year in UAE, and by time it is on the way to take place of worlds biggest shopping extravaganza. The thing that attracts most people to come to Dubai shopping festival is here you can easily find all global brands at one place. People who love to wear top brands love to shop from DSF. Here you can catch big names from the fashion industry and film industry shopping around and enjoying their selves with their fans and followers. People shop from there to what is new and what is hot. There is also an opportunity that you can buy items signed by your favorite designer and brand owners, though you may need to pay a little higher for that. Burj Al Arab Dubai

Burj Al Arab With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders: at the Nad Al Sheba racetrack.

Attractions Other Global Brands If youre not a brand lover then do not think that Dubai shopping festival has nothing to offer you. There are many more things to experience at this grant shopping festival other than just chasing brand names. There are people from different countries that come to show their culture and cultural handicraft, dresses and other stuff of decoration we use in daily life. There are people from all around the globe, who put the heritage of their country at display. People come up to sale their cultural dresses. You can buy one to change your dressing style for a while and to try something new. You can also have different decorative pieces, handmade pieces to dcor your home on a new theme. Regardless of where you belong from, this shopping festival has many things for you. Dubai was always well positioned to host and propagate festivals. Right from the turn of the 20th century Dubai had become sufficiently wealthy to attract immigrants from the rest of South East Asia. Extra facilities such as free trade had made Dubai a natural home to merchants from Lingah, which was a part of the Persian Coast. Similarly, a flourishing and dominant Indian population had become a major player in the Souks and Shopping Alleys of Dubai which only added to its charm. Dubai was all set to take centre stage. With time, a sense of hospitality grew in Dubai which was well complimented with a warm

breeze of welcome and cool breeze of broadmindedness. These feelings grew stronger and thereby attracted more tourists than ever before.

At last, Dubai was ready to be Exhibit A. February 15, 1996, the Tourism Industry of the UAE gave birth to a most impressive mega event which made headlines around the world. This event was the first Dubai Shopping Festival. The phrase Shopping Paradise aquired a new meaning on this day. We will try and define the Dubai Shopping Festival for you. Nations from around the world have tried to have a shopping event to entice foreigners, excite tourists and promote sales in their

own regions. However, none could match the success of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Close to 4,000 retailers and shops participate in this month long event. Numerous hotels, restaurants and lodging services are a part of this event too. Dubai provides a brilliant shopping experience throughout the year. But during this month its always something a little more special. The Dubai and the Shopping Festival participants go wild to roll out the red carpet with massive discounts, daily prizes, the best in textiles, gold, handicrafts, branded goods, electronics, cars, perfumes, haute couture, handmade oriental and Persian carpets. Thats definitely not all as most of the flights in and out of Dubai during this period carry enormous discounts and there are even discounts on excessive baggage allowances! The people in charge of the event had even gone to the extent of providing tourists with free Medical Attention Cards during this period. These cards can be used for free treatment and medication. There is much more to add to the Dubai Shopping Festival experience. What good is a Festival in a desert when you cant experience the thrill of being in a desert. The Dubai answer is a Mystical Desert Safari. There are numerous tour operators who give you the freedom to choose the time and the special areas of the safari youd like to visit depending on your taste. In addition to shopping and a desert safari the Festival also offers various sources of entertainment with most being hosted at public parks within Dubai. Some of the more popular events include the fireworks that fill the sky each night, the laser shows, international fashion shows and more. You will also find local entertainers and musicians performing at many of these venues. Other activities during the month could include the likes of Sand-Surfing on the sand dunes, sky-diving from a height of about 10,000 ft, motor-cross biking. Desert trekking tours are loads of fun as well. Ever contemplated Sand-Surfing in the dunes, then driving out of the desert to Parasail over the coast and the beautiful beach? Or maybe you could just go sky-diving, get out of your parachute and into some scuba diving gear and encounter some dolphins or tropical fish, not to mention the coral reefs are some of the best under water sights in the world. The Dubai Shopping Festival attracted more than 3.3 million people last year. It generated revenue in excess of 1.12 Billion USD.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2011 As 2010 is nearing an end, once again the liveliness around Dubai Shopping Festival has come into fore, and 2011 promises as legendary as the former ones, adding to the thriving Dubai tourism and retail industry. The date of the terrific event taking place in 2011 has been announced. This one month plus gala ceremony will commence from 20 January 2011 and the closing ceremony will be held on 20 February 2011. These 32 days will be a mega event drawing millions of shopping lovers, out there watching some of the best deals of their life and winning millions as prize money on daily draws. Endless range of jewelry, cars, perfumes, textiles, handicrafts and electronics items are a part of the booty. The theme of the DSF is One

World One Family One Festival' with numerous malls and shops partaking from various countries under a global roof. Enjoy Tax free Shopping Though you may have your hands full with goodies, your pocket may still fill heavy and urge you to shop for more, as you enjoy tax free shopping and huge amount of discounts on your purchases. Shoppers can celebrate in joy with discounts up to 50% and this is one of the prime attractions of this shopping bonanza. Also on offer are wonderful free gifts, bargain offers and raffle tickets which you can win along the way. Get good deals and terrific bargain at DSF, one event you wouldn't want to miss! The fun at DSF is endless, with exciting events keeping you on toes. There are galore of entertainment, in varied colour, mirth and merriment for children and grownups. For the whole family there are diverse range of games like Circus shows, Cartoon Showsfeaturing Pokemon, Casper, Tarzan, Toon Land, Alligator and Dolphin; Fashion Week, Global Village; Carpet Oasis, Al Rostamani Aqua Fantasia and Children of the WorldOlympiad. Also shake your leg and unleash yourself at the Jazz and dance performance. Be a sport and participate in sporting events including Open Tennis Championship, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Ice Hockey, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, and Skating and Rowing Championships. Shopping and food go hand in hand at the DSF, where you get the taste of assorted gourmets leaving you spell bound from across the world. There are also other fascinating events like business conventions, seminars, exhibitions, book fairs and Hope Opera for the Handicapped. The closing ceremony is the perfect prelude to the magnificent shopping extravaganza. Dubai shopping festival 2011, starting from late January to late February, has loads in store for you and your family, from hot bargain to some amazing entertainment you cannot get anywhere else. Go for it!

Future Dubai Shopping Festival 2012 The Dubai Global Village was originally part of Dubai Shopping Festival, but now, is an event of its own, and is open for several months, in contrast to DSF, which is a one month long event. Though, DSF began largely as a shopping event, with time, it has also grown to be a great entertainment event. DSF plays a vital role in the tourism sector of Dubai. DSF 2012 After the grand success of DSF 2011, the 17th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, DSF 2012, organized by the Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment (DEPE), will be held between 5th January 2012 and 5th February 2012. Atleast 6000 retail outlets and 50 shopping malls are likely to participate in DSF 2012. Major features of DSF 2012

Tax-free shopping: The mega event will begin with entertaining street performances and a display of fireworks. Shoppers can begin enjoying the high discounted shopping, and entertaining events organized all through the festival. Shopping in Dubai is largely tax-free, as

merchants are permitted to import products from other countries with very little or no custom duties. The shopping malls and retailers will offer up to 75% discount on range of items, including jewellery, watches, electronics, carpets, textiles, perfumes, and handicrafts of major brands. Attractive Prizes: Apart from the tax-free discounted rates, shoppers can also look forward to an opportunity to win several daily and weekly prizes, organized by participating shopping malls and retailers. The prizes include luxurious LX570 car and Dh.100,000 in cash in the Lexus Mega Raffle. The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group also announce exciting DSF promotions by offering visitors a chance to win 21kilos of gold worth Dh.4.5mn through raffle draws. Cultural/Entertainment events: The event, which opens with spectacular firework display, offers a series of colourful cultural programs and entertainment events all through the festival The Carnival As always, DSF 2012 will also witness spectacular parade with performances by renowned international artists, apart from shows by acrobats, percussionists, dancers and more. The DSF Carnival is an all-out display by various performers including musicians, jugglers, unicyclists, stilt walkers, all of which render the festive feeling of DSF across Dubai. Visitors get to enjoy live concerts and jazz world performed by some renowned artists. Dubai Carnivals will be held in different platforms, each with different themes including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Russian. Every year at least 300 performers participate in the Carnivals, which will be held every weekend during the month-long DSF. Dubai Fashion Week The Dubai Fashion Week will bring together major regional and international players in the fashion industry, thereby enabling local and regional designers and fashion houses to display their collection to global audiences, including fashion professionals, media and general public. This year, Creations will be organizing fashion shows at the Fashion Catwalk at the Dubai Mall ramp from 10th February to 20th February. The shows will be held at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm on 10th, 11th, 12th, and 17th, 18th, and 19th February. Models draped in collections designed by leading Dubai-based and Emirati designers and other international designers will walk the ramp. Fashion Bazaar is another major element from Creations, which has been revived with more colours this year. Global Village

The Global Village is another major attraction during the DSF 2012 for visitors, who get to explore international heritage and cultural diversity. The Global Village is associated with DSF, although it runs longer than DSF. The Global Village is a unique concept of bringing the entire globe under a single roof. As the name indicates, Global Village is a true representation of culture of various countries at a single place. Every country will set up its own pavilion, wherein renowned products in their home countries are displayed. Apart from product sale, Global Village also offers entertainment events, food stalls, children rides, sports activities and lucky draws on daily basis. Carpet Oasis Carpet Oasis is a treasure trove of carpets, wherein traders from across the world, offer good value on a range of floor coverings. It will be open during Dubai Shopping Festival 2012, with thousands of unique and exclusive handmade, oriental, and Persian carpets and rugs from across the globe will be displayed, apart from a large collection of antique souvenirs. Children Show The Dubai Dolphinarium will be organizing an exclusive show for kids during DSF 2012. There are other events too, to keep the children engaged such as Children of World Olympiad, cartoon and circus shows. Sound and Light Show A Sound and Light Show that follows renowned sound and light show in Egypt has been planned. Desert Camp The DSF Desert Camp offers adventure activities such as quad bikes, horse riding and camel rides. Aqua Fantasia One of the largest aquatic shows, wherein, four pools of 4000 Sqm size, performs a terrific tango of water sprinklings, with brilliant colours and synchronised music to match the ups and downs of the sprouts. Gourmets A major attraction of the DSF event every year is the gourmets, wherein visitors get to satisfy their taste buds from delicious cuisines prepared from all corners of the world. Scrumptious

cuisines ranging from continental to Chinese, Italian to French, and all special Arabic Delights form part of the gourmet. The food festival during DSF 2012 will see a gathering of people from diverse backgrounds joining together to enjoy international cuisine, involving celebrity chefs, culinary workshops, live cooking counters, and interactive events and exciting prizes. Sports

Sports enthusiasts who visit Dubai during DSF 2012 will have the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting events, including Open Tennis Championship, Ice Hockey, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, Skating and Rowing Championships. Fairs The DSF 2012 will also offer a range of special events such as seminars, exhibitions, business conventions, book fairs, and Hope Opera for the handicapped.

NECESSITIES WHILE VISITING DUBAI Introduction to passport The U.S. Consulate General Dubai processes U.S. passport applications during American Citizen Services hours (Saturdays through Wednesdays, 12:30 PM 3:00 PM). Personal appearance before a consular officer for all applicants (including children) is required. The U.S. Consulate General Dubai does not accept applications by mail. U.S. passport applications received at the U.S. Consulate General Dubai are processed in the United States. This process takes an average of two weeks. Applicants are encouraged to apply for or renew their passports as early as possible. U.S. passport applicants must present evidence of their identity and their U.S. citizenship. Both parents of children under age 14 must also give permission for passport issuance and present evidence of their relationship to the child. Applicants must submit the following documents: A completed Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport or Registration A current or expired U.S. passport. If not available, one form of photo identification (e.g. a passport of another country, drivers license) AND one of the following: (A) a certified, sealed birth certificate (B) a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or (C) Certificate of Naturalization Two passport photographs taken within the last six months measuring 2" x 2", (Please read the Photo Requirements for U.S. Passports for more details) Adult first-time passport fee: 359 AED ($55 issuance fee + $30 execution fee + $12 Passport Security Enhancement Fee )

Visa Emirates, Dubai's award winning international airline, operates services to Dubai from Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad and Cochin. Emirates has tied-up with VFS to set up the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) in India to assist its passengers in obtaining a Visit Visa or 4 days' Visa to Dubai.

Visit Visa or 4 Days' Visa can be applied in 4 steps : . Obtain the Visa Application Form from: Emirates Offices Dubai Visa Application Centres Download from our website: www.dubaivisa.net Photocopy of this form is also accepted. Create an Application Pack. Submit the Application Pack at any Dubai Visa Application Centre, or at the nearest designated office of Blue Dart. Check Visa Status through Emirates PNR.

Benefits to U.A.Es Tourism The government established the Dubai Shopping Festival Office in 1996 which has been very successful in creating partnerships between the public and private sectors. There are over 3000

shopping vendors that offer large discounts during the festival. Hotels and airlines also offer discounts during the festival. In addition, the airlines also allow for more baggage to be carried during this time. The success of the Dubai Shopping Festival is shown in the numbers. In 1996, the festival attracted 1.6 million visitors who spent $2.5 billion U.A.E dirham (over $680 million US dollars). In 2006-2007, the Dubai Shopping Festival received 3.5 million visitors who spent $10.2 billion U.A.E. dirham (more than $2.7 billion US dollars). The Dubai Shopping Festival has been so successful that in 1998, the Dubai Summer Surprises was created at a summer version of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Travel Packages Several local travel agencies, tour operators and airlines operate services to the UAE, with special discounted tour packages, targeting tourists seeking to enjoy theDubai shopping extravaganza during this event. For instance, Emirates, the national airline of Dubai, has been offering attractive tour packages for DSF, and last year, Emirates offered a Pay 3 Stay 4 promotion package offering accommodations in top rated city hotels in Dubai for four nights stay, while paying the price for three. The package was inclusive of complimentary airport shuttles to and from hotel by private car, an Arabian Adventures welcome pack, and more such benefits. On availing these travel deals, visitors can enjoy sightseeing tours to some most exciting destinations in Dubai, such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari that make it a worldclass tourist destination. The Dubai Shopping Festival will conclude with a magnificent closing ceremony. With so much on the offer, the DSF 2012, is hoped to be a memorable shopping experience both for visitors and residents alike, and is expected to be larger and more successful than the DSF 2011 edition. DSF GROWTH . The DSF has established itself as the leading special "shopping" event in the world, others have tried with their own success, but no one has really been able to match the passion and success of this great festival. In its first year in 1996, 1.5 million people attended and in 1999 this figure increased to a staggering 2.4 million which resulted in incremental sales of US$ 1.12 billion, and these figures have been growing ever since. in 2005 there was an estimated 3.3 million!

Yearly Visitor's Information

Going back for the beginning of Dubai shopping festival, and due to the huge number of visitors, through the previous eight cycles we conclude that the event attracted at its first cycle in 1996 1.6 million visitors during 43 days. This number reaches the same total in the next cycle in no more than 31 day. While in 1998, the number of visitor's increases to be 2.2 in the same period, and in 1999, the event attracted 2.4 million visitors in 28 days. The fifth cycle witnesses a high growth in its visitors, which end at 25 million visitors during 31-day only and 2.55 visitors in 2001. In 2002, the number increase to reach 2.68 in 31 festival days. Dubai shopping festival 2003, attracted the largest number of visitors, one could say, it was the best among other cycle since it recorded the highest number: 2.92 million visitors in no more than 32 festival days.

Cost Per Year The average cost in the first festival cycle at 1996 was DHS 2.5 Billion and DHS 2.79 at 1997. At the third cycle in 1998, the cost was DHS 3.81 Billion, and in 1999 the cost close at DHS 4.15 billion. While at 2000 the cost surge to DHS 4.31. At the last three years, the average cost ranges between 4.50 at 2001, 4.60 at 2002, 5.12 at 2003