How DSF changed Dubai in 21 unique ways

1.World's shopping capital

Bringing millions of people together on a single stage, DSF has successfully established Dubai as one of the biggest shopping hubs in the world. Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), leaves no stone upturned to deliver a world-class event that has something for everyone.

2. Dreams coalesce into themes

If Dubai is the world's fashion colonnade, then DSF serves as its glitzy signage. Innovating constantly to usher in new concepts, the festival makes 'out-of-box' seem uncomplicated. This season started off with several uniquely retail themed platforms - beauty, gold/jewellery, apparel and fashion, and perfumes. Not only did it put the 'power to select' entirely in the hands of the buyer, it also enhanced the shopping experience.

3. Emirate is a stage

The festival's oeuvre is vast and visually pleasing. Shopping is just one part of it. There is an avalanche of entertainment in the offing including world theatre, local concerts and comedy shows. Sample this: Dubai Arabic Concerts, Market Outside the Box, Salaam Dubai 2016, The Russell Peters Almost Famous World Tour - just some of the highly evolved set of performers who operated at various stages during the current DSF, making Dubai - at once - localised and universal.

4. Rush hour happiness

This year, DSF is expected to draw a whopping 4.5 million visitors to Dubai. Passenger numbers at the world's busiest airport for international travellers, Dubai International, have risen sharply as we approach the end of another record year for DSF.

5. You are in luck

The concept of winning has been redefined, thanks to DSF. What can only be described as a potpourri of raffles, coupons, prizes, jackpots and lucky draws, freebies worth an estimatedDh7 million will be up for grabs at DSF 2016. With people - among them hundreds of lucky winners - queuing up for promotional campaigns, malls and shopping centres all over Dubai report a big spurt in footfalls.

6. Reviving a glorious heritage

DSF allows shoppers to explore the rich traditions and heritage of Dubai in a special way. Whether it is experiencing first-hand Emirati culture at the UAE pavilion or enjoying the camel marathon at the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre (HBMHC), nothing beats the thrill of watching it unfold.

7. Age of family

Families find it easy to bond over DSF. Around this time of the year, the air is crisp and cool - an appropriate time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Dubai. The festival provides a great stage for family-friendly activities - from children's attractions, concerts and fireworks to upscale shops, boutiques and bulging market stalls.

8. Gastronomic delights

Dubai has a truly eclectic food scene. During the DSF you get an array of eating-out options - from the food courts, chic restaurants, snack bars to the eateries at Global Village. Whether you want to head to a posh restaurant in Dubai Mall or nibble away at a bistro in the city, the range and quality of food is unparalleled - from Arabic to Mediterranean cuisine and everything in between.

9. No sundowns in January

Malls in Dubai usually extend their timings during the DSF. Stores outside of malls, especially those in the souqs, also keep their shutters up for longer hours. Shopping in Dubai is most fun at night when residents mingle with holidaymakers to enjoy the sheer energy and cosmopolitan character of the city.

10.Gizmos, gears and gadgets

With electronics majors dazzling visitors with hot deals during the DSF, the 'buzz' adds to consumer confidence. Offering the most cutting-edge gadgets and gizmos with some great deals thrown in, major electronics brands showcase their latest product line-up and deals in the festival. (Sample this: This DSF, some leading names in electronics give you a chance to get two nights and three days hotel stay if you buy accessories worth Dh350 and above.)

11.Sense of wonder

Tourists coming to Dubai during the DSF partake in the city's inimitable verve. DSF 2016, under the tagline 'Unwrap The Exceptional', accentuates that spirit. Visitors get an opportunity to rediscover their sense of wonder and excitement by witnessing Dubai in its full glory: itsrich Arab heritage, urban vibe and international flavour. A heady mix of pleasant weather, great beaches and tolerant culture adds to the charm.

12.Liberally yours

One of the biggest attractions that Dubai offers is its liberal values. While respecting local sensibilities, the emirate exudes a relaxed ethos, where it is safe to be yourself. Historically, the city has served as a trendsetter for the region. With DSF, Dubai has evolved into a place that offers great spaces for family and friends to come together, restaurants to frequent and funzones to visit.

13.Roman candles in the desert

Dubai puts up a spectacular show of fireworks during the entire duration of DSF for thousands of revellers. All through the festival, every weekend, night skies over Dubai are lit up. If you want the best seats in the house, head to The Beach, JBR, Global Village or the Creek Park.

14.Serving to spoil you

Known for its hospitality, attentive personalised service and specialisation in recreating an old-world magic for guests, Dubai's hotels and guesthouses are always a notch ahead than the rest. After a long day's shopping, there is nothing like de-stressing, relaxing, and rejuvenating in one of the emirate's 88,000 plus hotel rooms.

15.Culture vulture

DSF has catapulted Dubai into a cultural stratosphere where a discerning tourist can get check the finest artifacts, relics and objets d'art from around the UAE. That is not all. There is a renewed emphasis on the age-old art of poetry - a recurring motif of the local culture with themes of satire, chivalry, patriotism, family and love. DSF 2016 started off with Al Faris, an epic musical production, inspired by the poems of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

16.Celebrating diversity

Dubai is a rainbow emirate with people from 200 different nationalities working together. DSF 2016 is very effective in capitalising on this symphony of achievement, accomplishment and optimism, transforming it "One World. One Family. One Festival" - an all-embracing slogan.

17.Creating opportunities

As the longest running and the largest shopping event in the world, DSF helps set the cash registers ringing. The festival is a huge brand in itself, one that attracts millions of tourists, creating numerous job opportunities. Defying the global economic upheaval, Dubai's economic stats continue to be robust while registering high growth rates in key sectors of the economy, in line with the emirate's policy of diversification. In the last two decades DSF has resulting in a total spend of over Dh145 billion (figures by Middle East Council of Shopping Centres).

18.Global appeal

As part of the DSF, Global Village acts as a springboard to the festival. With its 65 pavilions,Dubai's leading family entertainment attraction recorded 2.2 million footfalls in the first two months of this season. From Jordanian shadow artists whose calligraphy is sure to leave you awe-struck to waterproof papier-mâché masks from Venice, Global Village is a kaleidoscope of products, colours and rhythms from around the world.

19.Sun, sand and surf

There is never a better time to rollick in one of Dubai's beautiful beachfronts than during the DSF. You can enjoy water sports like surfing and volleyball while shopping. Since some of Dubai's best beaches run along the JBR, the festival brings in the Carnival at The Beach. Families can enjoy shopping excursion at one of Dubai's newest shopping areas in JBR as jugglers, fire-eaters and acrobats keep them entertained.

20.Of masters and masterpieces

The Carpet and Art Oasis, 54 pavilions of artistic sophistication, is a tribute to human artistry. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of DSF, the Oasis houses more than 250,000 carpets. Sourced from Iran, India, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, carpet weavers dexterously infuse a strong local flavour to their art, while preserving original stylised formats.

21.A city synonymous with achievement

DSF has helped Dubai plug into innovation. In the last 21 years, the emirate has undergone tremendous transformation with delivery at its nucleus. The bar for efficiency in Dubai has been set very high. What DSF does - with its huge brand value, public appeal, retail turnover, celebrity icons, millions of dirhams in prizes, fashion catwalks and interactive displays - is that it encourages Dubai to deliver exceptional experiences.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com