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Malls report brisk business

Eisa Adam Ibrahim, President of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, said: "There are several concurrent promotions at the malls besides the Forever Dubai campaign, making shopping in Dubai extremely rewarding. The combined multiplier effect of these promotions on the overall shopping scenario has been very effective in attracting shoppers."

The offtake of coupons have been high, with several requests for reprints from the sponsors of the campaign. Deira City Centre (DCC) has reported an average coupon offtake figure of 5,000 daily.

Mahaba Hamed, Sales Promotion and Festival Co-ordinator, DCC, said: "We see a lot of international visitors in the mall. Despite the fact that the entire city is involved in Dubai 2003 at various levels, our shoppers have managed to find time to indulge in their favourite pastime, obviously attracted by the wonderful shopping opportunities within the mall."

Rebecca Arnold, Mall Manager, Mercato and Town Centre said: "Mercato and Town Centre have been very happy to have had the opportunity to participate in the Forever Dubai. This has been a great opportunity to attract the attention of international visitors and display our hospitality and provide an enriching shopping experience."

Oasis Centre, which is simultaneously having a sale in one of its anchor store, Splash, has also reported brisk sales. Deepak Chawla, Mall Manager, Oasis Centre said: "We've been seeing a good number of international visitors. Resident numbers have also been high, mainly attracted by the promotions. The high decibel radio, outdoor and print campaigns for Forever Dubai has also had a direct impact on the visitor traffic."

Lamcy Plaza too has reported high traffic figures within the mall. Tim Jones, General Manager, Lamcy Plaza, said, "By spending Dh200, a shopper at Lamcy receives two coupons. One coupon entitles him to win a Mashreq Millionaire Certificate and the other enables him to participate in the Forever Dubai campaign whereby he can win 25kg of gold. "The WB and IMF meetings are important milestones for the Middle East region and we're proud to be associated with the Forever Dubai promotion. To heighten the atmosphere of festivity and to mark our commitment to making such initiatives a resounding success, we've complemented the efforts of the DSMG and are presenting our shoppers incredible value by offering a chance to 'Win a Million' at Lamcy Plaza."

Forever Dubai is a unique tourism initiative created by DTCM to promote Dubai as a shopping destination as well as to reinforce the city's reputation as the City of Gold. Alongside the cultural show, 'Forever Dubai' features a citywide sales initiative, giving buyers of goods and services worth a minimum of Dh200 ($55), a chance to win a grand prize of 25kg of gold.

• UAE