DSF promotional tour reaches Oman

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency under the Department of Economic Development and organisers of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), announced the unique offers that Dubai will present to visitors during the 18th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, which will take place over 32 days from January 3 to February 3, 2013, under the slogan 'Dubai at its Best'. The DEPE-led delegation comprised Emirates Airline as well as official bodies such as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. There has been a huge jump in the number of tourist arrivals from Oman to Dubai recently. Records show 213,996 Omani visitors came to Dubai in the first nine months of 2012, which represents a huge increase of 34 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2011. Meanwhile, figures released for DSF 2011 show 3.98 million people visited Dubai during the month-long event, spending a total of Dh15.1 billion in 32 days. Ibrahim Saleh, festival's coordinator general, DEPE, said: "The GCC has been and remains a core market for DSF not only due to its  geographical proximity but also for the fact that we share the same values and cultural backgrounds. "The festival's marketing slogan 'Dubai at its Best' signifies the best of everything that the vibrant Emirate stands for, especially during DSF, when it offers unparalleled and unforgettable experiences to visitors and residents alike." He said after Dubai was crowned for the second consecutive year the 'World Festival and Event City' by the International Festivals and Events Association, DEPE is even more keen to provide the best services to tourists and visitors. The UAE has witnessed great development in the past few years, he added, which Dubai and the DEPE are keen to keep up by offering the highest international standards at events hosted by Dubai. Addressing the Omani media, he said: "During DSF, Dubai is truly at its best — all family members and visitors will have numerous opportunities to win prizes, enjoy the shopping promotions and celebrate this huge and unique festival. This joy is truly encapsulated in the slogan 'Dubai at its Best'." He also said that DSF 2013 will have a new and gala opening, which will offer a preview about how big and unique the festival is and what it will offer its visitors —from events, activities and promotions to carnivals, fireworks and much more. The festival will also hold raffle draws for gold as well as luxury cars (Nissan, Infiniti and Ferrari), and will feature unique plays and concerts by top international and Arab artistes. Times Of Oman