"Dubai Shopping Festival" a Dubai Travel Page by metha

Epitomizing an oil-rich sheikhdom isn't a bad life, but what Dubai really wants to be is an entertainer. Its act includes big-time horse races and sporting events, a monthlong shopping festival and a skyline that commands attention. For jaded, been-there-done-that tourists, this city on the Persian Gulf can throw in camel racing and sand skiing.

Dubai's rapid transformation has left it with a slice of old Arabia and a chunk of modern infrastructure. It also has a multinational population, attracting people from east and west.

You'll find souks selling gold jewelry and traditional wares not far from modern shopping centers selling electronics and luxury items. You'll see wind towers and minarets rising up from old neighborhoods, dwarfed in turn by office and hotel towers. However, the biggest contrast can be seen in its landscape: A beautiful coastline and beaches are backed by an equally expansive desert.

Each year the world awaits one event - the ultimate blend of world-class entertainment and shopping bonanza - the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
In its successful 9th year, DSF 2004 will be held from January 15 to February 15, 2004.
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Defence Minister of the UAE, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a far-sighted endeavor to establish Dubai as a top-notch tourist destination and set global standards in every field.

History

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Born to be the most impressive shopping cum entertainment mega event, Dubai Shopping Festival was staged for the very first time on February 15, 1996. 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 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.

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 General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

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, Dubai Shopping Festival is living 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 became partners to DSF's growth.

Presented below are highlights of the past seven editions of Dubai Shopping Festival, showing the evolution of the event into a major attraction for visitors from around the globe.

Please check out the travel tips for more info on DSF 2004