Data from the latest MasterCard survey of online shopping showed that  UAE residents who shopped online spent an average of US$1,048 (Dh3,849) in the December quarter last year, down from US$1,193 in the same period a year earlier. This was still far ahead of the second-biggest spender, Singapore, where the average online shopper spent $779 over the same three months. The average across all 14 countries surveyed was $660, down from $667 the year before.

The drop in spending was probably caused by consumer caution after the economic downturn, but was also influenced by online price reductions. Another possible factor is that many credit card holders in the UAE had their limits reduced last year, as banks aimed to reduce their liabilities. The fall in online spending came as more retail start-ups launched their online shopping concepts or expanded existing online offerings.

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Everyone living in Dubai, the UAE and the Middle East have probably wished they could get their hands on great products from the US – be it books, music, movies, games or electronics. But very few people shop online with Amazon.com, Endless.com or other online retailers and auction sites due to the shipping issues involved, even though the products are a lot cheaper in the US (Apple Computers, Books, Designer Bags) , especially when buying used products.

A great solution to this dilemma is to find the right payment and shipping options suitable for you. Here are some  recommendations:

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Shoppers are charmed by the special showcase of Serbian culture through the traditional dances performed at the mall

Arabian Center, the latest hotspot for shopping, leisure and entertainment, has been host to some of the most sought after activities throughout DSF 2010. The mall which is the key sponsor of this year’s DSF, has continually indulged its customers in the programs specially designed to entertain, ease and attract the whole family with its assorted promotions.

This week witnessed beautiful glimpses of the Serbian culture at the Arabian Centre. The mall came alive with the traditional Serbian folk dance, the Serbian troop living up to its reputation for bringing the community and families through their dance and music.

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Retailers at Al Ghurair City have announced further reductions and special offers this Dubai Shopping Festival to satisfy the growing number of visitors during the shopping extravaganza. The retail outlets include a range of popular brands such as Mexx, Plug Ins Electronics, Jashanmal, Paris Gallery, Splash, Babyshop and Guess to name just a few; all of which have introduced exciting promotions to offer their diverse clientele.

Being the heart of this festive season, Al Ghurair City is the crown jewel of Al Rigga Street which is studded with various fun activities in addition to the retail kiosks placed at the sidewalk of the mall offering a range of silver jewellery, antique items, pashmina, rugs and many many more. There are also skill games with fabulous prizes to be won, exciting rides, live musicians, juggling acts, all creating a festive buzz on the street.

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Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) heightens the fun and excitement for cultural and artistic celebrations in Dubai with The Fringe festival offering the best street theatrical entertainment anywhere in town.

Wafi, a key sponsor of this year’s DSF, will host the Fringe Festival with an interactive clown and cartoon theatre from February 15^th to 21^st. Each show lasts for about an hour and is preceded by a colorful parade. A Chinese Variety Show will mesmerize the crowds in the mall with acrobatic stunts and stylishly choreographed routines with three shows daily from February 22 to 28, 2010.

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Kids are given a free rein to design, create and decorate their own toys at Souris Mini Toy Factory throughout Dubai Shopping Festival 2010

Arabian Center, the latest hotspot for shopping, leisure and entertainment located on Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, has transformed itself into a hub of fun family activities this Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2010. The Mall, a key sponsor of this year’s DSF, is hosting the Souris Mini Toy Factory where kids can express their creativity and imagination through designing and decorating their own toys.

The Souris Mini Toy Factory is an interactive workshop where children can make their own toys from scratch. They are given demonstrations and coached on how to customize, create and decorate their toys. The kids can then take their creations home to enjoy and cherish. The workshop is held at Arabian Center every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm throughout DSF 2010. It is open to all children from the ages 2 to 14. Read more

Zero per cent interest exclusively for Emirates NBD cardholders at leading discount shopping event

Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets, announced today its sponsorship of Savex 2010, a mega sale event which brings together a multitude of well-known brands under one roof. The event, which takes place from February 11-14 at the Airport Expo Centre in Dubai, will provide customers with the special opportunity to purchase premium brands at attractive prices.

In addition, Emirates NBD, which is also the main sponsor of Dubai Shopping Festival 2010, will give its cardholders a range of benefits, including the option to avail of zero per cent installment payments on purchases made with Emirates NBD credit cards at the event.

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• The range will be carrying 10 designs – 5 from ECO and 5 from BoråsTapeter;
• Available in Danube BUILDMART, Dubai Festival Centre;
• Award-winning designs, including the Elle Decoration Design Award for “London”

ECO BoråsTapeter – the Swedish wallpaper and wall coverings company have launched their first Shop in Shop in the UAE at Danube, Dubai Festival Centre, where customers can virtually simulate wallpaper designs within the design centre, to help them create their perfect home or office interior.

ECO offers young, trend-conscious designs that appeal to those with an eye for detail – whether it be for the home or the office. The full range includes exclusive flock wallpaper and bold wall murals, with the Eco range including award-winning designs, such as the Elle Decoration Design Award for “London.” Being stocked in the UAE as part of the ECO range are Line, Velvet, Feeling, Design 2 and Design 3 – as well as the Metallic collection, which is used to match the other collections.

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A unique ‘Shopper’s Day’ promotion across select malls in Dubai will kick off the massive celebration for Dubai Shopping Festival 2010, marking the landmark 15^th edition of the region’s leading shopping, leisure and entertainment event. A dazzling fireworks display on Al Seef Street will be staged in the evening, heralding the beginning of 32 days of festive celebrations, great shopping deals, world-class events, and exciting promotional deals until February 28, 2010.

Details of the grand opening were announced in an exclusive breakfast gathering held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel on Wednesday, January 27, and was attended by Laila Suhail, Chief Executive Officer; Ibrahim Saleh, Coordinator General; Yousif Mubarak, Chief Operations Officer, and other senior officials from the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE).

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