Emaar Malls Group, one of the biggest retail developers in the region, is famous for its flagship development – Dubai Mall which is also the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. As one of the key sponsors of this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises, Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Malls Group, talks about Dubai’s retail industry in an interview conducted by the media centre of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment.
Emaar Malls Group have stepped up again this year to support Dubai Summer Surprises, what were the reasons behind this decision?
With four mall developments in Dubai, including The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, Emaar Malls Group is at the forefront of the retail sector in the region. We are committed to supporting initiatives that further drive retail and tourism in the UAE.
In your opinion, to what extent can festivals such as Dubai Summer Surprises impact the retail industry?
Shopping and leisure extravaganzas like Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises are added incentives for both retailers and customers, and boost both business volume and footfall. During Dubai Shopping Festival 2010, for example, The Dubai Mall hosted a record 5 million visitors during one month.
Being one of the leading entities that influence the dynamic retail sector in Dubai, what was Emaar Malls Group’s strategy in dealing with the economic slowdown?
The opening of The Dubai Mall has significantly energised the economy of Dubai. In addition to creating some 10,000 new jobs, the mall has also contributed to strengthening the retail and tourism sector, which are integral to the economy. We will continue to add value to our customers through innovative shopping and leisure initiatives.
What promotions is The Dubai Mall running during DSS 2010?
We are currently hosting the ‘All that Glitters is Gold’ SMS Campaign at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Gold & Diamond Park. By spending AED 200 at any of the four malls, customers will have the chance to win weekly prizes including return Emirates Business Class tickets to the golden cities of Amsterdam, Prague or Madrid, gold bars and gold watches. There are three Grand Prizes, to be drawn on August 8 – a luxury gold watch, two return Emirates Business Class tickets to one of the three ‘golden’ cities in Europe and a luxury Jewellery set worth AED 50,000.
What are the entertainment events that The Dubai Mall is hosting during DSS 2010?
We are hosting a variety of entertainment activities including exhibitions, fashion shows, interactive performances and various entertainers. The mall hosted the DSS signature event ‘Sheila & Abaya Fashion’ between July 8 and 11 and visitors to the mall can experience Emarati culture at its best with ‘Min Bladi Al Emarat’ – another DSS signature event that is currently running and that will go on till July 26. We also have musicians, mascots and live entertainment throughout the mall, creating a fun, exciting atmosphere for the entire family.
