The Ninth Dubai Shopping Festival to be held from January 15 to February 15, 2004

The Organising Committee of Dubai Shopping Festival 2003 had a meeting today at the Department of Economic Development, Dubai, to decide the new dates for DSF 2004 and evaluate the performance of the various committees involved in the planning and implementation of various events and activities of the Festival.

Mr. Hussain Ali Lootah, Executive Chairman of Dubai Shopping Festival 2003, headed the meeting. Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Shopping Festival 2003 also attended the meeting,  amongst the other key members of the DSF Organising Committee.

The Organising Committee discussed the various facets of the 32-day DSF 2003 and evaluated the objectives vis-à-vis the results achieved, against the parameter of the identified challenges. The committee also discussed the  aspect of higher level of co-ordination and co-operation between each other in making the event successful.

They also focussed on the importance of the various stages of planning for the event and emphasized the importance of co-operation at every stage  beginning with planning, execution and monitoring of all the events.

They sited the Global Village as an example of a well planned and well-co-ordinated event, stressing that the advanced levels of planning ensured that visitors had a hassle free entry to the Village at all times.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Hussain Ali Lootah said, "We have decided the dates for Dubai Shopping Festival 2004, which will be held from 15th January to 15th February, given that this DSF enjoyed increased number of  visitors and increased sales, and excellent results for the private sector.

"Every consecutive year, the visitor expectations from the Festival are higher, because we set new and higher standards of success for the events organised in each year. I request all of you to put in more efforts in providing  better service, innovative concepts and activities for DSF 2004."