10:18 PM
Vinay Singh
wdDubai: Whether it’s bargains, street entertainment, or the car and gold winnings, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has made a huge impact in people’s lives for the past two decades.
Gulf News asked residents who witnessed the opening of the
first DSF in Rigga in 1996 about their earliest memories and the
shopping techniques they’ve discovered through the years. For some, the
kilometres-long cake that everyone went crazy about after gossip broke
out that car keys were hidden inside it was the most vivid memory during
the DSF inaugural launch. For others, DSF brings to mind its
distinctive shopping bag and logo. Here’s what our readers asscoaite
with their DSF memories:
source: http://goo.gl/2mDDMe
Where he was when DSF was launched:
“I was in Dubai then, but I was still studying. I was 11 years old.”
Experience during first DSF:
“The whole festival was held in Rigga. People who lived near the area
used to just walk to where the whole celebration was. The abra was the
most used mode of transportation. I remember there was a bunjee jumping
contest where people who’d try out and touched the water of the Dubai
Creek would get to win two cars. Only the brave ones tried it out. The
fireworks display was one of the major attractions because it was a new
thing for many people.”
What DSF means to him:
“DSF to me is a very good campaign for tourists — a lot of people are
coming to the city, so you won’t get idle at work especially of you’re
working in travel sales.”
Biggest discounts he’s had so far
“When I bought an iPhone 4 two years back. I got a discount of Dh250.
My very first purchase during DSF was a leather wallet at Dh30, which
would probably cost Dh100-Dh150 now.”
Top shopping tip:
“If you plan to shop at the end of the year, wait for the DSF. That way
you get a chance to win in raffles during DSF [after shopping].
Mohammad Ebrahim Mohammad, 54, files coordinator, from India
Where he was when DSF was launched:
“I’ve been in the UAE for 38 years and I was here in Dubai when they
first launched it in Rigga beside the then Dubai Municipality office.”
Fist DSF experience:
“Earlier, the entire celebration was concentrated in one area in Rigga
stretching for about two square kilometres. But now, everywhere you
look, you see DSF promotions. We would go out to shop four or five times
every week because people were really interested in it as it was a new
concept.”
What DSF means to him:
“DSF is a time when family members from India travel to Dubai to shop.”
Biggest discounts he’s had so far:
“I got a discount of Dh200 after buying a TV set, that’s the biggest so
far. My very first purchase was a sound mixer for Dh125 and I was able
to use it for ten years.”
Top shopping tip:
“Best thing to buy during DSF are electronics [and] appliances. I
bought a discounted washing machine that came with a [free] microwave
oven.”
Ramesh Menon, communications coordinator based in Abu Dhabi:
Where he was when DSF was launched:
“I was in Dubai when the first DSF was launched in 1996. The closing
day of [the first] DSF will remain unforgettable for me. I still
remember the crowded Al Nasr Square streets and rush that was
experienced that evening.”
Experience during first DSF:
“The first-of-[its]-kind inaugural event in the region itself was a
great success. The activities were concentrated in Deira, Bur Dubai and
Satwa. The streets were decorated and evenings were filled with curious
residents to experiences the never before shopping bonanza that was
going to be there for a long period to come in the history of Dubai and
UAE. The lucky draws giving luxurious cars on raffle were a big
attraction.
What DSF means to him:
“A festive time where friends and families could meet, do a bit of
shopping, eat out and explore the culture and tradition of countries
from different parts of the world. DSF has grown its stature to entice
many countries to emulate similar events on a yearly basis.”
Top shopping tip:
“DSF now is spread out for a longer time and so wait for the early rush
to subside and select offers and items that really fit your purse and
requirements.”
Julia Greenwood, senior vice president, ADGAS, from the UK:
Where she was when DSF was launched:
“I was in Abu Dhabi at the launch of DSF. It was a fantastic idea and
created a hub for people to meet and shop from all over the world.”
Experience during first DSF:
“The hype of excitement that all the shops were simultaneously on sale
making offers, [holding] raffles and hotel discounts. [It was] amazing.”
What DSF means to her:
“DSF is a chance to buy products [that] perhaps I would wait to save up
for, but can be considered due to DSF shopping discounts. I have made
new friends from socialising on a DSF meet and shop.”
Biggest discounts she’s had so far:
“We bought skis, suitcases, [and] evening dresses from the best brands.
The hotels we stayed at were offering half price rooms with breakfast.”
Top shopping tip:
“I think the whole festival runs smoothly as it is, the word is spread
around the world, and visitors from all over are keen to experience it.
Perhaps the public transport can get involved more with the late-night
shopping, i.e., weekly passes exclusive from DSF outlets.”
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