This was highlighted by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) team along with their partners during a Press conference held in Manama Ritz-Carlton on Wednesday as part of a GCC-wide road-show highlighting why this year’s ‘Summer is Dubai’ is destined to continue the trend.
Dubai with 385 brands making it the second top destination for shopping globally after London, boasts 95 shopping malls with over 4000 trading outlets also offers the best taste of modern and traditional architecture to visitors.
Visitors from the GCC are being welcomed to Dubai with open arms this summer, with a range of attractions designed to appeal to families, including a calendar of festivals and cultural activities, the ever-popular Modhesh World, and an array of shopping offers and promotions.
“This summer is an ideal time to visit Dubai, whether you have never been to our city or have been many times before. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to focus on being a family destination of choice, with a range of activities, entertainment and experiences for parents and children to enjoy,” Saleh Al Geziry, DTCM’s Director of Overseas Promotions & Inward Missions, said.
“A number of flight and hotel offers created in partnership with our travel agency partners specifically for GCC visitors will provide further incentives for them to experience our city during a season which is framed by a calendar of cultural and celebratory festivals and events and during which holidaymakers will enjoy the best that Dubai has to offer.”
DTCM has formed partnerships with eight major travel agents across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait to promote Summer is Dubai and creates tailored flight and hotel packages, enabling visitors to experience the famous Dubai luxury offering at surprisingly low prices. The packages can be found at www.summerisdubai.com.
At the event, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the DTCM, presented its exciting summer calendar, kicking off with the 15th edition of Modhesh World, one of the largest themed family indoor edutainment facilities in the region.
To be held between June and September, Modhesh World will offer a range of activities spread across more than 40 zones.
The summer calendar will also include Ramadan in Dubai (29 June to 27 July), which will showcase Islamic culture, Emirati traditions and hospitality; Eid in Dubai (28 July to 1 August) a grand celebration of the Eid Al Fitr festival that will involve people from all communities; and lastly the iconic family summer extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises from 2 August to 5 September.
“Every year, during the summer, the festivals and celebrations organized by DFRE have contributed towards an increase in visitors to Dubai from the region. The GCC region has always been a core market for Dubai, given the UAE’s close proximity and common values and culture that we share. Again, we look forward to welcoming large numbers of tourists from the region, especially families to our summer celebrations this year,” Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al Falasi, Director, Strategic Alliance Division, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said.
“While all our initiatives are driven by a common goal to position Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination, we also aim to showcase the uniqueness of each festival or celebration. For example, while Ramadan in Dubai and Eid in Dubai aim to promote cross cultural understanding and enlighten visitors on the cultural and social aspects, Dubai Summer Surprises puts the spotlight on the world-class entertainment and fun activities that will be in abundance for the whole family. At the same time we are also keen to ensure we meet the needs of all our visitors during the summer season, and this is reflected not only in the array of events and activities, but also in the numerous special offers, deals and discounts that will be offered by Dubai’s retailers. In fact, shopping in Dubai this summer will be a truly rewarding experience, as everyone will get the opportunity to win prizes worth over AED 5 million.”
“This summer, we would like to encourage travellers from Bahrain to avail of the special offers presented by Emirates Holidays and enjoy an entertaining family break in Dubai. The KIDS GO FREE offer is available on three-night packages in over 30 three, four and five star hotels in Dubai, including the new Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah and the newly refurbished Sheraton Dubai Creek, plus specially selected family friendly apartments and start from just BD136. The Summer is Dubai campaign highlights some of the very best places to go, things to see and ways to keep children entertained and we are pleased to be partnering with DTCM to offer these holiday packages for visiting guests,” Maryam Allouz, Sales manager, Emirates Holidays, said.