The boss of Al Ghurair City - the first shopping mall to open in the Middle East - yesterday reported a 25 per cent increase in sales during Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).
Salem Al Ghurair, the CEO, said a combination of entertainment events and special offers resulted in a 40 per cent increase in visitor numbers.
"As the most prominent summer event in the region, DSS has contributed towards putting the emirate on the international tourist map," said Salem.
"Our focus was on attracting families and providing them endless opportunities during the 10-week period.
"The results have exceeded our expectations." A wide range of theatre, art and culture activities were aimed at families and children - the key target audience of the mall.
More than 200 shops took part in the promotion.
Sebastian De Souza, manager of Jashanmal outlet, said: "We witnessed a 30 per cent rise compared with the same period last year. This was largely due to the buzz created by the mall this summer.
"The increased spending power and the high demand for luxury goods has encouraged us to put high-end products on shelves to cater to visitors from GCC, who make up 50 per cent of our customers." Al Ghurair City gave shop pers a chance to win up to Dh5 million in prizes in a promotion run by the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.
The mall's Arabic design is intended to reflect the region's heritage and traditions. Shops include Mexx, Guess, Levi's, French Connection, Damas, Paris Gallery, Plug Ins and 2XL Furniture.
By Emirates Today Staff
© Emirates Today 2007
