It you haven’t already got your shopping fix this sale season, you have until February 2 to do so. Apart from slashed prices at more than 6,000 retail outlets and 70 malls across the UAE, there’s plenty more on offer. Here’s your alternative guide to the 19th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
Royal carpet roll-out
Since 1996, the Carpet & Art Oasis exhibition has run in conjunction with DSF and Dubai Customs. Head down to Festival City to see the extraordinary collection of handcrafted designs including an 8.5metre-tall collage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
• Open Saturday to Thursday, from 10am to 10pm and Fridays, from 4pm to 11pm
Stylish spots
Trawling the malls this DSF are the Fashion Squad, a four-strong team of bloggers, style gurus and presenters from the region. If the crew singles you out in a mall for your snazzy threads, you’ll receive shopping vouchers and be entered into a prize draw for a fashion shoot with a leading magazine. Check out the pictures posted so far on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #spottedDSF.
Diverse cultural exchange
The key DSF destination, Al Seef Street in Dubai, is shining a spotlight on the Bedouin culture this month. Learn more about the traditional ways of desert dwellers through the exhibition on the food, lifestyle, ceremonies and crafts of nomads from 12 different countries – from Sudan to Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
High-flying kids
Hailing all the way from Denmark, the Flying Superkids Show is drawing crowds daily to Dubai’s Zabeel Park. To a soundtrack of pumping beats, a troop of talented tots and teenagers perform circus stunts, daring acrobatics and musical numbers.
• Shows will be performed daily at Zabeel Park at 5pm and 6.30pm until Saturday
Winner takes all
If you are in any doubt whether to pick up a raffle ticket for one of DSF’s many prizes when you next pass by an ENOC or EPPCO petrol station, read on. Nizar Ahmed from Syria was urged by an enthusiastic cashier to purchase one this month and ended up scooping a brand new runaround.
“The attendant was keen on selling the coupon to me,” says Ahmed. “He confidently told me that this was the lucky coupon and would make me the winner of a Nissan car.”
New brasserie brunch
A treat for weary feet this shopping season comes in the form of a new brunch at The Address hotel in Downtown Dubai, conveniently located next to The Dubai Mall. Every Friday from 12.30 to 4.30pm, visitors can enjoy à la carte options from the menu at Madeleine Café & Boulangerie. Top tip: ask for a table on the terrace and marvel at the dancing fountains.
• For reservations, call 04 438 4335
This week’s top retail steals
Craving Cavalli
Cash is king at Roberto Cavalli this month, with up to 50 per cent off select ready-to-wear pieces, accessories and footwear. Visit the label's boutique in Mall of the Emirates, call 04 341 4341 or head to www.bugatti.ae.
Undercover deals
With the advertising tagline "Even supermodels love a sale", who could resist a quick peek inside Victoria's Secret this month? From ladies separates to matching sets and cosmetics, the store's discounts of up to 40 per cent on more than 120 styles are not to be missed. Visit www.victoriassecret.com for more information.
Getting shirty
Stock up on discounted shirts from Thomas Pink this January while checking out the brand’s new range at The Dubai Mall. Equally, Ralph Lauren has reduced the price of its iconic men’s polo shirt to under Dh500. Available in red, blue and yellow cotton with big or small ponies. Call 04 341 4200 for details.
Cheap talk
If you're in the market for a new phone then Jacky's in Deira City Centre has a sweet deal. Spend upwards of Dh299 on devices from Samsung to BlackBerry and you'll receive a free Bluetooth set, car charger and memory card. The deal excludes iPhone handsets and runs until February 2. For details, visit www.jackys.com or call 04 294 9480.
Spring clean
Half-price homeware is on offer at The One's stores across Dubai. Bargain-basement prices on dining room tables, beds and even candles can be found in Jumeirah Beach Road and Mall of the Emirates outlets. Our top pick: a cream 2.5-seater sofa for 25 per cent less at Dh4,121 – available while stocks last. Call 04 345 6687 or visit www.theone.com for details.
rduane@thenational.ae
