Emaar Malls Group, the shopping mall and retail subsidiary of Emaar Properties, said it is blending luxury travel and leisure to offer an unparalleled array of exciting events and promotions at this year's Dubai Shopping Festival.

The shopping malls under the portfolio of Emaar Malls Group – The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Gold & Diamond Park – are key sponsors of DSF and expect to attract record numbers of footfall during the popular retail festival.

Emaar Malls Group’s signature promotion ‘Fly from one Fashion to Another’ offers all the exciting elements of travel, fashion and luxury, with every purchase of Dh300 ($81.6), said a top official.

Each week, one lucky winner will win a holiday trip for two, to the world’s most beloved fashion capitals: London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo courtesy of Etihad Airways and Etihad Holidays.

The final draw will also see a shopper drive away with a Mercedes courtesy of Al Ain Class Motors.

Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer, Emaar Malls Group, said the participation of the Group’s various shopping malls at DSF 2010 highlights the company’s commitment to partner in initiatives that further boost retail and tourism in Dubai.

“DSF is one of the much-awaited shopping and entertainment extravaganzas, further boosting Dubai’s positioning as a must-see tourist destination. The festival not only gives a major boost to retail but also offers families a season of unlimited fun,” he said.

According to Rafi, Dubai Mall is a must-visit retail and leisure destination in the region, while Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar and Gold & Diamond Park have clearly defined niches that appeal to all cross-sections of visitors.

'While Dubai Marina Mall offers the added appeal of a waterfront ambience, Souk Al Bahar’s architectural features and spectacular location will appeal to those who prefer the ambience of an old world Arabic souk. Gold & Diamond Park will add glitter to the retail festival with a spectacular array of jewellery,” he noted.

'To participate in the ‘Fly from one Fashion Capital to Another’ promotion, shoppers need to spend a minimum of Dh300 at any retailer in any of the four Emaar Malls Group shopping destinations,' Rafi explained.

'Every Dh300 spent can be redeemed for one raffle coupon at Guest Services and entered for the weekly draws every Sunday starting February 7, 2010 with the final draw on March 1, 2010.'

Holiday packages include two return (from Abu Dhabi) economy tickets to London, Milan, Paris or Tokyo with five-days/four nights accommodation. An additional draw for a Mercedes C-Class will be drawn on March 1, 2010, Rafi added. 

The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination with 1,200 retail outlets including 160 F&B outlets, will host a full entertainment and events calendar during DSF 2010 providing all day, every day activities for the entire family.

Among the highlights is the Make-Up Festival to be hosted at Galeries Lafayette, a luxury car exhibition by Al Ain Class Motors, Glamour in the City, a haute couture exhibition by Swarovski Crystallized in Fashion Avenue and ‘Crafty Kids’ by Tickles & Giggles, a dedicated kids arts & crafts centre hosted in The Dubai Mall’s open-air streetscape, The Grove.

The Waterfall atrium will be an area of activity with a golf putting competition and a separate remote control car racing contest hosted by Hamleys, the UK’s favourite toy store.

For those who appreciate the arts, The Dubai Mall will have a Photography Exhibition by ITP Publishing showcasing the creative works of award-winning photographers, Rafi said.

Other activities to be spread across The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall include oud and qanoon players; balloon bending; a Disney Discovery Centre for kids; Spanish guitarists; face painting; Freej movies; crafts for children; stilt walkers; mime artists; saxophonists and a Venetian opera singer.-TradeArabia News Service