Festival Centre, the shopping precinct of Dubai Festival City, a premier waterfront urban community developed by Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE), said it had attracted a record 700,000 guests during this Eid.

The massive crowd once more reiterated Dubai Festival City's position as the emirate’s year-long hot favourite entertainment, shopping and dining destination, the AFGRE said in a statement.

Nearly 120,000 guests visited the Festival Centre on Tuesday alone - drawn by the fireworks display, musical shows, Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, retail stores’ offerings and some of the finest culinary experiences, the statement said.

Shoppers also got a chance to win raffle worth Dh1.4 million, as part of Ediyat Dubai, a promotion organised by Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment.

“We are extremely pleased with this visitor turnout as it once again proves our exciting offerings continue to please our guests,” said Tom Miles, director-Shopping Centres, AFGRE, the real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim Group.

“To say this is our finest in terms of footfalls during one single week would not be too wrong, although I must add that a packed calendar of activities that spans from now to the National Day celebrations and up until the end of the year will certainly break a few records,” Miles noted.

'While hardened sales shoppers bagged a bargain on everything from beauty products to fashion, electronics and household products leisure strollers, foodies and families settled for the incredibly varied dining experience and entertainment calendar which has become a hallmark of the Al-Futtaim property, third-time sponsor of the Eid in Dubai event,' he added.

The exclusive 'Eid in Dubai' entertainment and retail promotions were further bolstered by the ever popular regular weekend live shows on the Floating Stage, roaming acts and musicians, the Dino Live event and the house band keeping the tempo throbbing.

Also adding to festivities were the recently opened culinary offerings in the form of Burj Al Hamam and Karam Beirut, Lebanon’s famous dining establishments, as also Esfahan (Beriani and Iranian food) and the combined store/restaurant Chocopologie.

These were part of 14 outlets and restaurants opened during the last three months, occupying a total floor space of 23,497 sq ft.

'The strength of Dubai Festival City unique offering is our ability to adapt and add to the exceptional shopping, dining and leisure experiences,' Miles pointed out.

'In addition to our 400 stores and nearly 90 restaurants and cafes, our newly launched Marina Pavilion has successfully combined the best of culinary delights and waterfront vistas to bring together the diverse cultures and nationalities residing or visiting Dubai,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service