Shopping malls across Dubai will have extended working hours in July based on an agreement between the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (Depe), and the Dubai Shopping Malls Group.

 A directive was issued in this regard taking into account the influx of visitors to Dubai during the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) and to drive retail sector revenues and footfall in malls, said a statement from event organisers Depe.  

As per this, all retail outlets in malls across Dubai will be open from 10am to 12midnight on weekdays, while restaurants in malls will function between 10am and 1am on weekdays.

The new timings came into effect from July 1. Additionally, the directive gives outlets in malls the option of functioning beyond the new timings in July, thus making it possible for retailers to keep stores open well past midnight.

The decision to extend timings was taken after discussions with the board of directors of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) and retail owners who were receptive to the idea of extra working hours in the evening to attract shoppers on weekdays, said the Depe statement.

Numerous researches and studies in recent months have placed Dubai as a leading retail destination in the world, only falling behind London.             

Laila Suhail, chief executive officer, said that Depe was keenly monitoring the retail sector to enhance its growth and performance.

“Depe is closely monitoring the retail sector in order to respond to its requirements by creating initiatives that will enhance its performance in collaboration with its partners and the Department of Economic Development,” she remarked.    

“The extension of working hours in malls throughout July presents opportunities for both retailers and shoppers. For retailers, the new directive means the prospect of increased sales and footfall, while for shoppers, it presents an opportunity to make the best of summer sales at their own convenience,” she added.   

Eisa Adam Ibrahim, board of directors member of DSMG, said: “This new directive will certainly benefit our stakeholders, in addition to the fact that malls have been witnessing a notable increase in footfall since the start of DSS that has also coincided with the summer break in schools across the Gulf.'

DSMG, he said, was actively coordinating with Depe to organize initiatives that benefit malls and retailers. 'With Dubai being a preferred retail destination for millions of shoppers, we are aware of visitors’ expectations and we aspire to exceed them,' he added.                

Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer, Emaar Malls Group, welcomed the decision stating that it will further drive the retail sector. 'The ‘Summer in Dubai’ campaign has already energised retail sales and contributed to increasing footfall, and the extended work hours will further enhance the convenience of retailers and shoppers,” he noted.

Mall of the Emirates vice president Fuad Mansoor Sharaf said extended shopping hours present yet even more opportunity for visitors to Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ three malls in Dubai to take advantage of its bespoke calendar of events.

'This DSS, our entertainment schedule and activities truly reflect the international status of Dubai, as well as the popularity of summer surprises,” he added.

Bernice Boshoff, GM of Festival Centre, said: “As a strategic Depe partner and a member of the DSMG, the Dubai Festival City welcomes any initiative that is aimed at enhancing the emirate’s retail sector.

'With extended working hours throughout the month of July, shoppers have one more reason to make the most of DSS sales at Dubai Festival City. While most shoppers tend to shop on weekends, we are expecting to attract increased footfall during weekdays as well,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service