The Organising Committee of the Sharjah Spring Promotions (SSP) formally announced that the latest edition of the event will commence on January 15.

'Although the annual festival has already made its mark as a major social, cultural, and business event in the UAE, we want to further enhance this and other activities that highlight Sharjah’s dynamism,' said Hussein Mohammad Al Mahmoudi, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) director general.

'We aim to double the number of visitors and shoppers from within and outside the emirate in 2009, which is highly achievable given the broader confirmed participation of retail and related establishments this year. We will also use the celebrations to drum up interest in our other seasonal activities as well,' he added.

The annual event will run for 40 days and will feature emirate-wide participation in various fun-filled social, cultural, environmental and heritage activities, catering to a diverse range of interest groups.

The SSP is considered a major image-enhancing and marketing event for the Emirate of Sharjah.

'Sharjah is emerging as a preferred national destination for diverse and unique events and is playing a larger role in the UAE’s growth.'

'The SCCI will continue promoting and supporting events such as the Spring Promotions which showcase our rich heritage while contributing to the development of our domestic and national economy,' concluded Al Mahmoudi.-TradeArabia News Service