Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (Depe), organisers of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), has announced that the 18th edition of the event will run from January 3 to February 3, 2013.

Depe launched a marketing campaign revolving around the theme ‘Dubai at its Best’, which builds on the fact that during the 32 days of DSF the city of Dubai presents the best of everything it has to offer, painting the city in a festive mood with a unique blend of shopping, prizes, promotions and entertainment.
 
Dubai now boasts the largest collection of international retail brands in any city of the world with the exception of London, a statement from the organisers said. DSF has become one of the world’s best-loved shopping events with a unique and diverse range of retail experiences - from city and street markets, to traditional souks, to world-class shopping malls.

Other than tax-free discounted shopping, visitors to Dubai during DSF can look forward to hundreds of events and activities - from international concerts, musicals and shows to sporting, outdoor, and fashion events.

More than 70 of the city’s malls will participate in DSF 2013, with bargains, promotions, sales and special offers.  There are thousands of chances to win daily and weekly prizes organised by participating malls and retailers; with raffle prizes including everything from cars to jewellery to cash. Shopping during DSF lasts day and night with the highly popular Night Souq, initially introduced in 2003, returns for another year.   

Layali Dubai, a signature DSF event, will entertain visitors during weekends with a series of concerts by local, regional and international musicians; while the DSF Carnival will feature performances by international artists, acrobats, percussionists, and dancers.

The event will feature pavilions from countries around the world showcasing their unique products and cultures, alongside entertainment, events, food stalls, rides, sports activities and daily lucky draws.

Up to its 2011 edition, the Dubai shopping Festival has attracted more than 42 million visitors from across the world. – TradeArabia News Service