Dubai’s retail tourism bonanza

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced details of its comprehensive 2021 Retail Calendar, with citywide events, activations and experiences set to fully support the emirate’s economic and tourist development goals. The calendar is packed with 15 festival campaigns spread throughout 2021.

With this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge and Diwali already completed, plus the UAE National Day celebrations poised to begin, the announcement of DFRE’s annual programme for 2021 reinforces the city’s status as the premier destination for holidays as well as memorable lifestyle and retail experiences. Dubai’s retail community received the full support of the government as well as key partners and stakeholders who all work closely with the sector to help it reopen strongly, continue to drive sales and reinforce consumer confidence. This year-round support has empowered the entire retail community, from brands to malls and established a solid foundation for
continued growth.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “The announcement of a new, full, busy and exciting calendar of retail events in Dubai for 2021 is a positive indication of progress from this year. We have learned many lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic; with the events of 2020 helping to shape a new focus on what is required to host major events in the months and years ahead. The new 2021 calendar offers a strategic platform of retail events, promotions and entertainment that will help to ensure Dubai stays safe and at the forefront of the world’s important retail destinations. Dubai’s retail sector is an area of major economic importance, and by working closely with our strategic partners, we will continue to provide opportunities for sustainable growth and development and achieve the emirate’s retail and tourism objectives.”

The 2021 Retail Calendar coincides with the 26th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which begins on December 17, 2020 and concludes on January 30, 2021. The seven-week mega event will kick off with huge concerts featuring regional and global music superstars plus spectacular fireworks displays. The 2021 Retail Calendar features all of Dubai’s favourite events, shopping festivals, family promotions, lifestyle activations, citywide sales and unique experiences that continually delight residents and attract visitors. The calendar also includes initiatives built around dates and events that are important to the city’s various communities but also welcome the full spectrum of nationalities that call Dubai home, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Eid. Lifestyle events include the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the citywide health and wellbeing initiative, which grows in popularity every year.