TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Retail tourism is reshaping the global travel landscape, with the Middle East emerging as a key player in this dynamic sector. Industry experts share their views with TRAVTALK on the trends.
TT Bureau
Home to iconic shopping destinations, cultural markets, and luxury retail experiences, the Middle region is leveraging transformative initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s economic diversification strategies to attract a growing number of international visitors. Globally, retail tourism has evolved beyond traditional shopping, becoming a fusion of culture, entertainment, and lifestyle. The Middle East, with its unique blend of heritage and innovation, is setting new benchmarks in this space, solidifying its position as a global hub for experiential tourism.
Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) plays a pivotal role in boosting tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually. In 2023, DSF welcomed over 3.35 million tourists, with a 10 per cent increase in footfall. The festival drives demand in retail, hospitality, and gastronomy, with Dubai’s hotel occupancy rates exceeding 85 per cent. DSF’s timing during the UAE’s ideal winter weather makes it an attractive destination for international shoppers, offering exclusive deals, raffles, and cultural experiences. The event strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for leisure and retail tourism.
Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director, Al Rais Travel
The Dubai Shopping Festival, a flagship event, will undoubtedly attract a massive influx of retail travellers seeking world-class shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences. We foresee a boom in retail and leisure travel, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, as airlines expand routes and connectivity improves. A significant shift will also occur in business travel.
Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel
Dubai Shopping Festival significantly boosts tourism, drawing global visitors with its shopping deals, entertainment, and cultural events. This surge increases hotel occupancy, benefiting Dubai’s hospitality sector. As a travel agent, we craft tailored packages combining flights, hotel stays, shopping tours, and festival highlights, ensuring convenience for travellers. This year, expectations are high with new attractions and exclusive discounts.
Sabina Piacenti, International Markets Manager McArthurGlen Designer Outlets
GCC visitors are a key audience across McArthurGlen outlets year-round, drawn by luxury shopping, premium experiences, and world-renowned designer brands. Our open-air architecture, family-friendly services, and tailored offerings enhance their experience. July and August peak as GCC travellers seek Europe’s cooler climates. Additional spikes occur during Eid holidays.
Jawad Saade, General Manager, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences
The Dubai Shopping Festival has a tremendous impact on the hospitality industry, driving significant demand for hotel rooms during the event. As one of Dubai’s premier destinations, Hilton Dubai Creek Hotel & Residences at Jewel of the Creek sees an increase in both leisure and retail-driven travellers, looking to experience the city’s vibrant shopping scene. This event boosts occupancy and highlights the city as a retail hub.
Jyoti Panchmatia, General Manager – Gulf Region, Travco LLC
Dubai Shopping Festival attracts more passenger from Sub- Continent & China focusing on shopping. For the Europeans, UAE is a winter Sun destination they like to visit when Europe is very cold and wet. Shopping can be a byproduct but not the main purpose. Tourists are also attracted to visit Dubai during the shopping festival as the entire city has festive atmosphere with fireworks.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
The 2025 Retail Calendar is structured around a full year of carefully selected seasonal festivals and campaigns. By enabling Dubai to make the most of the anticipated increase in visitor footfall, this approach not only supports the growth of local businesses through essential partnerships, but also reinforces Dubai’s appeal as a premier shopping, tourism and entertainment destination.
Sushant Pilankar, Manager – Leisure & MICE Travel Uranus Travel & Tours LLC
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has a significant and multifaceted positive impact on travel industry in the UAE. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world, particularly during the first quarter of the year to give great start for the year. Also, DSF is not just about shopping; it includes a wide range of events and activities. The Global Village hosts more than 70 countries and offers numerous fun rides and events.
Hayssam Hajjar, Director – Asset Management UAE Al-Futtaim Real Estate
This year marks the 30th anniversary of DSF, a milestone that highlights its significant contribution to scaling tourism and increasing resident engagement. For Al-Futtaim Real Estate, DSF presents a chance to create integrated experiences across our properties. We offer immersive activations, like pop-up shops, exclusive product launches, and entertainment events. DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall showcases regional talent and global shows like X Factor.
Nisreen Boustani, PR & Corporate Communication Manager Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah
Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah are proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival. We look forward to contributing to yet another successful edition of this event in the iconic city. This year, we expect achieving positive results from the event, including increased footfall of shoppers and sales across available stores in Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah.
Jaal Shah, Managing Director, Travel Designer Group, Rezlive
The Dubai Shopping Festival significantly boosts visitor inflow, driving high demand for hotel rooms, as tourists flock to enjoy the festival’s unmatched shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences. As a leading B2B OTA, we empower travel agents with seamless access to book hotels, sightseeing, transfers, and cruises through our platform, enabling them to curate exceptional itineraries. Expectations are high this year.
Haitham Galal, General Manager, The Tower Plaza Hotel
The Dubai Shopping Festival significantly boosts Dubai tourism and hotel occupancy. As a peak season, it drives demand, often reaching near full capacity, optimising revenue, and benefiting the entire tourism sector with its diverse offerings. Our Sheikh Zayed Road location is ideal for DSF. We offer dedicated packages with shuttle services, exclusive discounts, curated city experiences, and concierge services.
Dinkar Dasaur, General Manager UAE, Satguru
Dubai Shopping Festival greatly boosts hotel bookings. As the city becomes a shopping paradise, demand for hotel rooms rises, especially in areas close to major malls like Downtown Dubai. Hotels often see higher occupancy rates, particularly for premium properties. The festival also increases room prices during peak shopping days, as more tourists flock to Dubai for the sales and the festive atmosphere. As a travel agent, we would create tailored packages.
