As the 20th anniversary of Dubai Shopping Festival enters its final week, it is clear that shopping remains top of the agenda for local residents and visitors during the 32-day event.

The Festival offers an incredible array of world class concerts, events, activations and celebrations but organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Depaertment of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, have discovered that the shopping experience is still the most important decision element of a visit to Dubai for guests from around the world.

As the festival offers major sales and promotions across retail brands and shopping malls, tourists and residents alike have been rushing to shopping outlets to take maximum advantage of offers that will give them the best value for their money.

Tourists and residents shared their opinions about shopping during the festival and living the full retail experience.
Ahmad Al Sharah, a Kuwaiti tourist said: I come to Dubai pretty often but the Dubai Shopping Festival is special and every time I come, I find different things to do. I arrived last week in Dubai, and so far, I have already spent around AED 12,000 including hotel stay, transportation and major shopping.
I have bought some perfumes, body lotions and cream for myself as well as my mother and sisters. They have asked me to shop for them so I am making sure I pick up all good deals during DSF! Prices have fallen which has made me want to buy everything I see!

Moreover, Abdualla Al Randi, a 22 years old GCC national living in Dubai and Ahmads friend added: I am here at the mall to shop for clothes so I bought a jacket, sweaters, caps and perfumes. I think if I had bought the same things during a non-sale period outside of DSF I would have spent at least twice as much! Therefore, I am able to save and really enjoy shopping during this time of the year.

Haneen Hassan is visiting the Dubai Shopping Festival from Jordan and said: This marks my third visit to Dubai in one year but DSF is always the best time of year. I am worried I dont have time to visit all malls and all retail outlets! So far, I have spent AED800 since I got to the Mall today, but I think the shops offer great value as I have bought four winter tops, one pair of Converse shoes and of course had the famous Shake Shack burger. I am glad I dont live in this shopping land all year round because I am sure I would be bankrupt with the fantastic number of different outlets and amazing offers.
Finnish tourist William Suominon has escaped for a warm weather winter break to Dubai from his freezing native Finland. The 38-year-old Father said: We only arrived in Dubai less than 12 hours ago but I am already in the Mall with my family shopping! This is my third time to visit Dubai and every time I come I look forward to my stay. I just got to the mall and bought a very interesting toy for my kid. We want to make sure not to miss any of Dubais fantastic deals during the Dubai Shopping Festival!

Erin Camacho is a 28 years old Filipino resident and said: A few days ago my partner and I bought some great gadgets from Carrefour in a very good deal and on todays visit to the Mall have spent about AED 600 shopping for caps, t-shirts and a jacket. But I believe if I bought the same things during a non-sale period outside of DSF I would have had to spend a minimum of AED 1200.

Hana Masrojeh, a Syrian resident in Dubai added: I am shopping for winter clothes for my kid. I bought her two sweaters for school for AED100 from Splash. I believe the value is great during the shopping festival as I know it would be hard to find the same ones for a similar value. I am planning to shop for table lamps and candle holders from Home Center as they have a special DSF sale on too!

DFRE officials have been delighted with the enormously positive response from visitors and local residents to the fantastic offers and promotions that DSF has been offering in its special 20th anniversary year and are anticipating a very strong final week of sales.