There are now five seasons in Dubai: spring, summer, autumn, winter and shopping festival season. Representatives from the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) were in Cairo this week to announce their calendar of events for the upcoming DSF 2008, Jan. 24 to Feb. 24. The "One World. One Family. One Festival. motto will still be a major theme this time around, but added to that is the "fifth season concept. "The DSF has outgrown all expectations and has become one of the biggest shopping extravaganzas in the world, said a press release. This consumer-focused month-long party offers not only discounted and all imaginable shopping, but also mega-raffles and entertainment both culturally inspired and modern. Now promoting for its 13th edition, the DSF has welcomed performers such as Whitney Houston, Jethro Tull, Zakir Hussain and the world renowned Cirque de Soleil in the past. "I like the fashion shows the best, Rana Ghazi, spokesperson for the DSF, told Daily News Egypt, "It's like a dream. As each year always outshines the last - fiscally and in sheer visiting numbers - there will surely be many fantastic surprises this time around. Following the passing of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the planned 2006 DSF was cancelled and subsequently a 2006-2007 event was installed at the end of the year and into early 2007. Last year's special 45-day event was a spectacular success, to say the least. DAMAC raffled off a jet valued at AED 5.5 million; Lexus gave away 96 cars, and Nissan 45. This is all in addition to immense cash prizes and 45 kilos of gold to awarded to raffle winners. Journalists at the DSF press conference expressed concern about Dubai's transportation system accommodating so many people, but they were assured it was under control. A consistent growth rate for the festival proves that visitors are pleased with their experience in Dubai and are returning. Three and a half million people attended in 2006-2007. "The metro is in the works and with that will come brand new buses soon enough, says Ghazi. There is clearly no plan on slowing down in the future. Even with so many prizes, discounts, and free things to see and do, the DSF has been a huge boost to Dubai's economy - a combined spending of AED 54.1 billion for the past 12 years was reported. With many package deals available at hotels, it is recommended to book as early as possible if you plan to partake. Emirates, the festival's official carrier again this year, is participating in package deals for families and recommends saving 10 percent by booking online. Another added bonus to flying with the airline? They're inflating their baggage allowance by 10 kilos to allow for passengers to bring as much as they can back home. To find out more about The DSF visit www.mydsf.ae
