Dubai Shopping Festival opens on January 5

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) has announced the dates for the 17th edition of the globally renowned event - Dubai Shopping Festival. The 32-day festival will be held from January 5 to February 5, 2012.

Attracting millions of visitors each year, the festival showcases the region's best in shopping, winning, and family entertainment.

'Dubai at its best' is the marketing slogan for the 2012 edition of DSF and symbolises the best of what Dubai has to offer for residents and visitors. More than 6,000 retail outlets are expected to offer spectacular discounts throughout the festival in addition to chances of winning prizes ranging from luxury cars and gold to cash each day of the event. It is interesting to note that around Dh1.4bn worth of prizes has been given away since the first DSF in 1996.

In addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events await residents and visitors. From international concerts, musicals, and shows to sport, outdoor, and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment.

"Dubai Shopping Festival is renowned as a global event that attracts visitors from across the world making Dubai a meeting point for diverse cultures. DSF celebrates its seventeenth edition in 2012 with 32 days of intense shopping, entertainment, and chances to win prizes worth millions of dirhams. Apart from being the anchor in Dubai's annual events calendar, DSF is a celebration of Dubai at its best," said the DEPE Media Centre in a statement.

Launched in 1996 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a leading tourist destination, DSF attracts people of over 200 nationalities, reflecting its famous slogan 'One World, One Family, One Festival'.

Official Source

Upcoming events in Dubai for May 2011

Date	Event
9 - 11 May, 2011	Interiors UAE Venue: National Exhibition Center Contract and Retail Interiors Exhibition. Specifically aimed at the contract and retail markets, Interiors UAE offers an excellent platform for ...
9 - 11 May, 2011	ALUMINIUM DUBAI 2011 Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center ALUMINIUM DUBAI is the leading exhibition for aluminium products, technologies and investments in the Middle East and the most recent addition to ...
10 - 12 May, 2011	Dubai International Property and Investment Exhibition & Conference Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai International Property Investment Show is a major networking and transactional event where deals worth millions of dollars are concluded. The ...
10 - 12 May, 2011	Annual Investment Meeting 2011 Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibitions Center The AIM targets fast transforming economies, emerging countries and industries with the most anticipated growth factor and will enhance their ...
10 - 12 May, 2011	Hardware & Tools Middle East 2011 Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 6, 7, 8 Hardware + Tools Middle East is the region’s only trade exhibition for Tools, Hardware, Materials and Machinery....
10 - 12 May, 2011	Pharma & Biotechnology Middle East (PABME) 2011 Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre An unprecedented opportunity to meet with the top decision-makers, market leaders and new investors from across the globe as well as the Middle East ...
13 - 15 May, 2011	First Annual Meeting for the Arab Alliance For Medical Education (AAME) Venue: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. First Annual Meeting for the Arab Alliance For Medical Education (AAME)...
16 - 18 May, 2011	Infrastructure Investment World MENA 2011 Venue: Shangri-La Hotel - Dubai This event will bring together government, operators, developers, end-investors and infrastructure funds under one roof to maximise return on ...
17 - 18 May, 2011	Cards Middle East 2011 Venue: ADNEC - Abu Dhabi The region''s smart cards conference and exhibition dedicated to providing you a definitive payments marketplace in the Middle East. ...
17 - 18 May, 2011	Kiosk Self Service World Middle East 2011 Venue: ADNEC - Abu Dhabi A well designed kiosk and self service strategy is key for business & government as they seek strategies and solutions. Kiosk Self Service World will ...

See official source for more upcoming events in Dubai for May 2011

Entertainment for All the Family in Dubai this Easter

This Easter leave the April showers behind you and treat your family to an action-packed break in Dubai. Boasting the Middle Easts oldest zoo, water parks and theme parks offering some of the worlds most exciting rides and even a children's city, Dubai is the ideal destination. Combined with stunning and safe beaches, desert safaris and warm sunshine there is no shortage of adventure for all ages.

The desert makes the perfect playground with safaris being one of Dubai most popular activities which can even include an overnight stay in one of the Bedouin-style tents. Whilst you're in the desert there is plenty of fun to be had particularly whilst wadi-bashing - exploring the wadis (or dry beds of streams) that flow after winter rains from the Hajar Mountains. Not to mention sand skiing or sand boarding down the dunes.

From the desert to the slopes you needn't miss out on your skiing holiday as Dubai hosts the first indoor ski slope in the desert Ski Dubai. It is the worlds third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 meters and using 6,000 tons of snow. (www.skibxb.com)

Dubai has not neglected the importance of culture and education and it has built an interactive science and cultural centre Children's City - aimed at educating children in a fun and informative way. Themed zones look at physical science, the human body, space, nature and the environment, as well as international culture and communication. It boasts over 50 educational exhibits, the world's fifth largest "infotainment facility" - including hi-tech computer interactive displays, audiovisual exhibits, 3D animation and slide projections. (www.childrencity.ae)

An exciting day out can be enjoyed by all the family at Dubai Zoo, home to more than 230 difference species of animals. They have an awe-inspiring array of species including gazelle, caracal, foxes, wolves, hyaena, wild cat, flamingo, cormorant, eagles, buzzards, snakes and lizards. Endangered species include barbary sheep, water buck, Siberian and Bengal tigers, Arabian wolves, hyena, wild cats, scimitar-horned oryx, gorilla and chimpanzee. 

 

View more at official source

Mo Mansour ft. Emma Hayes - Dubai State of Mind

A track dedicated to the amazing city of Dubai. Lyrics and Rap by Mo Mansour. Chorus Vocals by Emma Hayes.

Less 30% - Discount for All Bookings During April & May 2011

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Dubai Mall - Dancing Waters - Part One

Upcoming events in Dubai for April 2011

OBS-GYNE Exhibition & Congress 2011

Discuss the latest up-to-date trends on treatments and technologies in obstetric
03.04.11 To: 05.04.11
Venue: DICC
Contact: info@iirme.com 

Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Show 2011- DEAL

Exclusive Trade Event for the Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Industries in the Middle East
04.04.11 To: 06.04.11
Venue: Dubai World Trad Center
Contact: iec@emirates.net.ae 

4th UAE 2015 Government Organizations Strategy Development S

Strategy Development Summit
05.04.11 To: 06.04.11
Venue: Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Contact: info@datamatixgroup.com 

Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2011

Buy, sell, network, and acquire knowledge in the global wood sector
05.04.11 To: 07.04.11
Venue: Airport Expo Dubai
Contact:  

The Middle East Forex Trading Expo

Trading in foreign exchange
08.04.11 To: 09.04.11
Venue: Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai
Contact: sales@arabcomgroup.com 

Catamaran, Optimist & Laser League

Catamaran
08.04.11 To: 08.04.11
Venue: Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi,
Contact: info@dimc.ae 

59th UITP World Congress & Exhibition

Mobility & City Transport Exhibition
10.04.11 To: 14.04.11
Venue: DICC
Contact: info@dwtc.com 

GETEX - Education Equipment & Technology 2011

Education Equipment & Technology Fair
14.04.11 To: 16.04.11
Venue: DICC
Contact: info@icedxb.com 

Franchise UAE 2011

National Franchise and Trade Show
14.04.11 To: 16.04.11
Venue: Business Village, Deira, Dubai
Contact: info@franchiseuae.com 

Red Bull X Fighters 2011

car racing
15.04.11 To: 15.04.11
Venue: Jumeirah Beach Residence ( JBR) – Dubai
Contact:  

Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (22ft)

Traditional Dhow Sailing
16.04.11 To: 16.04.11
Venue: Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi,
Contact: info@dimc.ae 

Dubai Global Energy Forum

Energy Challenges And Opportunities - Sustainable Future
17.04.11 To: 19.04.11
Venue: Dubai World Trad Center
Contact: Info@dgef.ae 

World Class Airlines
World Class Airlines
17.04.11 To: 19.04.11
Venue: Dubai World Trad Center
Contact: EstherW@marcusevanskl.com 

ERM MENA 2011

Enterprise Risk Management Conference
17.04.11 To: 20.04.11
Venue: Dusit Thani, Dubai
Contact: info@tcqtriangle.com

See official source for more upcoming events in Dubai for April 2011

Serviced vs Unfurnished Apartments in Dubai

For the first option all the necessary furnishings and services such as maintenance, cleaning and laundry are available

A hassle-free option is to move to furnished studios where some landlords take care of everything, from internet to Dewa bills, maintenance and cleaning services, but others require tenants to pitch in.
Image Credit: Oliver Clarke/Gulf News

Dubai: With many consumers looking to avoid numerous hidden costs of housing, fully serviced apartments can offer convenience compared to bare flats and villas.

Serviced accommodations are popular among leisure and business travellers who want to cut their travel budgets, but they might just be a good alternative for working expats who opt for a hotel style or hassle-free living.

Serviced apartments come with all the necessary furnishings and services that you get from hotels, such as maintenance, concierge, cleaning and laundry. Essentially, all you need to carry with you is your toothbrush and wardrobe.

But the question most budget-conscious consumers often ask is whether or not this option can offer considerable cost savings. Robyn Nagent from South Africa believes it can. "In fact, we have considered this and if I was new to Dubai, I would definitely do it. It wasn't really an option before as serviced apartments were so expensive.

"If you are planning on being in Dubai for a short time and not planning to settle, then I think this is a great option and there is so much on offer now. When you add up how much you pay to set up home in Dubai, it definitely makes economic sense," she says.

According to Parag Parekh, portfolio manager at Better Homes Short-Term Rentals, serviced studio apartments can now be had for Dh6,000 to Dh7,000 a month in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residences, or even lower (Dh5,000 to Dh6,000) in the Greens.

Ready

Another option for hassle-free renting is furnished apartments. Furnished studios can cost anywhere between Dh4,000 and Dh9,000 a month. These units are ready to move into, so there is usually no need to spend money on furnishings and utility connections. Some landlords do take care of everything, from internet to Dewa bills, maintenance and cleaning services, but others require tenants to pitch in.

"It's more convenient and economical to live in furnished/serviced accommodation for a number of reasons. You don't have to worry about the management and payment of internet, Dewa or district cooling charges, nor do you have to worry about the cost and hassle of furnishing your home.

In addition, the cleaning and laundry are efficiently handled by the housekeeping," Parekh says.

Parekh points out that consumers spend considerable amounts on home furnishings and appliances, as well as standard fees when moving into a new place, so living in a serviced apartment can offer some sort of financial relief.

"A large percentage of personal income is spent on buying furniture, white goods, utility setup, initial and longer-term maintenance, for the set up of a new apartment or villa.

So, the furnished/serviced apartment option will work for those on a tight budget or who need a temporary, hassle-free stop-gap until they're ready to settle."

However, Michael Michael of Landmark Properties says they would only recommend such an option if the tenant is looking for a temporary accommodation for, say, three to six months.

"For such circumstances, the rates then become competitive as furnished apartments are few and this allows for savings."

Have your say
Were you aware of hidden costs in your home’s lease before you moved in? Is it creating significant financial trouble?

Official Source

10 Reasons to Book WITH US during your Visit at Dubai/UAE

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