Dubai: Malls across Dubai are gearing up to welcome shoppers and holidaymakers by extending business hours during three weekends this Eid, Eisa Adam of the board of directors of the Shopping Malls Group told Gulf News.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had announced on Saturday
that shopping malls in the emirate would remain open 24 hours during
‘Eid in Dubai’ festivities which, too, are set to be held over a longer
duration than the customary four-day period.
The event is now expected to last from October 18-28, with Eid Al Adha itself on October 26.
“We welcome our brothers and sisters from the Gulf region and across
the world to experience the hospitality and unique cultural experiences
that Dubai will offer this Eid,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
Adam said: “The malls are welcoming the proposal and we will be able to
come up with a list of the participants by next week. Dubai is always
known for its ground-breaking initiatives and a commitment to fulfill
those objectives with passion. As always, the city is yet again living
up to its reputation of being called a shopper’s paradise bringing an
all new shopping experience to its people. During the Eid Al Adha
celebrations, this will mark another major step towards offering
convenience for customers. Several malls have expressed their intentions
to participate as they see it as a great opportunity to give maximum
shopping experience to the customers.”
Participating malls will be open round the clock on the weekends
between October 18 and November 2 — October 18 and 19, October 25 and 26
and November 1 and 2, he added. “During the festive period, GCC and
local shoppers will have the opportunity to shop, explore and dine at
their convenience. We believe this is a step towards a consumer-driven
approach that sets a new benchmark in the region.”
Mohammad Al Shael, CEO of business registration at the Department of
Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, told Gulf news the department will
assist retailers and restaurants to operate round the clock during the
Eid period. “We haven’t decided yet if these outlets are in need of
permission to stay open around the clock but the DED will process any
decision on the spot. We are going to liaise with the DEPE [Dubai Events
and Promotions Establishment] and shopping malls to keep the city
lively during Eid time.”
He added that the initiative would require a big effort from retailers who would have to reschedule staff timings.
The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division at DED will
designate a team to carry out inspections and monitor malls to ensure a
very high level of customer service. “Teams of inspectors will be
working around the clock to monitor the implementation of the new
procedures and how retailers are operating their businesses in a healthy
environment. We are expecting residents and tourists to flock to the
malls round the clock during these two weeks.”
Al Shael remarked that the initiative would not only boost the number of visitors to Dubai but also lift economic indicators.
gulfnews.com
gulfnews.com
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