Top 5 Must-Buys at the Dubai Shopping Festival

Jan 5
00:54

2024

Mahesh Shende

Mahesh Shende

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Dubai, a city that welcomes millions of tourists annually, has transformed its international reputation from an oil-based economy to a tourism-driven one, largely due to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This year, the DSF is scheduled from December 26th to January 28th. Here are the top five items you should consider purchasing during this shopping extravaganza.

1. Designer Apparel

During the DSF,Top 5 Must-Buys at the Dubai Shopping Festival Articles you'll be overwhelmed by the variety of designer brands available at discounts of up to 60%. This festival provides a unique opportunity to add high-end brands to your wardrobe. The apparel and fashion sector benefits greatly from the influx of tourists during the DSF, and Dubai's growing reputation as an international fashion hub further fuels this trend.

Dubai ranks second globally in offering a wide variety of international brands, trailing only London. Retailers anticipate a 10% increase in sales during the festival, with the retail sector estimating that 25-30% of its annual sales occur during the DSF.

2. Gold and Jewelry

The DSF offers a vast array of gold and jewelry designs, with heavy discounts and offers making these items particularly attractive. The festival features the largest promotion of gold and jewelry, sourced from over 30 countries. Gold sales have increased by 25-30% at participating outlets over the last five years during the DSF.

Gold is a durable and sustainable asset, making it an ideal gift for friends and family. Additionally, customers have the chance to enter a lucky draw to win up to 100kg of gold and 40 karats of diamonds. Leading gold outlets have increased their stock by 30-40% to meet the growing demand.

3. Electronics and Gadgets

Dubai's tax-free status makes it a haven for gadget enthusiasts, especially during the DSF. Retailers of electronics and gadgets see a 10-20% increase in their annual sales during the festival. The DSF offers value-added bundles and deals, with smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets being the most popular items.

Plug-In, a leading electronics retailer, reports that the DSF contributes to 15% of their annual sales, with half of the revenue coming from tourists. Consumers also have the chance to win gift vouchers or gadgets when they make a minimum purchase.

4. Perfumes and Cosmetics

Dubai's duty-free status also makes it an ideal place to purchase perfumes, fragrances, and other cosmetics. The DSF and duty-free sales at the Dubai International Airport have significantly boosted sales of these items. Women in the UAE spend 38% more than their French/European counterparts on the world's leading beauty brands.

The annual imports of beauty products in the UAE have risen from Dh 1.4 Billion (US$ 381.1 Million) in 2003 to Dh 4.1 Billion in 2016. The overall cosmetic retail sector in Dubai has grown from Dh3 Billion in 2005 to Dh 5.5 billion last year.

5. Leather Bags and Jackets

Dubai is known for its high-quality leather, and the DSF is the perfect time to stock up on leather goods. The leather industry has seen a 10% increase in sales year on year, largely due to the DSF. This festival provides a platform for local, regional, and international leather brands to showcase their products. With unbeatable prices and promotions, tourists and locals are enticed to add to their leather collections.