Dubai biggest sale: How tourists, expats plan for VIP access, mega discounts during DSF
Ashwin Kuttan and his family were in Dubai from New Delhi, India, to attend the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), held between December 6 and January 12.
They wanted to visit it for themselves, because it was known for exclusive sales and funky vibes. And the festival has fulfilled them, it is an action packed event.
As Ashwin, 22, recounts: ‘I first heard about DSF from friends and family and Instagram reels and other videos online were more enticing. We decided, then, to visit Dubai this year as well especially during this season, to grab the insane sales. I managed to get the Samsung S23 for nearly Dh700 (Rs15,000) less than in India. So I got perfumes, toys, blazers and some premium chocolates. And I got some great deals on some other special items.
One recent survey even pointed out how much of a factor social media plays in generating excitement for major sales initiatives such as the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
The most awaited sale event for UAE customers continues to be DSF with 61 per cent of them set to purchase at the festival, according to new YouGov figures.
The power of social media resides with the 35- and over crowd: 73 per cent of these use it to get the latest major sales.
What’s more, 52 per cent of the residents are influenced by the online stores, while 51 per cent are influenced by internet ads while shopping.
Loyal customers' deals
Karina Shashkova is an avid consumer and waits gleefully for the sales that are held every year since it offers her the extra treat of a VIP shopping experience only for loyal fans at the boutiques.
I’m a repeat Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols customer. It is their VIP pre-sale sales where you can look and buy items before the regular rush of the main sale and I’m excited about that. So I can go and shop alone, see what I like, and hold my choices. Then on sale day, I buy my picks at the lower prices".
Research shows that 36 per cent of people are waiting for these offers to purchase items of luxury. "It happens that a Dh10,000 good handbag goes for Dh5,000 at 50 per cent off, which is great.
As for her highest purchase, she went on: "I bought some Cartier watches at the Mall of the Emirates a couple of years back.
"This year I’m going skiing, so I’ll look around for some ski gear at a lower price. No it should not be hot... you can get anything good.’ The Kazakh national went on.
Looking for significant discount
In addition, according to the report published almost 44 per cent of shoppers "defer" purchasing essential items until mega sale event sales and 36 per cent await for such deals to purchase designer goods.
Bernadette Lalog, 28, said: "This year I am looking at buying for my kids and husband. This makes living in the UAE wonderful since there are some types of sales all the time. But I’m more the kind who waits for the big sales to buy bigger things. This year is my husband’s birthday on January 21st and he is into fishing.
This year I’m giving him a kayak because he’s been wanting one. The good one will set you back Dh5,000 or so. Fortunately his birthday is within DSF so I could have it for half price – which would not be too bad.
"I also want to buy bikes and other expensive stuff for my house. ‘When I have 2 children, anything I get them is double the price, so the discounts are a lifesaver’.
Shopping strategically
As she reminds me, DSF is very much a part of the city’s culture. Lalog mentioned she anticipates shopping so that it’s quick, affordable, and not stressful.
"I know I will get the best deal in those mega sales.
"I plan my shopping strategically. I have a shoppinginformer.com website, and it’s the site where I follow all of the city’s sales and save for the big stuff. Also, I reload all the points on my credit card for extra savings", said the Filipino expat.
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