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Al Zarooni Group of Companies association with Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) dates back as far as 1996 when the festival was launched with the aim of positioning Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination. The partnership, which has spanned two decades, will see the Group continue to support DSF, which this year is celebrating its 20th milestone anniversary edition, and is organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

One of the most prominent business personalities of Dubai, Mr. Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Al Zarooni Group of Companies, recollects fond memories of DSF a mega festival that has become one of the most unique events worldwide. He hailed the festivals position an innovative initiative that has truly reinforced and strengthened Dubais position as a leading international destination for shopping and tourism. The daily display of fireworks that light up the skies over Dubai each day of the festival every year, are presented by the Al Zarooni Group. In addition, the popularity of the Groups two prominent shopping malls, Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, has gradually grown with the festival, which incidentally, spurred the growth of the shopping malls industry in Dubai.

Mr. Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni spoke to to DFREs Media Centre about Al Zarooni Groups long-standing association with DFRE and DSF and the companys future growth plans. Excerpts from the interview:
Al Zarooni Group has partnered with DSF since its launch in 1996. How did Al Zarooni Groups name come to be associated with the fireworks? Please share the story behind it.

When the idea of introducing a shopping festival in Dubai was first conceived under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, followed by its actual launch in 1996, the organizers were looking for sponsors. I chose to participate in the festival and support it by organizing the fireworks, which according to me, represented the true spirit of joy and celebration which every resident and visitor could enjoy regardless of their age or nationality.

In a later edition of DSF, the fireworks were set off from the Al Seef Street and the ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who admired the pyrotechnics display, where I pledged to His Highness that I shall organize and sponsor the fireworks displays each year during DSF. Now we are celebrating the 20th edition of DSF and the fireworks shows have continued to be an integral component of the festivities - only to become more attractive and unique with each edition.
During DSFs first few editions, the fireworks were a weekly attraction but now theyre a daily occurrence in DSFs calendar of events. I am sponsoring this initiative as part of my national duty towards my country and consider it an important contribution towards supporting an event that helps reinforce the UAEs and Dubais position in particular as a leading tourism destination and shopping hub in the world.

If we go back in time, which memories of DSF do you cherish the most?

There is no doubt that reminiscing about the past editions of DSF brings with it lovely memories, many of which are linked to other people for whom DSF has been a significant stage of their lives. Over the years, DSF has become an important season for retailers and the hospitality sector and other economic departments have also benefited from it.

Moreover, countless families have created and taken home memories of a memorable time in Dubai during DSF. As for us, we were able to bring a smile on the faces of innumerable DSF visitors from around the globe in line with the festivals universal slogan One World. One Family. One Festival. This was made possible during two of the previous editions of DSF when we organized a mass wedding event for two groups, which was graciously attended by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The first group consisted of 50 young men and women from the UAE and the second group included 130 young people from various other nationalities.

Over the past two decades, Dubai has witnessed a remarkable growth. As we celebrate the 20th edition of DSF, what are the some of the key achievements of Al Zarooni Group since 1996?

Our key achievements include the construction of Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, where both the malls have continued to attract a wide variety of tourists from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds - visitors who were looking for both tourist attractions and unique shopping experiences.

The impact of DSF has been very positive especially on the retail, tourism, hospitality, entertainment and other related sectors. And because of all the unique initiatives that were launched under the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, analysts predicted a bright future for the city, which resulted in businessmen investing billions of dirhams in various projects that now stand tall as iconic landmarks of Dubai.

Over the last two decades, Dubai has witnessed phenomenal growth and a massive construction boom therefore all eyes are on Dubais future growth and progress.

The Al Zarooni Group has constantly worked on new projects including properties, buildings, hotels and shopping malls like Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah and an even bigger project Dubai Sports City.

Mercato is a unique mall and a key landmark of Dubai that attracts several tourists for shopping as well as an opportunity to soak up the Italian-inspired theme of the mall. A lot of effort and hard work went into creating this incredible shopping experience at our malls.

What is the size of the retail sector in Dubai?

Retail and the wholesale sector play a very important role in contributing to the economy of the emirate as it represents 29.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Dubai, according to the 2013 statistics.

Retail sales in 2013 were recorded at around 145 billion dirhams (39.6 billion dollars) and according to a specialized study they are expected to increase to 204 billion dirhams (55.7 billion dollars) in the coming 7 years. We expect the Expo 2020 to give the retail businesses a strong boost. Now that we are at the end of 2014, retail sales are expected to exceed 152 billion dirhams (41.5 billion dollars). We expect sales to reach around 160 billion dirhams (43.7 billion dollars) in 2015.

Undoubtedly, Dubai has successfully achieved a strong position in terms of its retail sector and has become a prominent shopping destination on the world map. In 2014, Dubai was ranked only second after London as a city that has the largest collection of international retail brands under one roof, ahead of major cities such as New York, Moscow, Shanghai, Paris and Singapore.

What is the size of the retail space in Dubai?

Dubais retail sector is strong and enjoys a leading position worldwide. Studies show that the size of the current retail sector in Dubai is around 2.8 million square meters and it is expected to increase to 3.2 million square meter in the coming two years.

With regard to the framework of Dubai Plan 2021, what is your outlook on the future of business and the retail sector?

Such initiatives serve testimony to Dubais wise leadership which is constantly planning for the future with a clear vision and planned strategy. This initiative is set to excite and encourage investors and businessmen to invest in the future by giving them the confidence that an even brighter business landscape awaits in the coming years.

What are the most unique projects that Al Zarooni Group is working on currently and which projects are in the pipeline?

Al Zarooni Group is planning on building a new shopping mall in Karama and details of the second one will be announced at a later stage. But, what I can tell you now, is that the second mall will be a distinctive addition to the current portfolio of shopping malls in Dubai and will become one of the popular icons of the city.

In addition to the shopping malls, the company is currently looking at expanding Mercato to be able to accommodate a growing number of retail shops, as well as shoppers who are looking for a unique shopping experience. Finally, Al Zarooni Group will soon launch six projects in the retail, real estate and hospitality sectors.

What have you organized for the 20th edition of DSF in terms of fireworks, promotions and prizes?

Al Zarooni Group as usual will continue to delight visitors and residents, both children and grown ups from around the world, with the daily DSF fireworks shows, which gives everyone a chance to unite with one another and create unforgettable memories. The duration of the fireworks will be longer this year in celebration of the 20th anniversary edition.

Mercato is also gearing up to offer shoppers valuable prizes throughout the festival in addition to all the discounts and promotions that are up for grabs at the malls exciting line-up of retail stores. Entertainment shows and festive decorations will enhance the shopping experience for visitors further.

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