Successful participation by Dubai malls at DEPE ATM stand

Some of Dubai’s largest malls today expressed gratitude to the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) for hosting them at its stand, at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2012). Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), Dubai Festival City, Emaar Malls Group and Mercato Shopping Mall confirmed that their presence, at the DEPE stand, has been exceptionally successful and has provided them with strategic opportunities to connect and network with specialists from the shopping and tourism sectors.
For the second year in a row, DEPE has played host to its strategic partners, showcasing Dubai’s retail strengths to international travel trade show visitors.
Hosting Dubai’s leading malls on the stand marks DEPE’s commitment to supporting and growing the retail and events sectors in Dubai, says H.E. Laila Mohd Suhail, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment. “This step reflects our commitment to streamline collaborations between Dubai Government, represented by DEPE, and our strategic partners in the private sector. The various initiatives and promotions that take place at Dubai malls all year long, and the successful strategies deployed to attract international brands, have played a key role in positioning Dubai as one of the world’s leading destination for tourism.
Said Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman Dubai Shopping Malls Group says: “Dubai Shopping Malls Group is delighted to participate with DEPE at the ATM again this year. For our malls, ATM is the most ideal platform to connect with key tourism industry professionals, as well as to network with potential business partners and customers to promote Dubai as the quintessential value shopping destination. It is even more significant when UAE is surveyed to be the world’s second most international retail market having a presence of 56 per cent international retail brands.”
Other malls and mall owners were also vocal in their support of their partnerships with DEPE. Holly Duthie, General Manager Marketing of Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (AFGRE) said: “We are delighted to be part of this year’s Arabian Travel Market through our strategic partnership with DEPE. It is an important platform to showcase Dubai Festival City's waterfront attractions, including Festival Centre which offers premium local and international dining options, a unique shopping experience and an exciting entertainment agenda for all the family members."
Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Our strategic partnership with DEPE and presence at the Arabian Travel Market 2012 reflect our commitment to further support Dubai’s retail and tourism sector. The Dubai Mall is the world’s most visited tourism and shopping destination, and has become one of the city’s must-visit tourist attractions. We are showcasing the unique differentials of the mall at the ATM to further strengthen Dubai’s appeal as the hub for retail and tourism in the region.”
Mirla El Masri Heisser, PR and Corporate Communications Manager, Mercato says: “Being DEPE’s strategic partner provides Mercato support in so many ways, and the best example is being here today at ATM 2012 as part of the DEPE stand.
“We have had a strong presence throughout ATM; a Mercato representative is located on our stand with tourism related collateral that details our tourism program called TravellersPlus. We will also be meeting with new tourism affiliates and discussing possible partnerships for the future.”
DEPE and the participating malls will be welcoming visitors at the DEPE stand in Hall 3 until ATM closes on Thursday 4 May. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to win a brand new iPad by downloading the new Dubai Calendar app and presenting their business card on stand.