Dubai is world's best shopping destination, survey reveals

Press release

Published January 16th, 2011 - 12:23 GMT

Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Executive Director, Media Relation & Business Development, DTCM

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that a new survey has named Dubai as the world's top shopping destination among shoppers in the Arab World. The survey by Yahoo! Maktoob Research revealed that 32 per cent of Arab shoppers rank Dubai as the best in a list that included prominent global cities such as London, Paris and New York.

Proactive marketing initiatives conducted by DTCM to promote travel and tourism attractions as well as business amenities in Dubai have helped cement the Emirate's reputation as a popular shopping destination by shoppers in the Arab World and other countries worldwide. Shopping-oriented festivals such as the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) have likewise strengthened Dubai's claim as a global shopping haven.

"Dubai has an exciting mix of amenities that give customers a truly unique and pleasurable shopping experience. Moreover, Dubai's impressive collection of international brands and retail outlets rival those of any other shopping city in the world – a key attribute that gives the Emirate a distinctive edge as the best shopping destination in the Arab World. Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing will build on this distinction to develop more innovative campaigns and promotional activities that will further reinforce the reputation of Dubai as the world's shopping capital," said Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Executive Director Media Relation Division & Business Development, DTCM.

In addition to a long list of luxury brands and a wide variety of retail choices, Dubai's shopping centers have also been globally recognized for their distinctive amenities, such as the one-of-a-kind indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates, and the majestic view of the iconic Burj Khalifa tower at the Dubai Mall.

Dubai was trailed in the ranking by Paris, which sits at a distant second with 13 per cent of the vote, followed by Beijing, Istanbul and London at joint third with 5 per cent each. New York, Beirut, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo complete the top 10, according to the survey, which polled 2,900 people from different Arab countries.

Background Information

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Industries and Exports, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai SME, as well as Dubai College of Tourism, Dubai Calendar and Dubai Business Events.