Dubai showcases its summer festivals and attractions with roadshow in KSA

DUBAI- Visitors from the GCC are being welcomed to Dubai with open arms this summer, with a range of attractions designed to appeal to families, including a calendar of festivals and cultural activities, the ever-popular Modhesh World, and an array of shopping offers and promotions.

With the emirate historically being one of the region’s holidaymakers’ favourite destinations during the summer months, this week the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce and Marketing (DTCM) embarked on a road-show around the GCC to highlight why this year’s ‘Summer is Dubai’ is destined to continue the trend.

The seven-city road-show, which took off on 1 June in Saudi Arabia, also covers Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. The GCC-wide promotional campaign is being undertaken in coordination with DTCM’s agency, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment while the other participants are Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department and Emirates Airline.

Saleh Al Geziry, DTCM’s Director of Overseas Promotions & Inward Missions, said: “This summer is an ideal time to visit Dubai, whether you have never been to our city or have been many times before. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to focus on being a family destination of choice, with a range of activities, entertainment and experiences for parents and children to enjoy.”

“A number of flight and hotel offers created in partnership with our travel agency partners specifically for GCC visitors will provide further incentives for them to experience our city during a season which is framed by a calendar of cultural and celebratory festivals and events and during which holidaymakers will enjoy the best that Dubai has to offer.”

DTCM has formed partnerships with eight major travel agents across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait to promote Summer is Dubai and create tailored flight and hotel packages, enabling visitors to experience the famous Dubai luxury offering at surprisingly low prices. The packages can be found at www.summerisdubai.com or by visiting a number of Summer Is Dubai stands at malls throughout the GCC over the coming weeks.

At the roadshow, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the DTCM, is presenting its exciting summer calendar, kicking off with the 15th edition of Modhesh World, one of the largest themed family indoor edutainment facilities in the region.

To be held from 12 June to 8 September, Modhesh World will offer a range of activities spread across more than 40 zones.

Modhesh World will be followed by Ramadan in Dubai (29 June to 27 July), which will showcase Islamic culture, Emirati traditions and hospitality; Eid in Dubai (28 July to 1 August) a grand celebration of the Eid Al Fitr festival that will involve people from all communities; and lastly the iconic family summer extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises from 2 August to 5 September.

Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al Falasi, Director, Strategic Alliance Division, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: “Every year, during the summer, the festivals and celebrations organized by DFRE have contributed towards an increase in visitors to Dubai from the region.  The GCC region has always been a core market for Dubai, given the UAE’s close proximity and common values and culture that we share. Again, we look forward to welcoming large numbers of tourists from the region, especially families to our summer celebrations this year.” 

“While all our initiatives are driven by a common goal to position Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination, we also aim to showcase the uniqueness of each festival or celebration. For example, while Ramadan in Dubai and Eid in Dubai aim to promote cross cultural understanding and enlighten visitors on the cultural and social aspects, Dubai Summer Surprises puts the spotlight on the world-class entertainment and fun activities that will be in abundance for the whole family. At the same time we are also keen to ensure we meet the needs of all our visitors during the summer season, and this is reflected not only in the array of events and activities, but also in the numerous special offers, deals and discounts that will be offered by Dubai’s retailers. In fact, shopping in Dubai this summer will be a truly rewarding experience, as everyone will get the opportunity to win prizes worth over AED 5 million.”

DFRE has partnered with Emirates Holidays to create a number of packages which include flights, hotel and attraction deals.

Dina Al Herais, Vice President, Commercial Operations and Distribution, Emirates’ Destination & Leisure Management, said: “We have partnered with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment on numerous initiatives over the years and Emirates Holidays is pleased to continue with this year’s ‘Summer is Dubai’ campaign. Dubai is a great destination all year-round and to encourage travel this summer, we have introduced a number of special deals including the Kids go Free offer in over 30 of the most popular hotels in the city. The three-night packages include return Emirates Airlines flights, three nights’ accommodation with breakfast, return airport transfers and a complimentary Entertainer book, filled with discount vouchers to restaurants and attractions around Dubai.”

Commencing in Jeddah, KSA on 1^st June, the road-show also includes Al Khoba, KSA (2^nd June), Riyadh, KSA (3^rd June), Muscat, Oman (4^th June), Kuwait City, Kuwait (5^th June) and Manama, Bahrain (11^th June).