Dubai Summer Surprises boosts Dubai economy

Cars, clothes, homeware and perfumes were on the list of most of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) visitors this year, mid-season results showed.
Shoppers coming to Dubai this summer gave a significant boost to the Dubai economy during the first two weeks of DSS, with shopping malls and retailers across the emirate reporting major increases in visitor numbers and sales compared with last year, according to a statement from the organiser of DSS, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).
The Dubai Shopping Malls Group reported an average 10 per cent increase in footfall across 27 malls participating in this year's summer promotion. AW Rostamani Group, another DSS partner, said the special summer promotions and deals have seen a 39 per cent sales increase this summer.
"The first two weeks of Dubai Summer Surprises have seen excellent results, with retailers reporting increased sales and malls averaging double-digit growth in visitor numbers compared to last year,” Laila Mohammad Suhail, CEO of DFRE, said.
"Feedback from visitors and shoppers from overseas and across the region and other emirates has been very positive and our retail partners are finding that increased footfall is being matched by increasing sales — helping to once again boost the wider economy of Dubai,” she added.
Emirates airline reported that they have seen thousands of extra passengers attracted to Dubai by DSS, with visitors coming from both the GCC region and international destinations.
Hotel occupancy in Jumeirah Group hotels recorded an average occupancy rate of 70.2 per cent, an increase of 3.6 per cent on the same period last year.
"We are encouraged by this upward trend and feel confident as we prepare for the busy autumn season,” Gerald Lawless, President and Group CEO of Jumeirah Group, said.