The arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE just before the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a big boost for shopper’s confidence, say residents.
On day one of the DSF on Thursday, mall trawlers and shopping addicts are hitting Dubai’s shopping malls with the confidence that the deadly virus has got a vaccine. On December 9, the UAE approved the Chinese firm Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine that has 86 per cent efficacy.
Dubai’s month-long shopping extravaganza that began a week later is one of the biggest in the Emirate’s annual event’s calendar. This is that time of the year when tourists from across the world as well as residents flock to the malls to grab shopping discount deals. Complete with raffle draws, family entertainment, live concerts and retail promotions, the 26th edition of the festival will be on till January 30, 2021.
Organisers have said that strict COVID safety measures will be in place at participating malls and shopping destinations. Many residents who spoke to Khaleej Times, said the vaccine roll out in the UAE encourages them to step out and make the best out of DSF.
Many had switched to online shopping during the pandemic but many shopaholics admit that the real fun is in trawling the mall. A recent Mastercard Study found that 73 per cent of UAE consumers are shopping more online than they did before the pandemic. According to Mastercard’s survey, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare, apparel, and banking have seen the highest surge of online activity. More than 73 per cent of UAE consumers said that they had shopped more online for groceries, 66 per cent for clothing, and over 60 per cent said that they had purchased medicine online.
It's time to get out there and enjoy the fun. Let's live up to the adage "Just like old times".
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