By Hope Muhairwe
Top officials from Dubai Tourism, an agency charged with promoting Dubai as a compelling destination for everyone wishing to travel from across the globe, were a few days ago in Kampala where they addressed business reporters making a case as to why Ugandans, rich and poor, should prioritize travelling to Dubai this December-February festive season. The delegation was led by Salim Dahman (Head of Campaigns at Dubai Tourism) and Janelle Lewis who serves as the international communications manager at the same agency.
During a media engagement at Serena Hotel the duo explained that they were here as part of the activities to mark 25 years of Dubai Shopping Festival and to also disabuse Ugandans of the general notion that travelling is for the rich who have money to indulge in luxury. The duo-maintained that travelling to Dubai is a very enriching experience yet not as expensive as many Ugandans fearfully think.
They explained that travelling to Dubai this December-February period was uniquely empowering to those seeking to travel and learn to make themselves better because it will be coinciding with Jubilee celebrations for the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), an annual event that attracts show goers from across the globe. Show participants have always included the low and mighty-including big name sporting, musical and political celebrities from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Middle East. In Africa, the duo revealed that Nigerians, South Africans, Ethiopians and Kenyans have always been the most enthusiastic towards the festival.
During the December-February festival, it was revealed, there will be plenty of online and duty-free shopping with most of the items being discounted by over 30%. This is all meant to give back to shoppers and participants from across the globe that have always participated in the festival for the last 26 years. Some of the global superstars headlining at the event from around the world will include Pakistani sensation Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, British pop star Ellie Goulding and Egyptian superstar Amr Diab who will perform his chart-topping hits including Nour El Ain and Ana 3ayesh.
There will also be a segment dubbed “an evening with Rio Ferdinand” (the Manchester United and England football legend) who will give live unscripted interviews to media personalities from across the globe. He will be giving personal stories and behind the scenes anecdotes of his illustrious career. There will be much more including Dubai’s first Hologram Concert, Club Apparel-presented Yalla DSF, daily fireworks display and plenty of family entertainment every night at The Beach, Al Seef, La Mer, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek, The Pointe and The Dubai Frame. (For comments on this story, call, text or whatsapp us on 0705579994 or email us at mulengera2040@gmail.com).