Dubai, UAE, December 10, 2006: Real estate major Emaar Properties will be a key sponsor of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2006–07. One of the highlights of Emaar’s support to the shopping cum entertainment extravaganza is the Emaar International Art Symposium, which brings together artists and art-lovers from around the world.
Now in its third year, the Emaar Art Symposium was part of the previous DSF and had evoked overwhelming response with artists from over 50 countries submitting entries for participation. Emaar is also working on other events that will reflect on the key message of DSF - ‘One World, One Family, One Festival.’
“Dubai Shopping Festival is not merely a celebration of retailing and entertainment. It embodies the spirit of innovation and team work, and reiterates the vision of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen the economy - a philosophy shared by Emaar too,” said Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, UAE Managing Director, Emaar Properties. “It is an honour, therefore, to support this festive event, which brings the world to Dubai.”
This year, 80 artists from around the world are competing in the sculptors and painters competitions hosted as part of the Emaar International Art Symposium. The sculptors competition will be held at Area A of Zabeel Park from January 7 to 27, 2007, and the painters competition at Marina Walk (tentatively) from January 14 to 27. The award ceremony will be on January 28.
“The Symposium, first launched in 2004, is the vision of Emaar Properties Chairman Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar to strengthen the art culture in the city. It is also linked to the company’s commitment to ‘shaping the future of Dubai’ by focusing on innovation, meticulous planning and continuous pursuit of excellence,” said Mr Al Matrooshi. “This year, we also plan to produce a documentary and publish a book to highlight the event, which introduces new artists.”
Apart from the Symposium, Emaar will underscore its support of DSF 2006-07 through several communication channels including direct mailers and outdoor advertising. The property developer will showcase its projects in Dubai to the thousands of visitors arriving in Dubai through the 45 day festival period from December 20, 2006 to February 2, 2007.
“There is tremendous overseas interest about Emaar’s Downtown Burj Dubai development, which has at its epicenter the Burj Dubai, billed to be the world’s tallest tower when completed,” said Mr Al Matrooshi. “Visitors can get a true-to-type feel of the entire project at our Downtown Burj Dubai Presentation Centre.”
Emaar, the pioneer of master-planned communities in the UAE, has been supporting several community-centric events. “Dubai Shopping Festival is the ultimate celebration of Dubai’s community bonding as it brings together all its residents and it is our privilege to be part of this spectacular event,” added Mr Al Matrooshi.
