Dubai has become a city that has vastly increased in popularity among the international community, drawing to it more visitors now than ever before. The contemporary facilities available here, together with the interesting attractions and exciting activities have turned Dubai into one of the best loved cities worldwide, hailed by those from all over the globe looking for a unique vacation. Many visit for the excellent shopping experiences the city is home to, and many of the world’s best brands are found widely here. While the city is always exciting, the beginning of the year is one of the greatest periods to visit, as it is during this time that the annual Dubai Shopping Festival is hosted here.

In 2013 the Dubai Shopping Festival is set to begin on the 3rd of January, stretching on for a month, until the 3rd of February. It is a season during which the city is exceptionally lively, and when heading over here during the festival visitors must remember to pack light as they will be taking back home more than they can imagine!

The Dubai Shopping Festival which is nearing two decades old has come to be more than an important festival locally and is now prominent the world over as being one of the best retail festivals. With a large number of the local malls participating, it is the ideal place to head down to for some quality retail therapy.

In addition to fantastic bargains and special offers, visitors will find here a range of competitions and raffles, with exciting prizes to be won daily. Shopping continues into the night during the festival as there are more shops and stalls to check out than the day time hours can accommodate. It is a phenomenal time for entertainment, as performers from various parts of the world are invited to be a part of the festival, and the city comes to resemble a carnival. Fashion shows and other stylish events too are popularly seen amidst the celebrations in the city. It is an ideal way to start 2013, creating memories that will put a smile of the faces of visitors throughout the year.

When visiting the city Raffles Dubai, UAE is the ideal selection in terms of accommodation as this well acclaimed Dubai hotel is well located, in close proximity to the best of the local shopping culture. At this hotel in Dubai visitors will enjoy luxurious lodging and excellent service.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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