Advertising Info In a speech made by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of DSF & DSS Supreme Committees, HH stated that this year’s version of DSF will be a unique and exceptional event.

On behalf of HH Shaikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, Mr. Saeed Al Naboodah Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda, DSF CEO addressed the 1.500 members of delegates attending UPU gala dinner that concluded the 3 days UPU Strategy Conference held in Dubai from 14th - 16th of November, and took place at the "Sahara Resort" located in the desert between Dubai and Al Ain. The conference, held for the first time away from Switzerland since 1874, was held in the UAE to complement its rule as a regional hub for bridging East and West cultures.

HH Shaikh Ahmed invited the attendees and their families to be part of this years DSF celebration, and to enjoy the spoils of a festival offering great shopping, winning and entertaining options to the discerning shoppers and visitors during its 45 days run from December 20, 2006 to February 2, 2007. He said: "This special edition of the 11th and 12th combined DSF under the theme ’A World of Festivals’ is garnished with new and exciting attractions. Dubai has become a well known as a world shopping destination where some of the world’s best-known brands meet. Shopping in Dubai is a wholesome experience encompassing great deals at competitive prices".

"The true spirit of Dubai is its people. With over 200 nationalities residing here in complete peace and harmony, Dubai can set a fine example for the world to follow with the Dubai Shopping festival to complement these values", he added.

"Universal Postal Union strategy conference brings together people from all corners of the world to one common platform. And as you know the DSF is all about bringing people together under its time-tested theme of ’One World, One Family, One Festival’ hence our involvement in the conference", HH concluded.

The Gala Dinner was followed by the artistic dance show "Jumana", courtesy of the DSF Organizing Committee. The show, which was held in open air in the desert, combined creative ballets, amazing sound and light effects and great fire works in a perfect and harmonious manner that left the audience with sheer joy and gave them an attractive flavor of the upcoming festival.

The combined edition of DSF 2006-2007 will run from December 20, 2006 to February 2, 2007. The 45 days of family fun, entertainment and shopping frenzy will offer retrospective glimpses of the 10 previous editions combining the best of the best and promises to be even bigger and better.