Dubai shoppers turn out in force for Boxing Day sales

Bargain hunters arrive early to make savings

Shoppers filled the aisles of Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to take advantage of the Boxing Day sales. Antonie Robertson/The National

Shoppers in Dubai made an early start to snap up bargains in the Boxing Day sales.

Electronics, furniture and clothes were the must have items for visitors to the Mall of the Emirates.

Some savvy customers said they avoided splashing the cash at Christmas in order to get better value in the Boxing Day sales.

The mall also had a special 12-hour sale from noon until midnight as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, offering discounts of up to 90 per cent on some items.

“I am here because of the sales today,” said Rodel Mamuad, 40, who works in publishing.

“I need a new pair of jeans and I am hoping I can get lucky and get a good price in the sales.

Prices were slashed on a wide variety of goods at Mall of the Emirates, in Al Barsha, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

“I have checked a few stores so far and even with the discounts everything is still a bit expensive.”

Christopher Michaels, 31, was a little bit more upbeat about his purchase.

“I bought a PlayStation Classic console. It was only Dh249, I was going to buy it for Dh429 on Christmas Eve but my wife told me to wait until after Christmas as it might be cheaper in the sales,” said the Irishman, who works in the hospitality trade.

“I am glad I listened to her for once.”

Pakistani Ana Babar, 26, said she had arrived at the mall as early as possible to make sure she had her pick of the offers in the Boxing Day sales.

“I am looking for furniture specifically, so I am going to take a look in Home Centre as they are advertising that they are offering 90 per cent off some products,” said Ms Babar, who works as a HR manager.

“I came early this morning as I might get lucky and see some real bargains that nobody else has noticed.”

Russian Anna Dasayev, 34, was shopping with her family, who were visiting from her home nation.

Many shoppers made an early start to pick up bargain buys at Mall of the Emirates. Antonie Robertson/The National

“We are not here for anything specific but if we see a good bargain then we will go for it,” said Ms Dasayev, who works in the fashion industry.

“All the shops have sale signs in the window – it is just crazy how busy everywhere is today.”

Canadian Maher Roz said he was in Mall of the Emirates to pick up clothes for his children.

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“I just popped in to get something for the kids,” said the 43-year-old banker.

“I wouldn’t have come today only for the fact there is a sale on and you can get some decent bargains.”

Roy Mitchell, 27, from England, was on his way to Carrefour to pick up a new television in the sales.

“I have heard that Carrefour have big reductions on their electrical items so I am hoping to pick up a television there today,” said the secondary school teacher.

“I might get a few other bits and pieces while I am there, it all depends on what offers they have on.

“I am not really interested in walking about the mall all day, I will just see what deals they have on televisions and electrical goods.”

A host of sales were in store for visitors to Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. Victor Besa / The National. Section: NA Reporter:

Karen Bachus, from the Philippines, was another shopper who knew exactly what she was looking for at the mall.

“I want to pick up a new pair of Nike shoes, I am hoping there are some good deals on today in the sports shops,” she said.

Ms Bachus, who works as a receptionist in Dubai was a little sceptical about one feature of the Boxing Day sales.

“I see a lot of shops have signs up saying they are offering discounts of 90 per cent but I have not seen any items at all at 90 per cent off.”

“Most places are just saying that to get us to go into the shops.”

The Boxing Day rush for a good deal was also in full swing in Abu Dhabi, with scores of shoppers flocking to the emirate's Marina Mall throughout the day.