The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2003 will be held from January 15 to February 15, its chief executive announced.

DSF CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Nabouda said the event will target new markets, especially the CIS, next year.

"Feedback from weekend visitors to DSF 2002 showed that families in nearby countries needed more time to enjoy DSF activities and events. Timing the festival with the holidays was the ideal solution," said Al Nabouda.

Total expenditure marginally rose to Dh4.6 billion while expenditure on shopping only increased by 8 per cent from last year, said Al Nabouda.

Expenditure on local transportation increased from Dh100 to Dh150 million. DSF 2002, as per the study, registered an overall growth figure of 5 per cent, taking the total number of visitors to 2.68 million.

Visitors from Arab countries-apart from the GCC region- increased by 22 per cent compared to last year.

"The total number of GCC visitors declined by 15 per cent but overall influx of visitors increased," said Al Nabouda.

The majority of visitors were south Asians, followed by Arab nationals and Europeans. The study, said Al Nabouda, revealed the impact of Eid Al Adha not falling in DSF was compensated by visitors during the holidays of Nauroze and Easter.

Shopping and bargains were the best-liked features by international visitors.