Dubai The DSF launch ceremony has been cancelled as a mark of solidarity to the people of Gaza. This was announced yesterday Monday by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO) Supreme Committee.

The dicission of cencellation was on the directive by Dubai’s ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also cancelled all New Year’s Eve outdoor celebrations in the emirate in viw of the Palatanians killings in Gaza bY Israel.

However Sheikh Ahmed OF Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO) added that all other DSF 2009 activities would go on as planned from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 2009.

He added: “DSF has witnessed a series of successes in the past 13 years that has effectively made it a distinguished regional phenomenon DSF 2009 will be another milestone in the festival’s illustrious history.”

The 32-day event promises some of the best shopping discounts in a DSF edition yet and prizes worth millions of dirhams will be given to shoppers every day.