Dubai: The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) office has announced the commencement of registration for retail outlets that wish to participate in the DSF 2009. The retail registration will begin on Sunday and will continue until next February 5.

The registration counters located on the ground floor of the Department of econ-omic Development (DED) are open on weekdays from 2:30 to 7:30pm and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Retailers can participate in three categories – DSF Sales, DSF Discounts, and DSF Offers, apart from the DSF Raffles segment that is open to outlets owned by a DSF key or support sponsor.

Laila Suhail, chief executive of the DSF office, said that this year’s edition of DSF is quite significant to the retail and tourism sectors as it comes amid the highly volatile global economic situation.

“Things might be slowing down now, but DSF hopes to bring some cheer. This is what we are here for,” Suhail said.

During DSF 2009, scheduled to run from January 15 to February 15, non-participating retail outlets will not get permission from the Department of Econ-omic Development to conduct any promotion or sale and all participating retail outlets will have to honour their offers throughout DSF 2009.

“This year’s edition of DSF comes at a time when the entire world is experiencing an acute period of economic crisis with a number of leading world economies having drifted into economic recession. All concerned are pretty aware of the impact of this economic crisis around the world, a situation where we find ourselves faced with a great challenge … ” said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Shopping Festival Office Supreme Committee.

“We, however and notwithstanding the current challenges, believe in the prudent measures adopted by the UAE leadership to maintain our gains and assuage the negative impact of the current situation.”