Saleh Fareed
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The fourth edition "Haya Jeddah" (Come to Jeddah) shopping festival under the slogan “With us, shopping, entertainment and fun” kicked off on Thursday (Jan. 7) at Red Sea Mall with a large number of residents and visitors attending the launch.
Jeddah shopping festival is considered as the largest shopping festival in the Kingdom and will mirror Jeddah’s position as a welcoming, accessible, family destination with an incredibly diverse range of 5,000 retail stores from famous malls with unbeatable bargains and promotions. The 30-day festival will run until Feb. 7, 2016.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mazen Batterjee, deputy chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the General Secretary Adnan Mandoura, a number of leaders of JCCI, public officials, businessmen, sponsoring companies, investors, and people concerned of marketing and events sectors.
Commenting on the launch, Mazen Batterjee said: “For the next 30 days, we welcome residents and visitors to enjoy the promotions and activities organized as a part of Jeddah Shopping Festival 2016.”
He said that year’s festival is expected to draw around one million visitors throughout the month and would achieve over SR1 billion in revenue.
On his part, Adnan Mandoura said “during the month-long event, we will present the best of everything we have to offer in a festive mood with a unique blend of shopping, prizes, promotions and entertainment to put Jeddah on the map as one of favorite tourism destinations.”
He added “as well as discounted shopping, visitors to Jeddah during Haya Jeddah Shopping Festival can look forward to hundreds of events and activities.”
He also noted that 6 major shopping malls are taking part this year and they intend to offer bargains, promotions, sales and special offers. He said “besides these spectacular malls, some 5,000 retailers will participate.”
The idea of Jeddah Shopping Festival was adopted by SCTA Jeddah Branch in 2010 when the idea had encountered some organizational challenges last year. This year, the festival is held by Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Makkah Governor; Mishal bin Majid, Governor of Jeddah and Chairman of the Tourism Development Council in Jeddah.
