From left: JCCI General Secretary Adnan Mandoura, JCCI deputy chairman of the Board of Directors Mazen Batterjee, and JCCI Vice Secretary General and director of the organizing committee Hasan Dahlan preside over a press conference Sunday. Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH – The 2nd edition of Jeddah Shopping Festival under the slogan “Haya Jeddah” will be held from Jan. 9 to Feb. 8, organizers said at a press conference Sunday. Organized by Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), in collaboration with the Higher Committee for Tourism and Monuments. Mazen Batterjee, deputy chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said the JCCI aims to build on the success of last year's event and promises a rich and varied program of events for Jeddah residents and visitors. “The number of our strategic partners and sponsors from the government and private sectors is growing this year and we are planning to capitalize on this partnership and reaffirm this statement through a diverse offering of shopping, competitions and entertainment,” he said. Chairing the media meeting, Batterjee, along with the General Secretary Adnan Mandoura and Hassan Dahlan, Vice Secretary General of JCCI and Director of the organizing committee, announced that this years's festival is expected to draw around one million and half visitors throughout the month and would achieve SR1 billion in revenue. Mandoura said “I am very optimistic that this year's festival will be much different due to the success of last year's various event held in Jeddah. 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.” Dahlan added that 6 major shopping malls are taking part this year and they intend to offer bargains, promotions, sales and special offers. He said “beside these spectacular malls, some 2,000 retailers will participate. As well as discounted shopping, visitors to Jeddah during Haya Jeddah Shopping Festival can look forward to hundreds of events and activities.” Mohammed Al Saad, marketing manager of JCCI highlighted the advantages of participants and pointed out that last year's sales were up to 70 percent. 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 the Commission in cooperation with the 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.
