Shop and drop

The Dubai Shopping Festival is all about festivity and discounts.

What is it?

Good news for shopaholics. Emirates, the key sponsor and official carrier of the Dubai Shopping Festival, is offering accommodation for passengers in Dubai during the shopping extravaganza.

Valid between December 20, 2006 and February 2, 2007, you also get a 10 per cent discount on the hotel fare if you book it on www.emirates.com. You have 18 hotel chains to choose from and the package includes breakfast and personalised assistance on arrival.

And if you are travelling first or business class, a chauffeur will be waiting for you at the Dubai International Airport to take you to your hotel.

The most thoughtful bit is that there's also a 10 kg free baggage allowance on your flight back home from Dubai.

Why are we writing about it?

Look, the DSF is big. And Indians can't resist a bargain or two. The DSF is one of Dubai's biggest tourist draws, and Emirates has just made it frightfully convenient for you to be there.

What's in it for you?

A very satisfied spouse, for starters. Then there's the convenience of a confirmed hotel booking, that too at reduced rates. And flying a premium airline comes as a bonus.

What are the damages?

A minimum price of Rs 2,950 (US $66) per person, per night on a twin sharing basis.

Take it or leave it?

Well, you surely don't want to waste precious shopping time looking for accommodation, do you? That too, at a time when hotel rates are sky high or it's all booked anyway.