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With Dubai Shopping Festival now in full swing, the whole emirate is well and truly caught up in the annual retail frenzy with all the trimmings.
Among the supporters who have helped to make it happen is the Al Rostamani Group — a leading DSF sponsor and an instrumental player in the progress of Dubai.
Hassan Al Rostamani, vice-chairman of the group, took time out to talk about the festival that is proving to be bigger and better than ever before.
How long has the Al Rostamani Group been associated with DSF?
Ours has been a long association. We have been supporting the DSF since 1997.
In what way has DSF benefited the company in the past?
The DSF is a perfect example of how successful an endeavour can be between the private and public sectors when a noble cause is at hand — the cause being the promotion of Dubai in particular and the UAE at large. When His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, envisaged this endeavour, he did not think how much this would benefit the companies, but rather how we would promote Dubai. And likewise, believing in his vision, our participation stemmed from our commitment to this great country and how we can be a part of it.
What are your expectations from DSF 2006-2007?
We expect this DSF to be better than the year before and build on previous achievements.
What's your role as a key sponsor of DSF?
Our main role is to promote Dubai and the UAE, and whenever possible play an active role in achieving this and bringing joy to the people of Dubai and visitors.
In what way is your group contributing to the festival?
We always strive to have exciting new and attractive promotions going on during DSF which span a wide range of products throughout the group.
How do you foresee the future of the association of your group and DSF?
I foresee it to be strong, solid and to grow from strength to strength. The Al Rostamani Group has enjoyed a very strong association with DSF and our track record is testament to that.
We wish everyone involved success but mostly hope that the residents and visitors have the best time of their lives.
The company
The Al Rostamani Group is one of the largest corporations in the United Arab Emirates, headquartered in Dubai. It was founded by the late chairman, Abdullah Al Rostamani, who grew the business from a single entity to a conglomerate with global investments.
The group consists of several disparate businesses, touching the lives of many people in many ways. Its activities comprise automobile sales and heavy equipment sales and service; trading, financial, travel, communications and information technology services; real estate management and construction.
With net assets of over $2.5 billion (Dh9.18 billion), the group provides direct and indirect employment to more than 3,000 people. It also works with a host of the world's leading corporations including industry giants such as Suzuki, Renault, Nissan Diesel, Tata, Thomas Cook, Michelin, Castrol and NEC, to name a few.
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