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19 March 2024

The final Gitex Shopper weekend: Extended timings, parking, deals

Published
By Bindu Rai

Bumper deals and a bonanza of prizes await, as the Gitex Shopper approaches the final weekend of the eight-day festival to culminate in a grand Eid Al Adha bonanza.

The Shopper has seen a frenzy of deals and immense consumer interest, so much so that the organisers have announced an extension to the official opening hours during the final weekend, with the expo now running until 12midnight on the final two days, Friday October 3 and Saturday October 4.

As one of the region’s most anticipated consumer electronics event, the buying frenzy has seen smartphones, laptops and cameras fly off the shelves amidst a frenzied price war amongst several retailers, while others jump on the bundle bandwagon to offer free televisions and tablets in the bargain.

Those who are planning to brave the crowds to cash in on the deals and steals the final three day of the Shopper can grab all the essential details and traffic tricks from this FAQ below to survive the masses without the mayhem:

When does the Gitex Shopper 2014 conclude and its timings?

Gitex Shopper will run until October 4, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The show has been running from 11am to 11pm, but the final two days will see it open for an additional hour, until 12 midnight.

What are the tickets priced at and where can I buy them?

Tickets for the Shopper are priced at Dh30 per person, per entry, with entry free for children below the age of five.

Student groups can avail of discounts with organisers announcing a special price entry ticket for students who pre-book in a group of 50 or more.

“Students will pay just Dh10 per entry to access to the largest range of cutting edge gadgets under one convenient roof,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.

Group bookings for students can be prearranged by their educational institution’s management by contacting the Gitex Shopper’s management team at shopper@dwtc.com

Student groups should be accompanied by the institution’s staff members. The validity for student tickets is until October 2.

Individual tickets can be purchased at select Emarat gas stations across Dubai, along with at the venue itself on the day.

How do I get there on the metro?

The Dubai Metro’s red line World Trade Centre Station serves the exhibition centre, which the organisers say is the fastest way to reach the Shopper without the long queues for the car park.

For international travellers, the route also connects the exhibition centre with the Dubai International Aiport, along with major stops throughout the city.

Trains run every seven minutes to all major business, tourist and residential areas, with options such as Park and Ride, or feeder buses at select stations.

Car parking facilities area available on the Red Line at Rashidiya (2,700 Spaces) and Nakheel Harbour and Towers (3,000 spaces) and on the Green Line Etisalat (3,000 car park spaces).

However, there is also free parking available next to the Jafiliya Metro Station, which is one stop over from the Gitex Shopper.

The Dubai Metro runs on Thursdays until 1am. On Fridays, the metro commences at 10am and runs until 1am, while Saturday will be until midnight.

And if I still want to bring my car, where do I park?

Well, you have been warned. But if you still want to brave the queues at the venue across the remaining days, free parking is available at Car Parks 1A, 1B and 1C opposite the Novotel Hotel and Car park 2 located opposite Zabeel Hall.

Paid parking closer to the venue is also available at the multi-storey Car Park (Levels 3 to 6) and the Sheikh Rashid Tower car park located next to Trade Centre Arena and Halls 1 and 2. The charges are Dh10 per hour.

What is the best time to attend?

Considering it is the final weekend, the masses are sure to throng to the venue. Mornings is historically a quieter time at the Gitex Shopper, with crowds usually surging from 4pm and peaking around 8pm.

Also keep in mind, Saturday is the first day of Eid Al Adha and tourists from other GCC nations have already flocked to the Dubai to holiday and take in some of the shopping deals. Brace yourself for the crowds.