Sahara Centre records 50% rise in tourist traffic during 2023

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

 The UAE has witnessed record surge in the number of tourists during 2023 which has accelerated growth in every sphere of the national economy.

The UAE’s retail sector has hugely benefited from the remarkable inflow of tourists to the country as the footfall and sales have increased tremendously during the period.

The retail sector in Sharjah has reported a very strong growth during 2023 as the emirate registered rise in tourist arrivals during the year.

Akram Ammar, Managing Director at Sahara Centre said, “our tourists traffic increased by 50 per cent in 2023 from January till date. Sahara Centre has attracted global customers but the majority of them were from Russia and Eastern Europe.”

Akram Ammar, Managing Director at Sahara Centre.

Ammar added, “We have also witnessed a 10 per cent increase in traffic from local customers as the centre offers amazing experience of shopping for everyone.”

He said, “Our seasonal sales posted very high growth throughout 2023 and we expect huge business in remaining few days of the year.”

About his expectations for the year 2024, he said, “We are very optimistic about the New Year and see a big hike in sales. The overall economy of the UAE will grow and will attract more visitors as the country has so many attractions and best infrastructure.”

About the ‘ITALIAN ESCAPE’ promotion campaign, he added,” The centre offers promotions and discounts round the year. ITALIAN ESCAPE is a two-month opportunity for customers from 15th December 2023 till 15th February 2024 at Sahara Centre outlets to win Fiat Abarth Turismo Cabrio, or a family trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Italy.

To enter the draw, customers need to spend Dhs200 at Sahara Centre outlets. The deadline for raffle entry submission is set for 15th February 2024, following digital to be held live in the mall in the presence of a Sharjah Economic Development Department representative.