By Lily B. Libo-on www.khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI – Overcrowded on Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), city’s malls may not be the favourite choice for the special needs kids, people with disability, the less fortunate and aged individuals to go.
Yet, the spectacular international shows, colourfully dressed performers promenading around the malls and the eye-catching decorations and sales promotions wheel them into the malls to shop and be entertained. Much more, they hope to take home valuable giveaways.
More than anything else, the DSF is also for the special needs people, many of whom are walking around in the malls in their crutches. Others are wheeled inside by their loved ones in wheelchairs as they see for themselves the irresistible huge discounts, the internationally top-rated entertainment and the joy that makes them forget the difficulties of being helpless when left alone.
A lady in crutches, who moved in a hurry from the Metro Station to Deira City Center, said excitedly that she came even with difficulties to the mall in response to the special discounts she heard about from friends. “I have been waiting for the DSF to get a good discount in clothes, shoes and household items. I cannot wait to do my shopping. Walking with crutches around is like walking in ages, especially I am doing this shopping alone. But, I am determined to manage myself to get what I need this DSF.” Coming down in a wheelchair through a conveyor does not seem to bother the 70-year-old Pakistani woman, Rachina. Looking at her, no one can ever see any traces of weariness on her age-laden face.
Her grandchildren were teasing each other and laughing as they were pushing slowly the wheelchair on the conveyor transport towards the ground floor of Mirdiff City Centre. “It’s fun. We come together as a family to see what shopping can offer to us this DSF,” said Nafis, 20. Her mom whispered to her and signalled that the entertainment shows were about to start. There, they positioned themselves in the Central Galeria where the Bulgarian-based Drummers were performing. More info and photos
