The record-breaking special IMAGINE show for the Philippine Independence Day that took place in Dubai Festival City Mall is a recognition of the contributions of Filipinos towards the development of the UAE as a forward-looking country that it is today.
On the sidelines of the inaugural show, The Filipino Times spoke to Steve Cleaver, Director at Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Futtaim Group, who shared that the special show highlighting the Philippine flag as well as its iconic landmarks is a salute to the impact that the Filipinos have had over the years.
“The reason we have chosen the Philippine Independence Day as a show, not only for us but the UAE as a whole, (is because) the Philippine community is a big part of that make up. It’s an extremely important element and we wanted to recognize that and really say thank you to the contribution that the Philippine community makes to the UAE,” said Cleaver.
Growing Filipino Footfall
Cleaver shared that Dubai Festival City Mall sees a growing footfall of Filipinos who enjoy not just their IMAGINE show, but the ambiance that the mall has as well: “Around 30-35% of our customers are Filipinos. A lot of Filipinos are here with their families. We see them dining, shopping, and enjoy different forms of leisure.”
He also looks forward to launch Filipino brands and establishments in the mall to make each Filipino’s visit at Dubai Festival City Mall more enjoyable. “If there’s some good Filipino brands out there, absolutely! There’s always room for expansion,” said Cleaver.
The Dubai Festival City Mall Director wishes to congratulate the Filipino community on the occasion of the Independence Day and welcomes the Filipino community to their doors to enjoy the vibrant and festive ambiance of the mall. “Congratulations on your Independence Day. Everybody’s welcome here at DFC. We’ve got a lot more coming including a big Kid’s festival starting on June 24 in line with the Dubai Summer Surprises so there’s lots happening so come on down,” said Cleaver.
He is optimistic that more Filipinos would visit in the coming days as they continue to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day with a succession of IMAGINE shows in the evening. “We hope to welcome more Filipinos and I think we will! We’ve got a lot of good interest and a lot of people who came on the first night (of the show),” shared Cleaver.
The PH-inspired IMAGINE show will have repeat shows starting today, June 13, Thursday until June 15, Saturday. The first show begins at 7:30 pm and happens every hour onwards, at 8:00 pm; 9:00 pm; 10:00 pm; and 11:00 pm.
