PPK Malaysia just returned from its latest Study Trip to Dubai in January. All had a fantastic time and took away a lot of valuable insights and learnings. To read the trip report, please click here (hyperlink to the Study Trip page on Dubai).
We started off 2016 with a study trip to Dubai, the 5th most visited city in the world and virtually built up from a desert. The group visited a whole plethora of 9 malls, each with its own character and unique attractions.
Of worthy mention is the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall, comprising 1,200 shops over 12 million sq.ft. of gross built up area and this is where you find Dubai Aquarium where one can even learn to dive. Participants also stopped by Ibn Battuta, the world’s largest themed mall, with its 6 precincts inspired by the countries visited by Ibn Battuta, the famous 14th century Arabian explorer.
Our 42 participants also visited malls like Souk Madinat Jumeirah which was modelled after a traditional Middle Eastern souk (or market place) and simply full of character; Dubai Marina Mall, built to serve the community residing in a man-made marina precinct ; Mercato where the architecture and interior designs were reminiscent of Italy and City Centre Mirdif, which boasts of an indoor flight simulator and indoor sky-diving.
The trip was planned to coincide with the annual Dubai Shopping Festival and participants gained valuable insights from a briefing by HE H. E. Laila Mohd Suhail, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment which was strategically arranged by Tourism Malaysia.
All in all, as one enthusiastic participant, put it, “the best ever trip”!
Click here for pictures