Gitex Shopper Dubai guide: Timings, tickets, and tips to avoid traffic

Bumper deals, bigger prizes and gold bars, every hour, on the hour; this is the appeal of the Gitex Shopper Spring edition that runs from April 1 to 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The much-awaited IT and consumer electronics exhibition returns once again with crazy deals and bundle offers, with a prize or three thrown in to seal the sale.

This year, organisers have loaded up the prizes with 20-gram gold bars to be won every day at the show (10 bars daily) when consumers spend Dh2,500 and above.

Visitors to the show between 11am-4pm across the four days can also win back their purchases in the form of vouchers when they spend at least Dh2,500.

Organisers are also throwing in a Mitsubishi Pajero for one winner by visiting the show.

Meanwhile, 40 visitors will stand a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy A5 smartphone, coupled with ticket holders also trying their luck in winning a range of Samsung products including the Tab S, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, printers and monitors.

As the curtains rise on the four-day event, Exhibition Director, Hassan Mosafer, tells Emirates 24|7 they are expecting heavy footfall across the days due to “the ease and convenience for visitors”.

He added: “The show is open for 12 hours a day, easy to access with the DWTC enjoying its own dedicated Metro station, there are dozens of food and beverage options, and from navigating the busy halls to nab the best possible deals on the latest gadgets, grabbing a bite to eat, or being entertained and excited by fun acts, competitions and promotions.”

For those planning to shop for a bargain across the four days, here’s a guide to help you plan the journey:

When are the dates for Gitex Shopper 2015 Spring edition and its timings?

Gitex Shopper 2015 will run from April 1 to 4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The show will run from 11am to 11pm on all days.

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

Tickets are priced Dh20 per person. You can buy them in advance at select Emarat petrol station outlets after. Or you can also purchase tickets at the venue itself on the day.

Yes, the prices have been bumped up from the October edition of the Shopper, but Exhibition Director, Hassan Mosafer, told Emirates 24|7 the prices are “in line with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE) industry rates, so this reflects the first increase in the overall market since the show’s inception in 2013.”

He further added: “We do not believe this will affect the footfall as the price is still extremely affordable and now includes access to both Gitex Shopper Spring and Shopper Smart Living.

“In addition to this, the value of prizes for competitions and giveaways this year is also bigger than ever before, meaning shoppers have a greater chance to win.”

The first time for the Spring edition, there are special student tickets available at Dh10 for groups of students who want to visit the show.

Meanwhile, entrance for children below the age of five years is free.

Children below the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Can I travel to Gitex Shopper using Dubai Metro?

Yes, of course. The Dubai Metro’s World Trade Centre Station on the red line 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 Airport, 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 from 5.50am-midnight from Saturday to Wednesday. On Thursdays, timings extend to 1am, while on Fridays, the metro commences at 10am and runs until 1am.

And if I still want to bring my car, what are the parking facilities available?

A build-up of traffic is expected around the Trade Centre roundabout and parallel roads and it is advisable to use public transportation.

However, if you still prefer to drive to the venue on any of the four 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.

Machines will be available at the exit cashier on the fourth floor of the multi-storey car park. Lost parking tokens are charged at Dh150.

Will taxis be available if don’t want to travel by metro with big purchases?

At the exhibition venue, there are two taxi stands: opposite Ibis Hotel and in front of Zabeel Hall entrance.

If you don’t want to leave it to chance, you can book a taxi from any pick up point of your choice call 04 208 0808

When is the best time to attend Gitex Shopper 2015 Spring edition?

Well, considering it is Spring Break and UAE schools are closed for the duration, organisers are expecting steady footfall across all four days of the Shopper.

Hassan Mosafer, Gitex Shopper Exhibition Director, told Emirates 24|7: “We expect a number of factors to drive both revenue and footfall this year: the timing of the show – at the time of Spring break when consumers will be looking for the latest products.”

He added this will be further fuelled by the large number of retailers and brands competing to provide the best deals and prices on over 30,000 products.

Retailers maintain that, historically, mornings are relatively quieter at the Gitex Shopper, with crowds usually surging from 4pm and peaking around 8pm.

Also keep in mind that the last two days of the Shopper are over the weekend, so brace yourselves for the crowds.

Is there any way I can avoid the traffic?

Using the public transport system is probably your best alternative here. However, if you choose not to utilise it and prefer to avoid the Trade Centre gridlock also, an alternative would be to park on the opposite side of the WTC Metro Station – across Sheikh Zayed Road – and use the overhead bridge to cross.

Another alternative is to park elsewhere and carpool with your friends and colleagues to the venue.

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