His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation; Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Chairman of DSF Supreme Committee has announced the dates for the upcoming 13th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, one of the leading shopping and entertainment extravaganzas in the world. To be held for a period of 32 days, DSF 2008 will commence on January 24, 2008 and run till February 24, presenting the finest festive experience in the region. Tracing the growth of DSF as an event that laid the stone for innovation in the festival industry, HH said, "The overwhelming success and the achievements accomplished by DSF over the years have made it possible to set the ground for a vibrant entertainment industry in the region. It has set new standards for family entertainment along with a diversified spectrum of events that have combined to become a catalyst in the growth witnessed by the economy, and especially by the tourism sector. The popularity of DSF can be gauged in that it has been the role model for burgeoning regional entertainment ventures to emulate, apart from attracting multi-billion dollar entertainment based projects into UAE." Citing the ability of UAE''''s entertainment industry in attracting visitors, HH said, "A massive pool of local organising talent formed from experiences over the years and the advanced status of the entertainment industry in UAE are going to play a crucial role in attracting tourists and visitors into the country."