As netizens flood the internet with January blues jest memes, a section Kenyans who are booking flights to go shop and party in Dubai.
Just a few weeks ago, a nominated senator was trending after causing drama at a Dubai club during a Samidoh gig, shedding light on the lifestyle that Kenyan rich live. It is now emerging that bookings from Kenya are at an all time high, as many take advantage of the Dubai Shopping festival currently underway. The 15-day events entail over 800 brands offering 25-75 % discounts at 3,500 outlets all over Dubai. Kenyan mix master Dj Mneddy is the official DJ for Kiza Dubai, a hot spot for Africans visiting the magical city. He admits that every single week prominent Kenyans visit his spot for a good old time.
“There are just so many Kenyan’s who come to party here, while they are in Dubai.I have played for Former Mombasa govoner joho, former Nairobi governor Sonko, Winnie Odinga, and hosted many Kenyan Dj’s and artistes. Even in January we have had big Kenyan shows here in Dubai because people are always coming through to shop and party,” He intimates.
This is part of the new craze gripping the world dubbed shopping tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization, people are not just shopping when they travel, but traveling for the sole purpose of shopping. The Chinese top the list of spenders splashing over Ksh 16 trillion every year at top shopping destinations. Other top ballers include US Ksh 10 Trillion, Germany Ksh 10 Trillion , UK Ksh 7Trillion and Russia Ksh 7 Trillion. With a growing middle class, Kenyans are continuously gaining higher purchasing power and demanding more exotic shopping experiences. Branding coach and InsideOut CEO Hannah G typically holds her vision party in Nairobi but she will host in Dubai this year. This she says is in response to this new wave in the market. The event typically attracts high-end corporate heads and high-level government leaders.
She says: “Dubai has mastered the art of creating round the year attractions, such as the shopping festival. That’s why I decided to host my event there this year, it’s the perfect place for business people to have fun as they get some work done.”
