The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dubai

  • Seven ex-governors, others to lose loot kept in Dubai

    Seven ex-governors, others to lose loot kept in Dubai

    EFCC chair, minister off to retrieve cash

    All seems set for the repatriation of over $200billion stashed away by some former governors, ex-ministers and other public officers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Some mansions belonging to some former Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and their cronies or fronts may also be seized, a source said.

    Under the searchlight for stashing away cash or acquiring properties in the UAE are seven former governors, six former ministers, a fleeing presidential aide implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals, ex-military chiefs under probe, agents / fronts of some of these public officers and five chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    A Federal Government team, comprising the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and crack detectives from the anti-graft agency, yesterday started comparing collated intelligence notes on the PEPs with their UAE counterparts.

    The EFCC officials arrived in Dubai on Saturday. The Minister left Abuja yesterday to join the team.

    It was learnt that the AGF had barely returned from an official assignment when an urgent travel arrangement was made for him.

    The delegation went to UAE in line with an agreement with the Federal Government.

    President Muhammadu Buhari in January signed a “Judicial Agreement on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth”.

    Seven former governors, six former ministers and a fleeing Presidential aide implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals, ex-military chiefs under probe, agents / fronts of some of these public officers and about five chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have either stashed away funds in Dubai or acquired properties.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Federal Government team has met with those from the UAE on intelligence sharing, the list of those on EFCC radar, the number of highly-placed Nigerians with fat accounts in UAE and those with choice properties in Marina (Dubai), Bur Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

    ”Some of the former governors include one from the South-South, two from Northcentral, two from the Northeast, one from the Northwest, and one from the Southwest.

    “A former-governor had made botched attempts to transfer about $517million loot to Dominican Republic because UAE law is now strict.

    “More than six ex-ministers and a former presidential aide, who is on the run over the $2.1billion arms deals, were said to have acquired choice mansions and malls in UAE. One of the former ministers, who was alleged to own two houses in Dubai, was said to have served as a front for a former First Lady.

    “Another ex-minister had bought some malls through a few cronies in Dubai. The list of such agents is being screened.

    “Certainly, the anti-graft agency has tightened the noose on these former public officers and there is no hiding place for them.

    “The success of the collaboration between the Federal Government team and the UAE Government will determine when EFCC will release the concessions on some of these PEPs. Very soon, we will unveil these ex-political office holders.”

    According to sources, the government delegation discovered that many highly-placed Nigerians, including a few ex-governors and money laundering fronts, have fled from Dubai to Singapore, Casablanca in Morocco, Dominican Republic and some islands in the UK and in the Caribbean.

    Another source said: “From the trip so far, many big Nigerians have already ran away from Dubai to escape being arrested by the UAE authorities.”

    “Some of the ex-governors have also avoided visiting UAE until the coast is clear. They do not want to experience the same fate like ex-Governor James Ibori.

    “The frequency at which highly-placed Nigerians fly to Dubai for parties has considerably reduced because they are under watch by the UAE authorities.

    A source in the government last night said: “Yes, the AGF and the EFCC chairman with some top officials of the anti-graft agency are in Dubai for a follow-up technical session on the Mutual Legal Assistance between Nigeria and the UAE.

    “I can confirm the official trip and it is meant to recover looted funds.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, said over $200 billion had been hidden in UAE.

    He said: “Over $200 billion is stashed away from Nigeria in Dubai alone. This may be monies stolen in the past 20 years. I am not talking about estates and bonds and other securities bought with Nigeria stolen money.”

    The anti-money laundering policy of UAE Central Bank reads in part: “Any person who commits, or attempts to commit, a Money Laundering offence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 10 years and or a fine of between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000.

    ”In cases of multiple perpetrators, the Court, subject to its discretion, may exempt a perpetrator from the imprisonment penalty if he takes the initiative and reports the crime to the competent authorities prior to the knowledge of such authorities and if his actions lead to the arrest of the other perpetrators or seizure of the laundered money.

    ”Any establishment that commits an offence of money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of any unlawful organisations, shall be punished by a fine of AED 300,000 and AED 1,000,000.

    ”Failure to report a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment and /or a fine of between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000.

    ”Tipping off a person being investigated regarding a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and/ or a fine of between AED10,000 and AED 100,000.

    ”Violation of the requirements of Airport Declarations shall be punishable by imprisonment and or a fine.”

  • Beach carnival at Dubai Shopping Festival

    Beach carnival at Dubai Shopping Festival

    Shopping Festival has added carnival at the beach as part of the fun at the on-going month-long shopping festival. According to the organizers, the Dubai Tourism Board, the carnival was to help everybody get into the celebratory mood.  The  report also said families can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere of fun.

    The Festival unfolded across the city last week with bargain hunters expecting bigger discounts this year following last year’s retail slowdown.

    Thousands of visitors and the occasional celebrity are expected to descend on the city’s malls, with many major retail chains currently discounting products to 30 per cent as a ‘part sale’.

    Further reductions are likely to emerge as the festival, entitled ‘Unwrap the exceptional’, progresses throughout January, before finishing on February 1.

    To kickstart the festival, organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment have erected a series of colourful lighting systems and decorations at various locations, including Sheikh Zayed Road, the entrance to Dubai International Airport and by Mall of Emirates.

    More than 150 events and workshops have also been scheduled, including a ‘Beauty Bonanza’ at Dubai Mall which takes place until January 8.

    Meanwhile, extravagant fashion shows will be staged at Mall of the Emirates as streets are turned into runways in Al Fahidi, Burj Plaza and Meena Bazaar.

    The Dubai Ice Rink will present ‘Fashion on Ice’ on January 17 and look out for fashion flash mobs at Ibn Battuta And Dubai Festival City Mall.

    Continuing the festival’s ‘mega raffles’ tradition, the festival will this year be offering an Infiniti QX70 car plus  cash.

  • Airtel Red Hot: Winners for Dubai with friends, family

    Airtel Red Hot: Winners for Dubai with friends, family

    The winners of an all-expense paid trip to Dubai for four in the Airtel Red Hot Promo Season 3 have departed Nigeria for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) along with their excited family and friends.

    Mrs. Victoria Obi, a business woman in Lagos, who emerged winner in the promo, selected her three kids, Mariam, Michael and Raphael to travel with her on the Dubai trip, while Mr. Nnamdi Oji, a web developer/entrepreneur, chose his friends Henry White, Joy Njoku and Cynthia Edokwe to join him.

    A brief departure party was held for them at Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday, December 26, last year where the winners along with their family and friends were treated to some light refreshment shortly before they left Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    All the winners admitted that the all-expense paid trip to Dubai was their first trip ever to the UAE.

    Speaking during the party, Mrs. Victoria commended Airtel Nigeria for giving her and the children the opportunity to enjoy the Christmas holiday in a special way. She said: “The Airtel Red Hot Promo 3 came at the right time; my children are so excited to be going on this wonderful trip to Dubai.”

    She also said: “It was not an easy decision for me to pick just three family members for the trip, but my husband willingly suggested that our three children should go. We really appreciate the Dubai trip courtesy of Airtel. We thank the network for rewarding their customers with this programme.”

    Her daughter, Mariam, also praised Airtel for making her holiday unique. “This is going to be one of my best holidays so far because I am spending it with my brothers and mum in Dubai. I appreciate Airtel for this,” she said.

  • Dubai shopping festival begins

    THE Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which kicks off every January, is a retail celebration that is a shoppers’ delight and renowned for its amazing deals and promotions.

    It is one of the well-known shopping fiestas in the world. The month-long festival, which begins today, will be concluded next month. It begins with an amazing display of fireworks, jaw dropping discounts and freebees, which attract numerous tourists. Thereafter, there would be in-mall fashion shows, street performers, musicians, jugglers, as well as other entertainers.

    The festival, which started since February, 1996, has become a great tourist attraction for visitors from around the world. Beside discounted items that sometimes are up to 75percent, there are other activities such as raffle draws, music concerts, fashion shows, children’s events and more.

    Long before big shopping malls rose from the sand and big brands landed in the city, the emirate’s trading industry was already bustling. It was a haven for traders, mostly men, who would go to Dubai to do business, leave and then return to do business again. But one essential thing was lacking, the idea to launch DSF to attract tourists, mainly families from the world over. Then, came the Dubai Shopping Festival that aimed to improve business operating standards in country.

    Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), organisers of the festival have recounted  that in the past, Dubai was a trader’s destination, a businessman’s destination but families didn’t consider going to there there was nothing for families,”

    The shopping Festival according to organisers, is not just a shopping venue to purchase electronic products or others. It is entirely different from the common shopping festivals. At the festival, several travel agencies arrange holiday deals and help families, groups and individuals participate yearly.

    Having completed 20 editions, it is the longest running and most successful shopping festivals in the world.

    A major highlight of the event is a line-up of malls with branded jewellery, clothing, electronics, carpets, art and crafts, watches, perfumes from popular brands, such as Gucci, Prada, Versace , Armani at discounted prices.

    Another highlight is Tax-free shopping, a major attraction of the festival, where merchants are permitted to import products from other countries with little custom duties.

    Further, the event offers high-discounts as shopping malls and retailers give up to 75 percent discount on a range of items, including watches, jewellery, carpets, electronics, textiles, handicrafts of major brands. There are amazing number of discounts which would range from 25 to 50 percent on sunglasses and home décor to designer fashion. The purchases also come with free gifts and accessories. There are other promotions on the offer like fantastic holiday packages from five-star hotels and resorts. Some other things to consider purchasing from the Dubai shopping festival are; cars, electronic items, gold jewelry, clothes, almonds and dates, carpets, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, food, spices, and textiles.

    Some shopping malls and online retailers would offer attractive discounts on gadgets and electronic items like computer, laptop, cameras, tablets, smartphones, and more.  Dubai is an excellent shopping destination in the world for gold. Therefore, there will be heavy discount offers and best deals for gold, just as in the past years.

    Along with unbeatable deals, DSF is home to Guinness World Records, celebrity performances and plenty of amazing events to celebrate the emirate’s favorite pastime.

    The organisers of the festival have also said Nigeria is one of Dubai’s best-performing African markets, with over 300,000 visitors participating in the past.

    According to them, when it comes to shopping, nobody does it better than Nigerians and Dubai does shopping like no other city.

    This edition of the shopping extravaganza will see a line-up of over 150 events and activities that will be unfurled at various locations and times, offering visitors and shoppers extraordinary experiences, said the organisers.

    The focus on gold and jewellery during festival will see lots of international and regional celebrity visit and showcasing of international luxury jewellery brands. Damas, a jewelry merchant will also be holding its own activation for the public through a pop-up display that will show how diamond mining is carried out and as a way to display rare and antique jewellery.

    Various activities will be held to increase the visibility of the “100 Winners in 32 Days” promotion that is being run by Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group during DSF with the participation of several gold and jewellery retailers.

  • Patoranking and Dj Xclusive to headline Kiza Dubai New Year Concert

    Patoranking and Dj Xclusive to headline Kiza Dubai New Year Concert

    Dubai’s first authentic fine dining Nigerian owned/African restaurant and lounge, Kiza, has announced Patoranking and Dj-Xclusive as special celebrities that will be headlining its New Year concert, taking place at its flagship venue located at Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC..

    Since its inception in 2012, Kiza has hosted African celebrities such as  D’banj, 2Face Idibia, P-square, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Davido, Mi Casa, Sauti Sol, Redsan, Freshly ground, to mention a few.

    The new Kiza venue which was launched in October 2015, is a modern affair which boasts of a lounge, stage, LED screen and VIP seating areas.

    Seating up to 154 people, Kiza, which is popular among Africans, is the perfect set up for events such as music shows, spoken word events, concerts and movie premieres. It also caters for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and brand launches. In addition, the restaurant serves traditional dishes from the four regions of the continent.

    Regarding entertainment, Kiza, in partnership with Nigeria’s “Industry Nite” music event hosts a weekly showcase of top African musicians. And recently, KIZA partnered with comedian BasketMouth to begin the monthly Lords of the Ribs comedy event. The first edition was held on December 19, 2015 and headlined by Ugandan comic Anne Kansiime.

    The KIZA resident DJ performs every night from 11pm while the KIZA live band is on between 7pm and 11pm from Wednesday to Saturday.

  • Atiku denies hosting political meetings in Dubai

    Atiku denies hosting political meetings in Dubai

    Former Vice President and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Atiku Abubakar has denied hosting political meetings in Dubai ahead of the 2019 general election.

    He said his present preoccupation was the success of the country’s APC-led administration.

    Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said enemies of democracy and the country were trying to create distrust between him and President Muhammadu Buhari to distract the government from achieving its set objectives.

    The former vice president asked those he described as political mischief-makers and enemies of unity to allow him enjoy his peace and desist from sinister propaganda designed to draw a wedge between him and Buhari.

    Atiku, who was reacting to insinuations alleging that he held political meetings at Burj Al-Arab, Dubai, explained that contrary to the rumours, he was in Dubai with his family for physiotherapy on his injured knee.

    He maintained that he was embarrassed by the deliberate falsehoods being spread against him by political opponents who, he added, were bent on causing distraction for Buhari at a time all energies should be channelled into helping the President actualise his change agenda.

    Describing those spreading the rumour as “ill-motivated busybodies that don’t wish the country well”, he explained that his medical treatment was his private affair, which should not be politicised by anybody to achieve sinister objectives.

    He said he was entitled to enjoy his private life, including the right to attend to his health, without being harassed and lied against.

    The Turaki added that contrary to insinuations by political opponents, the success of the Buhari administration had been his preoccupation.

    He noted that any true APC member should have the same zeal.

    According to him, rumour mongers seeking to cause distrust and distraction in Buhari’s government did not mean well for the APC administration, adding that with the challenges of providing good governance for the country and creating jobs for Nigerians, including reducing the impact of poverty, the President needed all the goodwill and support.

    “Whether at home or abroad, the Turaki is preoccupied with his unassailable support to President Buhari and his administration, especially in this critical time, as it works assiduously to turn the fortunes of our dear country around and make Nigeria work for Nigerians.”

  • EFCC: Dasuki diverted cash to buy houses in Dubai, London

    EFCC: Dasuki diverted cash to buy houses in Dubai, London

    The Federal Government yesterday clarified its position in the ongoing trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammed Sambo Dasuki before the High court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    It said the ex-NSA was being tried because he was involved in various activities that bordered on economic sabotage, compromise of the nation’s security and endangering the lives of Nigerian soldiers involved in the anti-terrorism fight with members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The government said investigation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives revealed that Dasuki allegedly diverted huge funds meant for the nation’s security, with which he allegedly procured properties in foreign cities, such as Dubai and London.

    It warned against granting bail to Dasuki on the grounds that he could be attacked by relatives of ill-equipped soldiers, who died in the anti-terror war as a result of Dasuki’s alleged diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms and ammunition for the military.

    It said investigation had been intensified to trace his assets in other foreign countries and ascertain where the yet to be located stolen funds are being hidden outside the country.

    The government’s position is contained in a counter affidavit filed by the EFCC against Dasuki’s bail application. The affidavit was deposed to by an operative with the EFCC, Hassan Saidu, who said he was part of the team investigating Dasuki.

    “The offences being alleged against the defendant/applicant border on economic sabotage that strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s wellbeing and existence.

    “The security of the Nigerian nation was compromised and the lives of innocent Nigerian soldiers in the battlefront against terrorists were endangered on account of diversion of funds meant for the security of the nation by the applicant herein.

    “It is in the interest of justice to put the applicant in protective custody so as to protect him from a possible attack by the relatives of the innocent soldiers who lost their lives due to lack of adequate equipment and facilities caused by the diversion of the funds meant for that purpose.

    “Apart from the cases that are pending against the applicant, he is also being investigated in respect of other criminal allegations. The applicant acquired a large volume of assets with the proceeds of crimes and my team is currently tracing the assets and, if released on bail, the applicant will interfere with the asset tracing activities.

    “The applicant transferred huge sums of monies to various companies, whose identifies we are still trying to trace. And, if released on bail, the applicant will interfere and frustrate our investigation. Our investigation also revealed that the applicant transferred large sums of monies outside Nigeria and he acquired several assets in Dubai and London with these funds.

    “The prosecution is prepared to prove its case within the shortest possible time if the application is refused and the court orders accelerated hearing,” Saidu said.

    The lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), arguing the counter affidavit yesterday, urged the court to refuse the bail applications by Dasuki and two others arraigned with him on Monday on a 19-count charge of criminal breach of public trust and diversion of public funds. They are ex-Finance and Administration Director in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu and former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa.

    Jacobs faulted the argument by Dasuki’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN), that a Federal High Court, before which another case was pending against his client, had ruled that the offences are bailable. He contended that both cases were distinguishable.

    ‘‘Money laundering is a secondary offence and not a primary offence. But the charges before My Lord here are primary offences. My learned friend didn’t tell My Lord whether his client was enjoying the bail granted him by the other court before he was transferred to us (EFCC). Every money laundering case has a predicate offence.’’

    Jacobs argued that presumption of innocence is not a sufficient ground for the accused persons to be granted bail. He noted that the status of the first defendant would intimidate the prosecution witnesses who had worked under him.

    ‘‘They are not entitled to bail because they may jump bail. I recognise that the granting or refusal of bail is at the discretion of the court, but if they will interfere with investigation of other cases that will be instituted against them, you can refuse them bail. If bail application is filed, it is not automatic that it must be granted,’’ Jacobs said.

    On Raji’s argument that the charges did not indicate that the alleged money was for procurement of arms, Jacobs said the proof of evidence showed the purposes for which the money was meant, which was for the purchase of security equipment.

    Moving his client’s bail application earlier, Raji urged the court to allow Dasuki on bail pending the conclusion of his trial.

    He argued that under the Constitution, an accused is presumed innocent, no matter the gravity of the charge before the court. Also, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 has made bail possible in all cases.’’

    Raji urged the court to discountenance Jacobs’ argument, particularly in relation to his claim that the former NSA would interfere with further investigation and witnesses in the current case.

    He urged the court to seriously consider the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja which had earlier granted Dasuki bail in another case.

    “It will amount to internal inconsistency. I urge you, My Lord,  to grant the first defendant bail on very liberal terms, even if you are not moved by the ruling by your brother at the Federal High Court.’’

    Justice Baba-Yusuf cut in, telling Raji that the case before him and the one in which the first defendant is standing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja are different.

    ‘‘Move the circumstances on which the bail should be granted and that is what will impress me,” Justice Baba-Yusuf said.

    Salisu’s lawyer, A.U. Mustapha, argued in a similar manner, noting that his client has served the country meritoriously for 29 years.

    “He is a responsible citizen of this country and he is ready to defend himself. He needs his liberty and unfettered access to his lawyer. He also needs to consult his books. So, he needs his freedom to be able to do all this,’’ he said.

    Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf adjourned till Friday for ruling on the bail application. He directed that the defendants be further remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

     

     

  • ‘Nigerians have a lot to benefit from Dubai’

    ‘Nigerians have a lot to benefit from Dubai’

    Ms. Stella Obinwa, a Nigerian, is the Regional Director, Africa Internal Operations, Dubai Tourism Board. Obinwa led a team of Dubai Tourism Board to Nigeria ahead of the annual Dubai Shopping Festival scheduled for January and February. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf she speaks on the socio-economic benefits of Dubai tourism and how Nigerians can key into it. Excerpts:

    You came to Nigeria to promote the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Why did you choose Nigeria?

    We chose Nigeria because they have shown a large interest in shopping and we feel we have something to offer them; and also because it is the largest populated country in Africa. We also chose Nigeria because there are a lot of local businesses here in Nigeria and Dubai that they can collaborate. This is just the first. We will take this out to other countries in future but in the short time that we have to put this together, Nigeria fits perfectly.

    For a Nigerian that has not been to Dubai, what is so special about the shopping fair?

    If you’ve never been to Dubai, the Dubai Shopping Festival puts Dubai at an advantage over all other shopping destinations in the world. At the Dubai Shopping Festivals, the retailers are offering 70 per cent or more discounts on all the merchandise on their stores. It is like an after season and urging people to come and get their best deals on anything, the Gold Souk, spice souk, Dubai Mall, every mall. Every retailer will be running a discount programme.

    Nigerians travel to Dubai a lot, what is the special thing about the festival?

    Contrary to public perception, it is a select few that have been to Dubai from Nigeria. We are finding out that they go often. Nigeria has a population of 170 million. Let us knockout 100 million as below age and not earning money, there is still 70 million. Let us knock out half of that and say for reasons of logistics 50 per cent can’t go, we are down to 35 million. The number on record of Nigerians that go to Dubai is less than 200,000. That means there is a huge potential to grow it. So we decided in Dubai Tourism that we are going to give people a free experience to Dubai. So, on this trip that I am here with my colleagues, we are running a giveaway promotion to give away travel packages to up to 200 Nigerians. We pay for the flights, pay for the hotels and all they have to do is to go there and experience the Dubai Shopping Festival which is not only about shopping, it is also about gastronomy. All the leading restaurant s will run special programmes, special eating experiences, there will be concerts and the normal activities. You would experience the desert; experience the culture, there is so much to do during the Dubai Shopping Festival.  So, we take 200 people there, they will enjoy, they will come back and spread the word that Dubai is not an alternative destination, it is the destination.

    You know Dubai is like one big bazaar venue, how does this shopping festival run?

    Every mall and every location, as long as you are a licensed retailer in Dubai, you run the discount, whether you are in the gold souk area, whether you are at the mall, whether you are at the Downtown area, the Deria, every where you are. All kinds of merchandise: phones, pillows, bags, shoes, you name it, everything would be on sale.

    So, all you need to do is be in Dubai during the festival?

    Like you say, all you need is to be there, well, we take care of your being there, you do the enjoyment.

    Talking about being there, a couple of months back, there are issues regarding Nigerians entering Dubai and who can come in, marital status and so on…?

    I am familiar with the issues you are a talking about. When I was employed in Dubai tourism, I went to them with guns blazing telling them you guys want me to drive traffic with all these restrictions? They told them, Stella, go take a look, those are guidelines that enable them screen out those that should not be there. Every country needs to do her due diligence to maintain the safety of those who come into their country and those who live in their country. It is awesome they are doing that. So, while it might seem frustrating for people when they hear these restrictions, it is for their own good that Dubai has such a wonderful screening programme that ensures that when you come in, you are going to be safe.

    Which months are the pick months for travel into Dubai for Nigerians?

    December and January are huge travel months for Nigerians as well as August and September, and even March and April depending on when the Easter season falls. Those are the biggest travel months. We see upward of 25,000 to 30,000 Nigerians those months documented. I say documented because I was one of those who probably went there in December. I live in Nigeria but I went on my United States passport, my document does not show I am a Nigerian. We are going to address all these in the coming months so that the true number will show.

    In terms of products, you know what the average Nigerian wants. In terms of our shopping culture , what do you think they are going to enjoy most about the Dubai Shopping Festival?

    I think Nigerians will enjoy the night life. I think that now that Dubai has launched great African fine dining experience, Nigerians are going enjoy that. There is also the great shopping experience. I think Nigerians enjoy relationship, the banter; they will get all of that in Dubai. They will get the relaxation, the cold weather, all of these make for a complete experience.

    How do Nigerians queue into this?

    If you go to any travel agency that has an online platform, you will see packages to Dubai. What the travel agencies do is that they contact the airlines directly …I think you can get that on any platform and Dubai Tourism is here to support every travel agency.

    I know that there are a few travel agencies that you are working with, how about the others?

    No, I am working with all. I am developing a relationship with the umbrella agency for Nigerian travel agencies, NANTA; everybody who is a member of NANTA will have access to Dubai Tourism. We are not favouring one agency over the other. Of course for different promotions, it is impossible to run a promotion with 2000 agencies, so we look at the statistics of what the agencies are producing and if we think you produce very strong number in the month of March for example, if I have promotion running, I will give it to you. I will spread the love equally. I don’t want to single out favour for any particular agency.

    I know the shopping festival starts in January, what is the duration?

    The Shopping Festival is from January 1st to February 1st. Nigerians are invited and some of them, I will pay for them.  Let me qualify it. If someone sends you on a trip by yourself, you might not really enjoy it. what we are doing is a 100 packages  but each person who wins a package can bring a friend or anybody who has a Nigerian passport. You will travel on your Nigerian passport even if you have another country’s passport for this particular trip.

     

  • Dubai makes inroad into Nigerian market, promotes shopping festival

    Dubai’s debut presence at this year’s African Travel Market (ATM), taking place in Lagos, Nigeria is to highlight the emirate’s interest in the continent.

    Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is promoting the emirate as a must-visit destination for African travellers in 2016.

    Speaking at the ATM, Stella Obinwa, Head of Africa Region, Dubai Tourism, said: “Dubai already holds great appeal among African travellers, particularly those who love shopping, entertainment and family fun. We are here to show that Dubai is going to out-do itself in this regard in 2016, with incredible new attractions and opportunities that can’t be missed.”

    Nigeria is one of Dubai’s best-performing African markets, with over 300,000 visitors arriving in Dubai from the region in 2014. Emirates operates three flights daily out of Nigeria, augmented by additional flights from within the region operated by Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Rwandair, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Royal Air Maroc.

    Shopping is a major attraction among African travellers, and Dubai is highlighting its incredible retail offering to Nigerians in several innovative ways. Dubai Tourism recently rolled out an advertising campaign in Nigeria, highlighting Dubai Shopping Festival in January  the month when shopping bargains and festivities can be found across the city, including the world’s most-visited mall, The Dubai Mall. Furthermore, Dubai Tourism is running an incredible prize giveaway for consumers, on radio with Soul & Liquid Lounges and with travel partners Tour Brokers International and World N Travel, offering 200 people the chance to win a trip to Dubai Shopping Festival 2016.

    Stella Obinwa commented: “The scale of the competition is unprecedented and hasn’t been done by any other tourism board or company. We are working with our top travel agencies and radio stations to give Nigerians an amazing Dubai experience. When it comes to shopping, nobody does it better than Nigerians.”

    Dubai Tourism is also enlisting style leaders to highlight its status as a fashion capital, and the Department recently worked with Nigerian-American artist Jidenna to highlight the city’s shopping and destination offerings.

    The emirate’s ambitious plans to make Dubai the world’s number one family holiday destination will also be demonstrated during ATM, spurred by the openings of four major theme parks in Dubai next year. Opening in early 2016, IMG Worlds of Adventure will be the world’s largest indoor theme park, offering year-round fun and excitement for all ages.

  • UBA customer relives Dubai experience

    UBA customer relives Dubai experience

    Customers, who recently visited Dubai courtesy UBA Awoof promo, have described their experience an exciting journey that would continue to sustain their bond with the bank.

    According to the bank, the 20 lucky customers on the trip had emerged as winners in the Remittance Awoof Promotion organised by the bank to reward customers that had received remittances through MoneyGram and Western Union from any UBA business office across the country.  Sixty other customers were rewarded with beautiful other gift items.

    “The trip is part of the bank’s efforts to reward loyalty, give back to the society and impact the lives of individuals that carry out business with the bank,” the bank said.

    One of the lucky customers, Benita Ojeh, Asaba, Delta State, said: “This is more like a miracle to me. I never believed this would ever happen to me. I am immensely grateful to UBA and most importantly very proud that a bank could reward a customer with a dream trip like this”.

    Ojeh excitement was occasioned by the five-star treatment enjoyed in the prestigious J5 Rimal Rotana Apartments, with each customer allocated a own room each; opportunity to take photographs at various tourism sites in Dubai including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man made structure in the world.

    Directorate Head, Public Sector Group, Marketing, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, said UBA is more than happy to reward loyal customers because UBA believes that loyal customers deserve to be rewarded.

    He assured that UBA will continue to “reward customers who remain loyal to the bank and do repeat business with us”.

    Already, UBA says plans are at an advanced stage to roll out another Awoof promotion next  January.