Retail sector expected to exceed $500bn by 2010

No other industry in the Arabian Gulf is expected to grow faster than the retail sector, and according to regional industry forecasts the sector is projected to exceed $500bn by 2010. The region currently enjoys 6 million square metres of retail space, with another 5 million under development and many more plans in the pipeline.

According to the latest Middle East survey by Retail International, Dubai leads the way in terms of density of shopping "footage", making up more than 50% of the UAE's sum total. It makes perfect business sense that Dubai is the venue of choice for InRetail, the region's leading trade show for the design, fit-out and operational management of retail outlets, supermarkets and shopping malls in the Arabian Gulf.

The 2008 edition of this world-class event will be held from 8 to 10 June 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, and will once again showcase the latest and best retail innovations featuring world renowned manufacturers alongside the region's largest agents and distributors.

According to Ms. Paula Al Chami, Exhibition Director of the InRetail 2008 trade show, this is just the beginning of a bright future for the retail industry.

"Over the next 5 years, the GCC will have more than 200 retail developments that will occupy in excess of 11 million square feet of retail space and accommodate more than 27,000 retailers,"

she said.

"These are mind-boggling figures, and those associated with the industry have to stay up to date with the rest of the world if they wish to stay competitive. The transition to custom-designed shopping complexes across the region, together with the proliferation of branded store networks, has created an acute need for professionals to stay in touch with the latest trends and best practices in the industry," added Ms. Chami.

InRetail 2008 will be a one-of-a-kind platform for those involved in the design, fit-out and operational management of retail outlets, supermarkets and shopping malls in the Arabian Gulf. The event will primarily focus on three major product sectors - shopfitting & visual merchandising, retail design & consultancy and supply chain management & technology. The exhibition will also feature the 'Innovations in Retail 2008' seminars, bringing together the most prominent international experts in the industry to help Gulf professionals remain up to date with the latest and the best, and deliver world-class retail design and management to the region.