Dubai attracts prominent business leaders for MECSC Convention

The convention which will be held for two days (21 - 22 April) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre has attracted prominent business leaders from the Gulf Region. The convention which showcases the retail realty sector comprises a Conference and a Trade Exhibition, the latter is open to the public (free of charge).

Today, the first day of the conference, delegates were spellbound by presentations from international speakers Eric Kuhne and Karim Rashid.

Kuhne was compelling in his address. According to Kuhne, cities have always been marketplaces for commodities, goods, services and faith, he believes that none of these truly reveres the power of civic life in contemporary society.

"Eric Kuhne exudes story-telling genius. He beautifully illustrated the ways that retail can become the new dimension of how experience takes precedent over architecture and the way that we can utilize retail to reclaim the pageantry of civic life to our cities," said Mr Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres and President, Burjuman.

Karim Rashid showcased the topic, "The Design Experience Economy" in a gripping presentation encompassing the impact of design on consumer experiences and his own passion for the industry.

"...who better to talk about design than Karim Rashid? He has an impressive array of clients from Umbra to Prada and Mikyake to Method, and is recognized around the world as one of the leading figures in product and interior design, fashion, lighting, furnishings and art. His presentation to the delegates of the MECSC conference was nothing less than inspirational," said Mr Mohammed Alawi, President, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres.

Day Two of the convention will feature An Overview of the Middle East Retail Scene (presented by John Davis, CEO Colliers International), The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence - Where to from here? (presented by Hamish Taylor), Managing Change in Rapidly Developing Markets (presented by Dr Tommy Weir, Nakheel), and finally, what has been billed as the Blockbuster Finale, Funky Business (presented by globally acclaimed, Prof. Kjell Nordstrom).

The convention comprises two key components: the Conference and the Trade Exhibition which features the Leasing Fair, Trade Expo and new for 2008, a dedicated Retail Zone, which showcases existing brands and newcomers seeking to expand their presence in the region.

"Today we welcomed record numbers of delegates to the convention. All areas of the industry have enjoyed strong representation at this year's event including shopping centre owners, developers and managers as well as real estate professionals, marketing professionals, architects and bankers." said Ms Kim Redman, Regional Director, Middle East Council of Shopping Centres.

The 2008 MECSC Annual Convention is sponsored by Aldar, Colliers, Dubai Properties, Emaar Malls Group, Burjuman, Grand Optics and Ovaz Marketing & Investment.

Recognised as the Middle East's premier networking event for the retail real estate industry, the convention continues and members of the general public are encouraged to visit the Trade Exhibition to learn of the latest retail real estate developments in the Gulf.