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As the keynote speaker at the event, McArthur will address a select audience of Germany's leading retail professionals - the first Middle East representative to do so.
said McArthur - who was recently elected as the first Middle East-based trustee of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Dubai Festival City will be specially showcased at the event with particular emphasis on the signature destination's 2.6 million square foot retail, entertainment and hospitality focal point, Festival Centre.
"Dubai Festival City is a sterling example of how product differentiation must drive the retail mix," said McArthur. "When recently selecting the operator for our hypermarket, we deliberately went for a name that is entering the Dubai and UAE market for the first time."
McArthur will further explain how the region's paradigm shift towards shopping centres is creating a holistic family experience, such as the innovative 'fusion concept' that has been developed at Dubai Festival City.
"Developers in the region realise that shopping centres must have distinct points of difference to ensure their popularity and consequently, success. Therefore, strong offerings in family entertainment, multiplex cinemas, large food and beverage components and theme parks are all being planned to keep consumers entertained," explained McArthur.
Dubai Festival City will seamlessly blend all its elements into one customer-centric environment. Fronted by a Mediterranean-style marina, and boasting over 400 shops, 90 chic restaurants and cafes, the largest Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) in the UAE and a 12 screen multiplex, Festival Centre will be a 'complete' family destination.
McArthur will also outline the meteoric growth in the Middle East's retail sector.
"Arab Gulf states currently account for 40.9 million square feet of Gross Leasable Area, with a predicted rise to 101.2 million by the end of the decade, a considerable amount in such a short time.
"Dubai alone is expecting a 200% increase its shopping centre growth by 2010, which is pushing industry experts to believe that the Middle East retail industry will swell to US$500 billion by the end of the decade."
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Posted by Lara Lynn Golden, News Editor
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