Dubai Holding Group considers the shopper in Abu Dhabi

Over the last three years, shopping choice in Abu Dhabi has grown with more brands available and retail developments on a par with those of Dubai.

General Manager Duncan McLellan explained, "When comparing our stores in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi, we found that shoppers in the capital tend to spend 20% more per person, showing them to be serious purchasers rather than just browsers". He continued, "We investigated further and determined that shoppers in Abu Dhabi tended to be regulars, with fewer visitors or tourists than in Dubai."

DHG also believes that shoppers are tending to stay in local areas to avoid long drives and even longer traffic jams for which Dubai is rapidly becoming infamous, especially when the stores are available on their own doorstep and offer the same prices.

McLellan added, "UAE nationals and Arab expatriates in Abu Dhabi especially appreciate the range of conservative cuts and long skirts that our stores offer, and are becoming adept in creative dressing and layering to ensure they remain faithful to the values of Islam".

Dubai Holding Group is a progressive and fast growing retail group with international fashion franchise stores throughout The Gulf. Representing Zara, Stradivarius, women'secret and Promod, it aims to bring diversity and choice to the Gulf customer, offering fashion brands at affordable prices.

The company was founded in 2000 to represent retail brands across the Gulf region. Today, it is well established as a stable and reliable business partner for world renowned European fashion brands, operating 16 stores across the region, which employs 200 staff, and represents 17 nationalities. A further ten new store openings are planned in 2006.