2005
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Dubai's jewellery success
Dubai's diamond jewellery business is valued at $408m, with diamond retailers and traders saying the emirate could become one of the world's largest diamond trading centres, reported Gulf News. Dubai's overall retail jewellery business is valued at more than $1.5bn.
Villa Moda goes to London
Kuwait-based retail store Villa Moda is planning to open an outlet at the Battersea Power station in London. The 50,000-sqft store will occupy three floors at the iconic London landmark, which in addition to retail space will house over 47 restaurants.
Armani plans Gulf expansion
Fashion giant Giorgio Armani intends to introduce his Armani Exchange range to Dubai which he called the 'New York of the 21st century' in an interview with Gulf News. The fashion range for younger people will probably arrive in Dubai stores in the second half of 2006.
Dubai Duty Free sales jump
Dubai Duty Free is poised to report a 20% surge in sales during 2005 to cross $600m, MD Colm McLoughlin told Gulf News. DDF is now the third largest duty free in the world, and accounts for 50 per cent of duty free sales in the Middle East.
Modern Luxury, Dubai event
Premier fashion conference Modern Luxury 2005 is being staged in Dubai from tomorrow, hosted by the International Herald Tribune's fashion editor Suzy Menkes. She said that with the huge demand for luxury products from the Middle East it was appropriate that the event took place in the region.
Holiday closure prank
Hundreds of shops in Deira and Bur Dubai closed yesterday after pranksters convinced them that they would be fined for opening on a public holiday, reported Gulf News. The pranksters took advantage of the fact that the Labour Ministry did not issue a statement about the UAE National Day.
Dubai, first ski season starts
Pre-registered guests will become the first skiers of the season in Dubai later today when the slopes of the Mall of the Emirates open for the first time. A full clothing and ski equipment package is available, and skiing lessons for those unable to ski.
Jashanmal, three-day sale
The five Jashanmal department stores in the UAE are holding a three-day sale from December 1-3. There are stores at the Wafi City, Mall of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi Mall, Sahara Centre, and in Al Ain. There will be a wide range of discounts on top brands.
Fashion icons on show
International fashion designers will address delegates at Modern Luxury 2005, the International Herald Tribune annual fashion and luxury conference being held in Dubai from 5-6 December 2005. Giorgio Armani will deliver the opening address, and participate in a three-way discussion with Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar and IHT fashion editor Suzy Menkes.
National Day events planned
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is planning a number of events to celebrate UAE National Day celebrations from 1-4 December. Entertainment and educational programmes will be held in shopping malls and parks across the city.
Interiors on show
Over 1,500 exhibitors from 57 countries will show their lines of interior products at Index 2005, the 15th annual furniture and interior design exhibition, in Dubai until 2 December. The exhibition was opened yesterday by Minister of Finance and Industry Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Visa rewards for card purchases
Visa International Electron cardholders in the UAE have the chance to win $2,722 in a promotion to encourage card instead of cash purchases at retail outlets. Cardholders who use Visa Electron cards until the end of December 2005 at all restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations where Visa is accepted will be eligible.
Saudi gold sales up 27%
Saudi retail gold jewellery sales rose 27% during Q3 2005 compared to the corresponding period last year, despite a 10% rise in gold prices during the same period, according to Arab News. Buyers see gold as a hedge against inflation.
Flutag rates a flying first
The Dubai Creek saw the first flugtag event in the Middle East last weekend, reported Gulf News. Thirty-one teams competed in the event which involves designing a flying machine and jumping off a platform. UAE team Crea8ive won with a flight of 26 metres.
Ski Dubai opens this week
The 400-metre indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates opens this weekend. Ski Dubai holds more than 6,000 tonnes of snow, and the Snow Park opened last month giving children and adults the chance to experience an alpine environment.
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