2005
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Bahrain bar closure row
A sudden decision by the Bahrain Ministry of Information to close the bars of five-star hotels for part of Ramadan and the Eid holidays has been condemned by hoteliers. They told Gulf News that this stained the reputation of Bahrain as a broadminded and tolerant place where people could enjoy their freedom.
HK in Style opens tomorrow
The Hong Kong in Style exhibition of the most stylish products from China opens at the Dubai International Trade Centre tomorrow, and will be open to the public on November 10 from 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free.
Global Village, entrance fees
The popular Global Village attraction which opens again tomorrow is to start charging entrance fees of Dhs3 per person and Dhs15 for a family of six, reported Gulf News. The Global Village is a part of Dubailand, the upcoming theme park, and is to move to a permanent facility next year.
Gold, diamond sales increase
Dubai jewellery shops have reported a surge in gold and diamond sales in advance of the Eid Al Fitr and Diwali holidays. Allkas Jewellry told Gulf News that gold sales were up 35-40% this year and diamonds and precious stone sales up by 50% on a year ago.
$300m Dubai Ramadan sales
Retail sales in Dubai should pass the $300m mark during Ramadan, senior officials told Gulf News. The Dubai City that Cares promotion has been particularly successful, offering weekly prizes of Dhs30,000 and a grand prize of Dhs1m with cash prizes going to charity.
Sahara Centre, new retail outlets
Sharjah's Sahara Centre has announced the opening of new stores: Calliope, an Italian brand for ladies fashion; Via Rossi for ladies shoe fashion; Sacoche for haute couture ladies handbags; Patchi, the region's most popular chocolate gift shop; and Al Mahara Salon & Spa, operated by Frank & Provost.
Mall of Emirates, more stores
Stores are opening daily in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai's newest and largest shopping mall. The mall is particularly strong in female fashion and home furnishings. In early November the mall will open the region's first indoor ski slope, CineStar cinemas and the Magic Planet for children.
Oasis fire, workers charged
Three Indian workers and their supervisor have been charged for causing the fire that devastated the Oasis Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road last month. Gulf News reported that nine other workers were cleared of any charges because they were not working with inflamable material.
Virgin Megastore, $20m for Dubai
Virgin Megastore is set to invest $20m in new stores in Dubai malls over the next two years, reported Gulf News. The group will upgrade existing stores and is negotiating for the upcoming Dubai Mall and Mall of Arabia. Its 4,000 sqft Mall of the Emirates store will open next month.
Dubai Musica sets date
The second edition of Dubai Musica, an international exhibition of manufacturers and distributors of musical instruments, accessories and products is being held from 9-11 September 2006. Promoters say they will market the exhibition extensively throughout the region to attract importers, wholesalers and retailers.
Saudi gold rush
Saudi Arabia is leading the region in consumption of gold due to salary increases and the strict implementation of custom laws which have led to a decline in gold smuggling, reported Gulf News. Gold consumption rose 18% in the Kingdom in Q2 2005, according to the World Gold Council. The UAE was next with a rise of 9%.
EPPA says poultry is safe
The Emirates Poultry Producers Association says that all of the poultry products available in the UAE are 100% safe for consumption. The association has pledged full cooperation and support to authorities in the fight to keep bird flu out of the country.
Fitness First at Ibn Battuta
Fitness First is opening a gym at Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, which will cover an area of over 27,000 sqft. It will include a cardio theatre, a choice of specialised fitness classes, strength training equipment from Technogym, and sauna and steam rooms. Fitness First operates in over 16 countries worldwide with over 460 clubs.
Global Village expands
Global Village in Dubai will have seven new pavilions for the 2005-06 season which opens on 26 October. The pavilions are from Bahrain, France, Hungary, Laos, Romania, Rwanda, and the UAE which will feature a gold souq. Global Village will run from 26 October 2005 to 3 March 2006 under an extended format.
UP, $360m F1 theme park
Union Properties is to build a $360m theme park called Formula One World at MotorCity in Dubailand, alongside the existing Dubai Autodrome racing track. Construction will start in mid-2006 and be completed in 2008. The 5m sqft development is 80% indoors and includes a hotel and conference centre.
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