2005
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Pan-Arab jewellery competition
The World Gold Council has announced the fourth pan-Arab gold jewellery design contest, Al Ibda'a Al Hur. Sponsored by L'Azurde for Gold and Jewellery, it aims to spread Arab culture throughout the gold jewellery industry. Categories for 2005 include bridal wear, Arabian essence, and young and cool.
Cellucom targets malls
Cellucom has opened an outlet at the latest Dubai mega shopping complex, the Mall of the Emirates, confirming the mobile distributor's strategy to have a presence in all the UAE's leading malls. The mobile device distributor says it plans to open outlets at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, Mega Mall in Sharjah, and the City Centre malls in Deira, Sharjah and Ajman.
More discounts at Gitex Shopper
Retailers at Gitex Shopper 2005 are planning to further discount items for the closing days of the event, 29 and 30 September, reported Gulf News. Medium and high end products have been in big demand this year, with combination deals proving popular.
Beauty show grows 35%
Organisers of the Beautyworld / Wellness & Spas Middle East, the region's largest trade fair for the cosmetics, beauty and wellness industry, are expecting a 35% increase in exhibitors for the 2006 event. More than 750 exhibitors from 45 countries will be displaying 1,000 brands from wellness and spa treatments to cosmetics and personal care products, in Dubai from 22-24 May 2006.
Oasis to reopen by 2007
Dubai's Oasis Centre, which was gutted by a fire earlier this month, will be rebuilt by 2007, according to a Landmark Group official cited in Gulf News. The fire resulted in losses estimated at $81.7m. Landmark also announced that it would open a 140,000-sqft store in the Emirates Mall, which is due to open its doors at the end of September.
Goods and services price check
The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Planning has circulated throughout the country a unified list of commodities and services, in an attempt to gauge price variations, reported WAM. Lists will be periodically prepared and filled in by suppliers so that officials can keep an eye on local prices.
Gitex Shopper deals
Gitex Shopper 2005 will feature 140 exhibitors from 15 countries in the renovated and expanded Dubai Airport Expo, with double the exhibition area of 2004, according to organisers. Gitex Shopper opened yesterday with more than 4,000 products, cash deals, and promotions on offer.
Jumbo looks to double sales
Jumbo Electronics expects sales of its consumer electronics to jump 30% and IT products to double in September, the company said. The retailer of leading electronic brands is using the convergence theme to market products during Gitex and will be offering discounts on some ranges.
Call for consumer law
A UAE government committee studying local price rises says authorities should introduce a consumer protection law as soon as possible, reported WAM. It agreed that a monthly newsletter on prices should be issued, and called on municipalities and local economic departments to publish price lists.
Emaar, $4bn regional retail plan
Emaar Properties has decided to develop 100-200 shopping malls across the Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent over the next decade. Chairman Mohammed Ali Alabbar said that with the retail sector growing at 15% per annum malls were an excellent investment with $4bn targeted. Emaar has 10 sites under development, and has one mall out to tender in Dubai Marina, he added.
HyperPanda for DFC
Dubai Festival City is to have the first HyperPanda hypermarket outside of Saudi Arabia. The 175,000-sqft store will be built at a cost of $26.7m and offer over 100,000 product lines, according to a company statement. HyperPanda is the retail subsidiary of Saudi's Savola Group.
Emaar's $4.1bn move on retail
Emaar Properties is investing $4.1bn to develop around 100 malls in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent. It will incorporate a fully owned subsidiary, Emaar Malls, to run the developments. Emaar Malls will fund its retail projects with part of the cash raised from Emaar Properties' rights issue, but has not ruled out other finance sources.
Al Futtaim opens Panasonic store
Al Futtaim Sons, a subsidiary of Al Futtaim Group, has opened Panasonic's flagship store at Seef Mall in Bahrain. The store is running a six-week promotion where shoppers have the chance to win Panasonic products, including a 50-inch plasma TV home theatre system.
Le Meridien, a taste of Oz
Le Meridien Dubai has opened Yalumba, a restaurant which specialises in modern Australian cuisine. The restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet, a business lunch on weekdays, a seafood night, and Friday brunch. Guests have a choice of al fresco dining and private areas.
Global, local retail incentive
Global Village in Dubai will offer stalls to UAE nationals at a 50% discount in a deal with the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders to encourage SMEs among local entrepreneurs. Global Village will be open for 129 days this season, from 26 October 2005 to 3 March 2006.
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