2006
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Natura Bisse opens at DAFZ
Natura Bisse International, a skincare cosmetics brand, has opened offices in the Dubai Airport Free Zone and appointed GolinHarris as its PR consultants. The company says it specialises in advanced skincare products which carry endorsements by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and makeup artists. Products are made in Barcelona.
Query on Ramadan spend report
Local UAE retailers are questioning the accuracy of a news report aired on Al Jazeera that said shoppers spent more than $272m in the country on clothes in the last days of Ramadan and the first few days of Eid, Emirates Today reported. Trade representatives said it was difficult to get such estimates in the absence of accurate and reliable assessment tools.
Hikma, generic sales to drop
Jordon-based drug maker Hikma, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, predicts its generic sales will decline this year due to decreasing wholesaler inventories and a lower than forecast contribution from new product launches, Reuters reported. But the company is expecting strong growth for the full year in its branded and injectables businesses.
UAE Segway plans expansion
Vesta Group, the UAE-based distributor of Segway, aims to double annual sales of the two-wheeled devices by opening dealerships across the region, Gulf News reported. The company has recently set up a dealership in Jordan, and is close to signing up dealers in Morocco and Egypt. Vesta aims to sell 108 units across the region from Morocco to India in the 12 months to June 2007.
Dubai retail sector to surge
An expected 15m tourists a year by 2009 will help boost retail spend in Dubai to $7.6bn, outstripping the huge Saudi market which is estimated to bring in $6bn, according to an industry analyst cited by Gulf News. Meanwhile, Dubai-based marketing consultancy GRMC says gross leasable area comparisons with the US and Europe show there is still potential demand for more malls in Dubai.
QAQ, Eid events
The Qanat Al Qasba in Sharjah has a range of activities lined up to celebrate Eid and wrap up its Ramadaniat Al Qasba programme. The celebrations at QAQ will include a fireworks display tonight at 9pm. Traditional Arabic bands will also entertain visitors with daily performances at the Zaman Awal heritage area from 8.30pm.
Muscat Eid Festival opens
The Eid Festival in Muscat gets underway today and runs until November 1 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. A number of international exhibitors from more than 15 countries worldwide will be participating and offering products at discounted rates. Items on offer will include garments, shoes and bags, beauty products, fashion accessories and food items.
Dubai, post office hours for Eid
All post offices in Dubai will be closed today, the first day of the Eid holiday. From tomorrow and through the rest of the holiday period, certain post offices will be open from 9am until 1pm, including the Central Post Office as well as branches in Satwa, Al Khor, Jumeirah, Rashidiyah, Hor Al Anz and Jebel Ali.
Al Safeer Centre for AD
The Al Safeer Group has increased its presence in Abu Dhabi with the opening of the Al Safeer Centre and Grand Safeer Cinema in the town of Mussafah. Covering an area of 90,000 sqft, the Al Safeer Centre has three levels and houses a 60,000 sqft. hypermarket. The cinema has four screens, while the complex also contains the Jungle Bungle family entertainment centre.
Emirates, Ladies Masters tie-up
Emirates is to be the official airline of the first Dubai Ladies Masters 2006, the first full Ladies European Tour golf event to be played in the Middle East. The Dubai Ladies Masters will take place at the Emirates Golf Club from October 26-29. This year's tournament offers prize money of 500,000 euros, making it one of the top five richest events on the tour.
Lamcy Plaza, Eid offers
Lamcy Plaza is offering shoppers during the Eid holiday a range of special discounts at its sale which will last until October 28. Any shoppers who spend Dhs100 will be entered into a draw in which they could win one of two Renault Clios.
Shoppers cause Doha chaos
Traffic ground to a halt in Doha yesterday as last minute Eid shoppers filled the city's roads, reported The Peninsula. Congestion started to build up at 10am as families began heading to shopping malls before easing off during the middle of the day; the situation worsened again in the evening and all major roads were gridlocked by 8pm. The D-ring road, Corniche and National areas bore the brunt of delays.
Swiss watches sell well in UAE
The Swiss watch industry has seen strong export sales to the UAE over the past two years. According to statistics released by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, watch exports to the UAE touched $69.8m during Q1 2006. For the whole of 2005, Swiss watch exports amounted to $283.4m.
Eid at Reef Mall
Reef Mall in Deira is offering a range of activities during the Eid celebrations from 5pm-9pm daily. A number of stores will be offering special deals and promotions, while children will be entertained by a magician, a balloon folder and face painters. Art and craft workshops will also be available.
Not so sweet prices in Medina
Sweet retailers in Medina have inflated their prices in the lead-up to the Eid holiday, reported Arab News. Sweets are an important part of the festivities in the city and some retailers have taken advantage of this by doubling their prices during Ramadan. Consumers are angry that the Ministry of Commerce has not intervened to stop the price hikes.
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