2006
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Government to import foodstuffs
The UAE government plans to tackle rising food prices by setting up a public company to import foodstuffs, Gulf News reported. Meanwhile, a new consumer protection law, which will establish a consumer protection department, will take effect from November 2006, an official said. Leading retailers say price fluctuations are being caused by market forces, and not price manipulation.
Demand for Oz beef doubles
Demand for Australian beef has doubled in the UAE, Meat & Livestock Australia says. Daily consumption has gone up from 10-12 tonnes per month to 20 tonnes per month in the past 12 months. An increased demand for quality beef has coincided with a growth in hotel restaurants in the UAE that offer fine dining.
$2,2m pledge for bombed theatre
Qatar's government has pledged $2.2m towards rebuilding a Doha theatre destroyed in a terror attack in 2005, Gulf News reports. The John Adams Doha Players Fund was set up after a suicide car bomber attacked the theatre during a performance on 19 March 2005, which killed Qatar Academy professor and Doha Players group member John Adams.
Rasasi, GCC expansion
Rasasi, a Dubai-based perfume manufacturer, will open 40 more stores across the GCC at a cost of $10.9m over the next 16 months, Emirates Today reported. The expansion will give the company 100 outlets. Rasasi produces around 22 perfumes under its brand name.
Chopstix for Marco Polo
The Marco Polo Hotel in Dubai is to launch a new Chinese restaurant, Chopstix, in addition to its four other restaurants. Chopstix will specialise in serving Szechwan cuisine and is set to open during Ramadan. Two other restaurants in the hotel, The Bombay and Beyond El Rancho, have also been refurbished.
DGJG warns jewellery buyers
The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group has warned customers against purchasing jewellery at private shows and parties where sales are not authorised by the government. Jewellery bought at such events may not comply with the standards set by Dubai Central Laboratory Department to ensure quality and authenticity. Dubai's jewellery industry is highly regulated and each piece of jewellery is supposed to comply with applicable quality norms.
Alhokair, 15 new brands
Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair and Company is to launch 15 new fashion brands in Saudi Arabia over the next few months. The fashion retailer is set to offer brands such as Pull and Bear, LaSenza Sprit, Ladybird, Elvi, Du Pareil au Meme and Joe Bloggs. Alhokair already offers brands such as Zara, Bershka and Massimo Dutti.
DCC Ramadan promotion
Deira City Centre is running a special Ramadan promotion in its Jewellery Court until October 23. Customers spending a certain amount at any outlet in Deira City Centre will get a chance to win a daily prize of a Dhs5,000 gift voucher, which can be redeemed at 33 jewellery stores in the centre. During Ramadan, DCC has also extended it opening hours and will be open from 10am until 1am.
Harrods close to Dubai entry
UK luxury department store Harrods is weighing up a possible expansion into Dubai's retail sector according to the Gulf News. The Dubai based daily cited a source as saying a deal was 99% confirmed although it is as yet unclear whether the Harrods brand would be introduced as a full department store. Analysts feel it is possible Harrods will commence operations by selling high quality convenience food.
Dubai Sports Council backs pros
Foreign professional players will once again be allowed to compete in the basketball, volleyball and handball leagues in the UAE following a decision by the Dubai Sports Council, reported Gulf News. The new ruling comes into effect from this season. Professional football players have already been allowed to ply their trade in the country for the first time since the 1980s.
Charity sale underway at DWTC
A charity sale at the Dubai World Trade Centre, part of the Trillion for Lebanon campaign, saw takings of Dhs300,000 on Friday, reported Gulf News. The event is set to run until this Tuesday and is open from 8pm until 1am, with a range of electronic goods, clothes and cosmetics on sale at discounted rates. Funds raised go to the Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation.
Rents threaten Dubai sector
A Dubai based retail sector analyst has said that the biggest threat to the industry is the spiralling rents in the city, reported Emirates Today. Marvin Shaire, the CEO of Retail Corp said that while Dubai has thrived due to being a free market, possible government intervention might help keep rental rates under control. Shaire added that developers need to think of demand and supply issues when setting rates.
Golden Ramadan at Reef
The Reef Mall in Dubai is offering its shoppers a chance to win 3kg of gold during Ramadan. The offer runs from October 1 until October 21 and three weekly draws will take place on October 8, 15 and 22 in which 1kg of 24 carat gold will be won. Shoppers spending a certain amount in the mall's shops will receive a coupon entering them in the draws.
Ministry warns on price hikes
The UAE's Ministry of Economy says it will take action against retailers who raise food prices during Ramadan and other festive periods, Gulf News reported. The Ministry of Economy has asked distributors to inform them about price hikes by suppliers. An official said the ministry is trying to get prices back to pre-Ramadan levels.
ADNH caters for Doha games
Abu Dhabi National Hotels has been chosen by the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee to provide catering services at the athlete's village and competition venues for the 15th Asian Games, WAM reported. More than 10,500 athletes and team officials from 45 countries will participate in the games.
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