2006
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MasterCard Ramadan discounts
MasterCard cardholders can get a 10% discount on goods purchased with cards in Egypt until 7 November 2006, as part of a Ramadan and Eid promotion. Participating outlets include Virgin Megastore, Timberland, Adidas and Levi's. Discounts will also be given on meals from a range of restaurants.
R3 Retail to open in Dubai
UK-based Retail recruitment consultancy R3 Retail will open an office in Dubai in November 2006 to tap the fast growing Middle East market. R3 Retail recruits store managers, brand managers, and general managers for its retail clients.
Jacko quits Bahrain label
Michael Jackson has parted company with the Two Seas label he set up with a Bahraini royal, according to the BBC. The label was to have released his next album, due in 2007. Jackson has now formed a new company, the Michael Jackson Company, to look after his business affairs.
Largest Home Centre store
Home Centre, a furniture retailer, has opened a new store at Abu Dhabi Marina, its largest store to date in the UAE. The store covers an area of 89,000 sqft and sells house and garden furniture, kitchenware and leather upholsteries.
Ramadan boosts gold sales
Gold and gold jewellery sales in Dubai are expected to increase by 15%-20% during Ramadan this year compared to 2005, Emirates Today reported. Sales will be boosted by the recent drop in gold prices, which is now trading under $600 an ounce, according to the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.
Ten UK, Club Concierge team
Ten UK, a global concierge services company, has chosen Dubai's Club Concierge as its strategic partner for the Middle East. Ten UK's clients include Vertu Mobile, Coutts World and other banks. Club Concierge arranges the personal business of members in both Dubai and abroad.
AD price watch body
Abu Dhabi officials will set up a permanent committee to monitor price manipulation of farm produce, Gulf News reports. It will also allow the direct sale of farm produce to consumers. Current price increases are blamed on a monopoly of main suppliers. Shops will also be required to display proper price tags, and issue receipts to customers.
UAE ministry to list low prices
The UAE Ministry of Economy is to publish a weekly list of the lowest prices for basic commodities in a bid to increase competition between distributors and limit price increases, reported Gulf News. The Consumer Protection Department is hoping companies that fail to make the low price list will be encouraged to offer better prices and be more competitive. The list is likely to include around 35 basic commodities initially.
Carrefour looks to India
Retail chain Carrefour is in talks with the Dubai based Landmark Group about a possible major expansion into the Indian market, reported Gulf News. Landmark, which runs brands such as Shoemart, Splash and Home Centre, already has a significant presence in India. If the deal goes ahead, Carrefour hopes to open up to 200 stores nationwide in the next decade.
AD customers face hikes
Customers of the fruit and vegetable market at Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi are complaining about a steep rise in prices since the start of Ramadan, reported Gulf News. The cost of some items has more than doubled in the past couple of days and the number of visitors is dwindling. Retailers at the market have blamed a hike in prices by wholesalers for the price increases.
MAF raises funds in Ramadan
MAF Shopping Malls is to raise funds for charity during Ramadan. In the UAE, malls including the Mall of the Emirates as well as Deira, Sharjah and Ajman City Centres will partner with the Red Crescent. The Muscat City Centre and the Oman Charity Organisation will raise funds for Lebanon. In Egypt, visitors to Maadi and Alexandria City Centres will also be encouraged to make donations.
Global Nights for Ramadan
The Global Village is to commemorate Ramadan with a thematic cultural celebration starting today and lasting until October 27 at Dubailand on the Emirates Road. Traditional Arabic seating, Oud music and kiosks serving Arabian cuisine will be on offer to visitors to the Global Nights Tent. The Global Nights Tent will be open from 8pm until 2am and fun rides will also be available for children.
Ski Dubai, Salmontini restaurant
The Salmontini restaurant has opened overlooking the slopes of Ski Dubai, part of the Mall of the Emirates. Business persons can entertain guests with a view over the snow and skiers at the bottom of the slope. Ski Dubai is the Middle East's first indoor skiing facility, and Salmontini's speciality is the fish of the same name.
Ibn Battuta ready for Ramadan
The Ibn Battuta Mall has organised a number of cultural activities including traditional music, dancing, art exhibitions and storytelling to entertain visitors during Ramadan. The programme also features the world's largest charity collection box which is to be located in the China Court. Visitors will be able to make donations into the box in aid of the Beit Al Khair Society throughout the month.
Monaco comes to Dubai
Club Monaco, the international clothing retailer for men and women, is set to open its first store in the Middle East at Deira City Centre in Dubai on September 22. The 5,000 sqft store features photographs taken by fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh and will be located in the mall's new fashion precinct.
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