2006
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Visa win Dhs500,000 in jewellery
Visa cardholders have the chance to win Dhs500,000 worth of diamond jewellery during DSF. Cardholders using cards for purchases in participating outlets in the UAE during the 45-day event will have their names automatically entered in a draw for one of four Damas necklaces. Purchases at selected retail outlets give entries to a grand prize draw.
Gold sales to surge at DSF
Dubai gold sales are predicted to surge by almost 50% during the city's 45-day shopping festival, according to the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, cited by Reuters. Meanwhile, gold sales in Abu Dhabi rose 7% in November after being down 15% in Q3 2006, according to Abu Dhabi Gold and Jewellery Group. But one Abu Dhabi trader said we won't be able to compete with Dubai and its shopping festival.
i2, retail buses for pilgrims
During the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, mobile phone retailer i2 will have three retail buses placed around Mecca enabling pilgrims to buy Al Jawal sim cards, Nokia phones and accessories. The buses will enable pilgrims to avoid the inconvenience of having to find retail outlets.
Centrepoint, Cirque offer
Retail outlet Centrepoint has teamed up with the Cirque Du Soleil show, which opens in Dubai on January 4. Centrepoint loyalty programme card holders can obtain discounted tickets for the show if they are purchased from the Centrepoint outlet in the Mall Of the Emirates. Card holders are also eligible to win a pair of tickets when they spend more than a certain amount at the retail outlet.
Tumbleweed rolls into Bahrain
US restaurant chain Tumbleweed, which specializes in Mexican cuisine, has opened a branch at the Al Murjan Centre in Juffair, reported TradeArabia. International Hotels is behind the chain's move into the Bahraini market. The Al Murjan Centre restaurant, which can hold 260 people, will initially open at 5pm for dinner only.
Dubai, not so festive prices
Dubai residents are complaining that the cost of some goods has risen with the advent of Christmas and the upcoming Eid Al Adha, reported Gulf News. Many consumers have said the price of some meats, including lamb and turkey, has been hiked, with lamb seeing a 20% lift in just two months. Other goods have also seen increases, with the price of rice jumping by 16.7% in hypermarkets.
Batelco, outlet at Centre Mall
Batelco has opened a mini-shop at Newaidrat's newly renovated Centre Mall, which was previously known as the Al Alawi Mall. The outlet, which is open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm, provides a range of Batelco products and services including inet broadband and a selection of handsets.
Cellucom, gold phones for DSF
Cellucom is to give away gold mobile phones worth a total of Dhs1m as part of its Dubai Shopping Festival promotion. Customers spending over a certain amount will be entered into weekly draws running throughout the festival in which four winners will each win a phone. The 18 carat phones are available across a range of Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Motorola handsets.
Gulf Greetings, UPS tie-up
Gulf Greetings has partnered with UPS UAE to ship Christmas and New Year presents to any location in the UAE and across the globe. A dedicated UPS counter has been set up at Gulf Greetings' Toy Store at Mall of the Emirates. UPS UAE has180 staff and has a network of offices across the country.
Dubai retailers eye boost
Dubai's retailers are looking forward to a lucrative few weeks as Christmas, New Year and Eid Al Adha coincide, at the same time as the 45 day extra long Dubai Shopping Festival gets into gear, reported Gulf News. DSF officials are anticipating a 15% jump in visitor numbers over last year's 3.3m, while a 20% jump in spending is also expected.
Al Masa Mall for Oman
The Sharaf Group has opened the Al Masa Mall in Oman, while the company is also targeting a mixed shopping complex in the Sohar area. The Al Masa Mall includes a range of stores plus a children's fun zone and an indoor bowling facility. The group is also set to open the Times Square Centre on Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road in Q1 2007.
DDF marks 23 years
Dubai Duty Free is reporting sales worth $8.2m over a 24-hour period on 20 February, the day of its 23rd anniversary. That represents a 240% increase over average daily sales for December. There was a 23% discount on all goods.
Uptown Mirdiff celebration
Union Properties is holding a special event between 22-23 December to inaugurate its Uptown Mirdiff mixed-use commercial and residential development. Described as a 'street carnival-themed celebration' the event will include street performers, quiz competitions, karaoke, games and workshops for adults and children.
Ted Baker moves on Dubai
UK designer brand Ted Baker opened its second Dubai store at Deira City Centre on Wednesday. A third will open at Festival City in January 2007. Both stores will stock men's and women's items.
Retail advice for The Lagoon
UK-based Retail International has drawn up a blueprint for the retail mix at The Lagoon Bahrain project. Abu Dhabi Investment House is the client. The report highlighted how best to utilise the development, with recommendations such as a spacious canopied area for functions and weddings, ADIH said. The retail and leisure development on Amwaj Islands is due to open in September 2007.
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