2006
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
DSF online portal
Promoters of Dubai Shopping Festival, which starts today, have created a dedicated portal dubaicityguide.com to provide information about events. The site will be updated three times a day. DSF runs until 2 February 2007.
The Avenues mall in Kuwait
The Avenues shopping mall in Kuwait opens in early 2007. A first phase has a total retail area of 1.4m sqft, will have an Ikea store, and include a Carrefour, 10 cinemas, 35 restaurants and cafes. The local Mabanee is the developer. Phase two incorporating a further 600,000 sqft of retail and leisure space is due to be completed in early 2008.
Christmas shows cancelled
Dubai's Aviation Club was forced to cancel two Christmas shows after the promoter disappeared, Gulf News reported. Ticket outlets advise that full refunds will be given on tickets to the 'Spirit of Christmas' and 'Spirit of Dance' shows. Promoter Kromosone Events had previously put on successful shows at the venue, a spokesperson for the Aviation Club said.
Switch Electronics opens in UAE
The UAE-based Badri Group has set up a chain of electronics retail stores, called Switch Electronics. The first store is open at Dubai's Lamcy Plaza. Badri plans to initially have five stores in the UAE - three in Dubai and one each in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Damac $23.7m DSF prizes
UAE-based property developer Damac is spending $23.7m to promote its properties during Dubai Shopping Festival. Prizes on offer include an Eclipse 500 jet worth $1.5m, while all buyers of Damac properties during the festival get a Jaguar car.
Value of Q3 gold sales up
Gold sales in the UAE were up 41% to $545m in Q3 2006 compared to $381m in Q3 2005, according to World Gold Council figures. But gold consumption in terms of weight remained stable at 22.9 tons, and demand for gold jewellery fell by 1%. Demand for gold in Saudi fell by 9% to 33.9 tons due to volatile gold prices, with gold jewellery demand declining by 10%, the council said.
Souq.com adds fixed sales
Online auction service Souq.com is now selling goods at fixed prices through its 'Buy Now' service. The company says in November it listed over 18,000 new auctions and traded around Dhs6m in gross merchandise volume. Goods are paid for by COD or credit card.
Quattro at Four Seasons Riyadh
Italian restaurant Quattro has opened at Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Arab News reported. Meanwhile, the Four Season chain will open five to six hotels in the region over the next five years, including another in Saudi, according to an official.
Global Village amphitheatre
Dubai's Global Village has completed the construction of an amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 6,000 people, with 3,000 seated and the remainder standing. The amphitheatre has a stage area of 10,000 sqft and the project took three months to design and construct. It will play host to a twice daily Aqua Fantasia show, a display of laser lights and musical fountains.
Jumbo, DSF promotion
Jumbo Electronics has unveiled a promotion that will give shoppers the opportunity to win prizes worth over Dhs500,000 during the upcoming Dubai Shopping Festival. Shoppers spending an unspecified amount will be given a coupon that will enter them into daily prize draws. The electronics chain is also offering special deals and reductions for DSF.
More Dunkin' Donuts for Mideast
Dunkin' Donuts is planning a major regional expansion in the next year with 15 more outlets expected to open by the end of 2007. The new stores will see the total number of outlets in the UAE reach 50. The coffee and baked goods chain estimated its growth last year at about 35%.
Mercato, DSF promotion
The Mercato Mall is launching an event entitled Around the World in 45 days to coincide with the Dubai Shopping Festival, running from December 20 until February 2. Stores will offer sales and discounts, with the Virgin Megastore offering shoppers who spend Dhs300 the chance to win a luxury boat. The Mercato, alongside the Town Centre Jumeirah, is offering shoppers who spend Dhs200 the chance to win a VW Touareg.
Celebrate Life in Dubai
The Celebrate Life showroom in Dubai has an extensive range of health, fitness and spa products and accessories covering cardiovascular equipment, Strength Training, Saunas, Steam Hydro Therapy Units, Speciality Flooring and Leisure equipment including massage chairs.
IATF gets underway in Dubai
The 21st International Autumn Trade Fair gets underway today at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and will continue until December 20. The event also incorporates Style Hong Kong in Dubai and the Indonesia Solo Exhibition. Last year more than 21,000 people attended the event.
RAK fines beauty salons
Civic authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have fined 15 beauty salons based in the Kuwaiti market area for failing to comply with hygiene standards, reported Gulf News. The RAK Municipality launched its biggest ever crackdown on salons following a number of complaints from the public.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds