2007
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Dubai smoking ban today
The ban on smoking in Dubai's shopping malls comes into force today, Saturday, with smokers only being able to use designated areas, reported Gulf News. Notices will be posted informing shoppers of the ban, while staff will also be on hand to make sure people do not light up. Anyone flouting the ban can be reported to the Dubai Municipality or the police.
Gold sales rise in UAE
Gold sales in the UAE increased by 22% in the second quarter to Dhs2.8bn compared to Dhs2.3bn in the same period last year, reported Gulf News citing figures issued by the World Gold Council. Consumer demand for gold gained 15% compared to the same period last year and jewellery demand surged 18%. The council attributed the upward trend to the strong economy and significant growth in tourist arrivals during the summer.
Dubai malls get 10m visitors
MAF Shopping Malls, the region's leading shopping mall developer, said it had one of its most successful periods ever during Dubai Summer Surprises 2007. Its flagship malls, Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre, together welcomed more than 10m visitors and recorded a 38% increase in combined sales over last year to achieve Dhs1.6bn in sales during the 10-week period.
Panasonic LCD TV sales up
Panasonic said sales of plasma LCD television sets accounted for 44% of its regional sales and brought steady a "steady growth" for the last seven years, reported Khaleej Times. Atsushi Hinoki, Panasonic's general manager for corporate communications, said that even though the Gulf market accounts for less than 10% of global sales, it is extremeley important because it's growing tremendously. The company's total regional sales hit $1.4 billion in 2006, a 10% increase from the previous year.
UAE bans kitchenware product
The UAE Ministry of Economy has ordered the withdrawal of Skimmers kitchenware, which is manufactured in China, as it contains a carcinogen. The product was tested by the civic body and was found to contain a high percentage of ethylene, which can cause cancer. Last week, Dubai Municipality started a campaign to confiscate skin bleach product for mercury contamination, reported Emirates Today.
Retailcorp, Lillywhites deal
Retailcorp, an Istithmar group company, has signed a master franchise agreement to bring London based sports department store Lillywhites to the UAE. Sports Direct, which owns Lillywhites, has acquired 14 sports brands including No Fear, LA Gear, Slazenger, Lonsdale, Kangol, Dunlop and Voodoo Dolls. Within the UAE, Retailcorp is planning to open around 4 Lillywhites stores, with up to six more located in South Africa.
Kyocera seeks UAE sales boost
Japanese office equipment provider Kyocera Mita is hoping to see its sales in the UAE rise by 32.5% this year, reaching $14.4m. The firm's overall sales in the Middle East amounted to around $27m last year and it is hoping to achieve close to $40m this year. The firm's global sales in office copiers totalled around $1.7bn last year.
AD crackdown on food retailers
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has banned the display of food items on pavements and outside of shops fronts, reported Gulf News. The move comes in a pre-Ramadan crackdown and has been undertaken for health and hygiene reasons. The ADFCA has urged all restaurants and other food retailers to follow official guidelines as inspections will take place.
O'cocoon opens in AD
O'cocoon, the Beirut based retailer of interior decoration products such as crystal and glassware, has moved into the GCC market by opening a showroom in Abu Dhabi. O'cocoon is making a multi million dollar investment in the GCC region and will branch out to Dubai, Al Ain and Doha over the next 18 months. O'cocoon's 7,700 sqft Abu Dhabi showroom is located in the city's Khalidiya area.
Town Centre sales up 132%
The Town Centre Jumeirah mall has claimed its sales during the recently concluded Dubai Summer Surprises rose by 132% when compared to last year. The shopping centre saw particularly heavy sales in items such as electronics products, home furniture and accessories and beauty products. Its participation in a 'spend to win' promotion alongside the Mercato mall, offering a new Hummer H3, was seen as a strong inducement for shoppers.
Jotun opens Dubai outlet
Jotun Paints has launched its second 'Inspiration Centre' in Dubai, located on a 1,350 sqft site behind the Mazaya Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. The move is part of Jotun's aim to secure a larger slice of the UAE's paint market which is estimated to be worth $171.4m. Jotun recently opened a factory in Dubai's Al Quoz area.
UAE price hikes
Consumers in the UAE have seen the cost of some basic commodities soar in recent months, reported Gulf News. The price of a 1.3kg chicken has risen by 25% at the hypermarket Carrefour and by more than 47% at the Union Co-operative Society. Meanwhile, 2kg of sugar has seen its price spike by 20% at the co-op and 48% at the hypermarket.
Dubai malls to curb smoking
Designated smoking areas are being set up in Dubai's shopping malls to help enforce the emirate's new smoking regulations for public places coming into effect on 15 September, reported Khaleej Times. The Dubai Shopping Malls Group has had several meetings with Dubai Municipality to discuss the strict implementation of the new regulations.
Ibn Battuta Mall sees increase
Ibn Battuta Mall, the largest themed mall in the UAE, has witnessed an increase in footfall of 15% compared to July/August 2006. The mall's manager, Colin Fenton, attributed the increase to the completion of surrounding residential developments and a growth in the number of customers seeking convenience and a relaxed atmosphere to spend their shopping and leisure time.
Website touts 'Made in the UAE'
The UAE's Ministry of Finance and Industry has teamed up with Dubai eGovernment and Tejari.com to launch the 'Made in the UAE' website to boost the demand for indigenous products in regional and international markets. Omar Hijazi, CEO of Tejari.com, said, 'Brand UAE has truly arrived, and the time is ripe for us to do the best we can to promote the products manufactured by UAE companies in markets across the globe.'
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds