2007
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Dubai eyes world class cricket
Tons of clay of are being exported from Australia, Pakistan and England to Dubai in an attempt to create an exact match of foreign wicket turf for the emirate's new Global Cricket Academy. Tony Hemming, the academy's head curator, said creating a world class cricket facility in the Dubai desert is one of the biggest technical challenges the sport has ever faced. The 25,000 seat stadium will host prestigious cricketing events from 2008.
Free laptop giveaway at Gitex
To celebrate its 17-year partnership with Gitex, Jumbo Electronics will give away one laptop free to a lucky shopper every hour at the Gitex Shopper event, which will be held in Dubai September 8-12. Shoppers spending a minimum Dhs500 on IT and office automation products at the Jumbo stalls and select Jumbo stores during the week-long GITEX Shopper will be entitled to a raffle coupon for the hourly draw for the laptop.
Lulu opens first store in Bahrain
Lulu Hypermarket has opened its first store in Bahrain, reported Bahrain Times. Yusuffali Mussaliam, managing director of Lulu Hypermarket group, said two more stores are planned for the Kingdom, both of which will be bigger than the newly opened one, which is 180,000 square feet. This is the 64th outlet of the retail group, which is the largest supermarket chain in the region.
Pure Gold Jewellers sales up
UAE-based Pure Gold Jewellers, one of the leading jewelers in the region, reported a 53% growth in sales during the end of the first half of 2007, compared to the same period last year. The company predicts sales to be up by at least 85% by the end of 2007. Company officials attributed the growth to its efforts to expand retail outlets across the Arab world.
Benq sales up 100% in Qatar
Consumer electronics provider BenQ said it recorded 100% growth in sales in Qatar for the first half of 2007 compared to the same period last year. As of June 2007, sales for BenQ's LCD TV range were up 390% and growth for the brand's projector and digital camera range had doubled. Additionally, BenQ's LCD monitor range was up 40% compared to the previous year.
UAE ups Oz lamb imports
The total volume of Australian lamb imports to the UAE so far this year has nearly doubled when compared to 2006, with 13,335 tonnes being shipped as opposed to 7,351 tonnes, according to official figures released by Meat and Livestock Australia. The UAE is Australia's second largest lamb market after the US. The Middle East is Australia's biggest mutton market.
Al Hilal, Mobily deal
The Riyadh based football club Al Hilal and telco operator Mobily have inked a five year sports partnership agreement. The deal, worth $53.3m, has been based on a contract prepared by the Investment Management department of the Saudi Presidency of Youth Welfare and is purportedly the largest ever in Middle East sports marketing. Al Hilal is the best supported club in Saudi Arabia and has won a total of 43 trophies.
Jacky's warranty offer
The UAE's Jacky's Electronics has launched an extended warranty programme to provide shoppers with up to four years of cover on domestic appliances and consumer electronics, as well as IT products, mobile phones, digital devices and gaming consoles. The new initiative, which aims to be cheaper than the manufacturer's extended warranty, is available at all Jacky's Electronics and Jacky's Express outlets and will cover mechanical or electrical failures.
Al Dhafra bans tobacco
The Al Dhafra Co-operative Society has decided to stop selling tobacco products at all its stores in the western region of the UAE, reported Gulf News. All kiosks which used to sell tobacco products have been closed and health awareness posters and brochures emphasising the dangers of smoking have been put in their place.
UAE bans Bavarian birds
The UAE has instigated a ban on the importation of all live birds from the German state of Bavaria, reported Gulf News. The move comes after a number of cases of avian flu were detected in the region. The UAE's Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami, said the ban includes both domestic and wild birds.
AD minced meat rules
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has introduced new regulations regarding the sale of minced meat in Al Ain, reported the Khaleej Times. Butcher's shops, supermarkets and co-ops are no longer allowed to sell minced meat that is more than a day old, while the meat must now be minced in front of customers. The decision is an attempt to reduce instances of food poisoning.
Global Village registration opens
Global Village at Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, has announced that registration is now open for this year's season, which runs from 13 December, 2007 to 1 March, 2008. Applications are being accepted from retailers, restaurateurs and those wishing to lease kiosks spaces. Last year drew the venue drew 4.2 million people, with sales reaching Dhs600m.
Summer sales soar in Dubai
Sales in Dubai's shopping malls have hit an all-time high during Dubai Summer Surprises 2007, according to reports released by leading participating malls in DSS this year. Significant growth is expected in footfall and sales, estimated to be 30 to 40% higher than last year, due to high tourist inflow and large turnout by residents.
Dubai issues 1,311 licenses
The Dubai Department of Economic Development issued 1,311 licences in July 2007, most of which were issued in the commercial sector (1037), followed by the professional (233) and industrial (26) sectors. 'Watches and accessories' led the commercial category with 126 licences issued, followed by 'general trade' (122), 'gifts' (112), 'ready made garments' (111) and 'jewellery and non-precious metals' (100). DED issued 61 licenses to set up businesses from home, a 126% increase from July 2006.
Dubai pulls Chinese toothpaste
Dubai Municipality has asked suppliers to withdraw any Chinese toothpaste brands from the market after it confiscated more than a ton of toothpaste containing 'poisonous materials' from suppliers in Deira, reported Emirates Today. Last week Saudi Arabia removed seven brands of Chinese toothpaste from its shelves after tests revealed they contained poisonous chemicals.
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