2007
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RAK cigarette seizures
Inspectors from Ras Al Khaimah's Department of Economic Development have seized a large quantity of illegal cigarettes as part of a national crackdown launched by the UAE's Ministry of Economy, reported Gulf news. Inspections are being carried out in all of the emirate's supermarkets and grocery stores and any cigarette brands found to be contravening national regulations regarding tar and nicotine levels will be confiscated and destroyed.
Lulu into Bahrain
Dubai's Emke Group is to open its first Lulu hypermarket in Bahrain, and its 64th in total, at Seef early next month, reported the Bahrain Tribune. The 180,000 sqft outlet will be followed early next year by a second Bahraini opening at Riffa. Emke has secured 32% of the market share in the Gulf and is planning 11 more hypermarkets across the region by the end of 2008.
Gold sells well in Dubai
Gold sales in Dubai rose by 33% in July when compared to the same month in 2006, reported Gulf News. Tawhid Abdullah, the MD of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, said buyers still found gold prices attractive and he predicted that August's sales will match those of July. Gold sales in the emirate saw a 35% lift in H1.
US firms deny Iraqi deals
US retailers such as JC Penney and Wal-Mart have denied they are close to agreeing import deals involving clothing goods from Iraq, reported the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post. The firms have cited the uncertain political environment in the war-torn nation and the questionable viability of suppliers. It is now hoped that European and Middle East based retailers will step in to buy the clothes.
$533m sales for Buraidah dates
The Buraidah dates market in Saudi Arabia is expecting to generate sales of around $533m this year, according to an official from the local municipality and cited by Arab News. The market is currently upgrading its website to enable online ordering, while logistics firms are providing immediate worldwide shipping. The dates are expected to cost between SR10 to SR100 per kilo.
Saudi in toothpaste ban
Saudi Arabia has banned the sale of seven brands of Chinese toothpaste after they were found to contain a dangerous chemical, reported Reuters. The kingdom's Ministry of Trade and Industry said the various toothpastes contained traces of diethylene glycol, which is found in coolants and solvents but is too toxic for food and medicine usage. All Chinese toothpastes will now have to undergo testing prior to sale in the kingdom.
New Liali Jewellery SERENE brand
Dubai-based Liali Jewellery has launched its first SERENE brand of les exclusive boutiques with a totally new design and high-end ornaments at Dubai Festival City. The stores will aim to have an identity as a modern, luxury retailer, attracting international jewellery brands as well as customers who are looking for some uniqueness in designs.
AwalNet launches new promotion
AwalNet, the leading Internet Service Provider in Saudi Arabia, has launched 'Back to School in a Cool Private Car,' a new promotion with its strategic partner Jarir Bookstore. Customers who buy a DSL subscription card from Jarir Bookstore during the promotion, which runs from 21 August to 20 September, will have an opportunity to win one of four Toyota Yaris cars.
Bahrain to open new water park
Bahrain's new $50 million, "Lost Paradise of Dilmun," water park will open its doors on September 2, the Bahrain Tribune reported. Located on the Al Areen development in the southern area of the Kingdom, the park covers an area of around 77,000 square metres. Organizers expect the park to attract around 5,000 visitors a day, with an estimated 300,000 per season, which runs from March to November.
ARAX opens first Jordan branch
ARAX restaurant for falafil and sandwiches has opened its first branch in Jordan at Al-Madinah al-Munawwrah Street in Amman. The restaurant currently has 12 branches in Lebanon, along with other locations in Syria, USA, and Canada. ARAX has plans to open other restaurants in the Gulf and Europe.
Golden Tulip seeks GCC growth
Golden Tulip Hospitality is negotiating at least 10 new hotel management contracts in the Gulf to boots its mid-range and budget accommodation sectors. The Dutch chain is currently operating 12 hotels in the GCC and six are scheduled to open in 2008 and 2009. In the UAE, the company will be managing a 1,000-room, four-star hotel in Ajman and a 264-unit block of apartments in Sharjah next year.
Saudi gold demand up 30%
Demand for gold in Saudi Arabia rose 30% in Q2 with Umrah pilgrims and tourists helping to drive up sales, according to Arab News citing a World Gold Council report. Total demand in the kingdom amounted to 42.5 tonnes with the decision back in March to slice the duty liable on imported jewellery from 12% to 5% also playing a major part in boosting sales.
Adihex in October
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will play host to the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) from October 24-27. It is expected more than 500 companies from 40 countries, including the US, UK, Germany and France, will exhibit at the event. It is being organised by the UAE Falconers Club in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.
ESAG opens six in AD
Dubai's Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG) is to launch six new stores in Abu Dhabi, covering an approximate area of 70,000 sqft. The outlets, focusing on furnishings, home appliances and fashion, will include stores for Benetton, Flexa Kids Furniture, IDdesign, Interiors as well as two new Better Life outlets. The stores will be located at either the Al Wahda or Al Raha malls and should open by October.
UAE mall delays hit retailers
An un-named industry source has said retailers in the UAE are incurring heavy losses due to the regular delays to the opening of new malls, reported the Business Weekly. The source claimed that landlords give tenants no notice of delays and very often retailers will have bought stock and hired staff. Long delays are especially damaging to fashion retailers as they tend to buy stock according to the season.
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