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Al Futtaim raises bid for Robinson
Dubai-based Al Futtaim Group has raised its offer for Robinson by 12%, reported Bloomberg. Al Futtaim, which operates nine Marks & Spencer stores in the Middle East, hopes to gain control of Robinson's seven clothing stores operating under the brand in Singapore as well as its department-store chains. ALF Global Private Ltd, a unit of Al Futtaim, raised its bid to S$7 a share from the January offer of S$6.25.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, March 18 - 2008 at 07:30

Art attracts GCC, says Christie's
The Christie's YouGov Siraj Survey polled more than 100,000 GCC residents and showed that art has gathered 'importance value' over the past five years as 40% of participants anticipate spending on art over the next 5 years, while 60% of participants have purchased some form of art, the most common form was paintings following by jewellery and watches. Christie's also backed up the research showing its sales to date in Dubai have achieved $61.4m since inaugural sale in May 2006, of which $53m was in 2007 alone.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, March 17 - 2008 at 09:54

Saudi fresh milk consumption rises
Consumption of fresh milk in Saudi Arabia has risen by 5% over the past two years. But it still accounts for less than a quarter of their milk consumption. Among houses that buy UHT, powdered and fresh milk, the latter accounts for just 23% of their needs. According to research by TNS, more than 80% of households buy at least two of the three milk formats each a month and 40% buy all the three.
Saudi Arabia: Sunday, March 16 - 2008 at 14:06

Tattooed men banned from Saudi malls
Shopping malls in Saudi Arabia have increased their security to stop men harassing customers, after a youth was stabbed to death in a popular retail centre's parking lot. Concerns have been raised about poor security in malls, and guards have been instructed not to let any males enter if they have long hair, tattoos or are wearing chains or collars, unless accompanied by their family. Guards have also been trained to spot men trying to slip into malls by walking next to families said the Saudi Gazette.
Saudi Arabia: Sunday, March 16 - 2008 at 07:45

Plug-ins gets space in Dubai Mall
Al-Futtaim Group announced that Plug-ins ElectroniX, its multi-brand electronics retailers has secured a retail space at The Dubai Mall to open its largest store in the mall. The 38,900 sq ft anchor store will be located on the second floor of the mall in The Electronics Precinct and will be the sixth UAE outlet.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, March 15 - 2008 at 12:30

Etisalat unveils fantasy football league
Etisalat is launching a fantasy football league, giving fans in the UAE an opportunity to manage their own virtual teams and win an all-expenses-paid trip to Euro 2008. Already a sponsor of the Etisalat Football League, the telco says its latest initiative is aimed at broadening the appeal of the game in the UAE. The fantasy football league allows participants to pick eleven players from a list of current professional players in the Etisalat Football League, and to sign them according to a set budget. The 'Best Manager' will attend the Euro 2008 semifinals and final games, courtesy of Etisalat, complete with six days and five nights in Vienna.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, March 13 - 2008 at 08:54

UAE is top regional importer of toys
The UAE is the top importer of toys in the Middle East, according to a spokesperson for Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of Middle East Toy Fair. The UAE ranked eighth in a listing of the top 10 toy importing countries across the world, said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. The value of the Middle East toy market is estimated at $1.5bn per year with about 11.8% annual growth. The Middle East Toy Fair is scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 31 to April 2, 2008.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, March 13 - 2008 at 08:48

GCC retail growth surges
The GCC will have more than 200 retail developments and accommodate more than 27,000 retailers over the next five years, according to Paula Al Chami, exhibition director of InRetail, a trade show for the Arabian Gulf's retail sector that will be held in Dubai from June 8 to 10. She said Dubai's shopping industry is leading the growth of the Middle East retail sector, which is projected to exceed $500bn by 2010. The region's retail space currently stands at six million square metres, but this will be expanded by another five million, reported Gulf News.
Wednesday, March 12 - 2008 at 07:27