Tag Archives: exclusive
Dubai retains status as global retail hotspot
Dubai has retained its status as an important global retail hub, as a new study confirmed it is streets ahead of other renowned shopping hotspots like Paris and New York.CBRE's latest report – entitled How Global is the Business of Retail? – suggested the UAE-based city only plays second fiddle to London when it comes to worldwide “hot markets”.Dubai has attracted some of the most famous and exclusive brands in the past few years, which is hardly surprising given the emirate's incredible reputation.Indeed, the city is home to the largest malls on the planet and it is also a playground for the rich and famous, so there is always a stream of wealthy holidaymakers looking to add expensive new items to their wardrobes.Global retailers are well aware of this and the CBRE research indicated that Dubai is still the highest ranked target market for brands that are looking to increase their presence in the Middle East.In total, 25 new retailers launched outlets in Dubai for the first time in 2012, including established names such as Franklin & Marshall, Galvanni and Cheesecake Factory.Managing director of CBRE Middle East Nicholas Maclean said Dubai's status as a family-friendly tourism destination also makes it an appealing location for retailers to open stores.”The doubling of its visitor numbers to ten million per annum in 2012 and its commitment to double these numbers again by 2020, makes the emirate highly attractive for existing and new retailers,” he remarked.There is every chance that Dubai will remain near the top of CBRE's future retail hotspot lists, as a multitude of well known firms have outlined their intention to take advantage of the lucrative Middle Eastern market in the next few years.Leaders of UAE conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim recently revealed that US clothing manufacturer Abercrombie & Fitch has agreed to open its very first Dubai-based store in 2014.It is yet to be confirmed exactly where the company may locate its store, but there is every chance it will be in one of the city's main malls. Continue reading
Michael Owen makes short trip to Dubai
Newly-retired footballer Michael Owen has revealed on Twitter that he is making a short trip to Dubai.The former England international took to the social media site to tell his followers that he was heading out to the UAE to speak at an event to mark Arabian Business' Brits List.”Just boarded the plane. Dubai and back in 34 hours. Back in time for my daughters (sic) sports day Wednesday lunchtime!,” the 33-year-old wrote.He then retweeted a message from editorial director at Arabian Business Anil Bhoyrul, who said: “@themichaelowen speaking live in Dubai tomorrow night to celebrate @ArabianBusiness britslist welcome to the UAE!”The news provider has set up the list to honour the 50 most influential Britons currently residing in the UAE.Tim Clark – the president of Emirates Airline – topped the list, while chief executive officer (CEO) of the MBC Group Sam Barnett came in second.CEO of Dubai Airports – the company that runs Dubai International Airport – was third in the standings and the fourth and fifth positions were taken up by Emirates NBD CEO Rick Pudner and National Bank of Abu Dhabi chief Michael Tomalin respectively.Arabian Business editor Ed Attwood insisted that with so many talented Britons now living in the UAE, it was difficult to whittle the list down to just 50 names.The list is being officially unveiled at a glamorous event held at Dubai's JW Marriott Marquis Hotel and attendees will be looking forward to hearing from Owen, who brought the curtain down on his illustrious career at the weekend (May 19th).Owen came off the bench with 16 minutes to go in Stoke City's 1-1 draw at Southampton and he received an ovation from the entire crowd – something he later thanked supporters for via Twitter.The former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United striker scored 40 goals in 89 games for England.He recently signed a deal with BT Sport, which will see him provide co-commentary during Premier League games next season. Continue reading
Metro passenger numbers increase sharply
More than 33.34 million passengers used the red and green lines on the Dubai Metro in the first quarter of 2013, which was a significant increase on the corresponding period in 2012.New figures released by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed the light railway is going from strength to strength, with the red line carrying a staggering 21.8 million people between January and March. Meanwhile, more than 11.5 million commuters travelled on the green line.Adnan Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of the RTA's Rail Agency said he was pleased with the statistics.”This is what we seek to achieve through our annual schemes by setting a diversified package of initiatives and activities that contribute to attracting all segments of society to use the Metro as the premier means of transportation, as it is secure, safe and luxurious at the same time,” he remarked.Deira City Centre Metro station reported the highest volume of traffic during the first quarter, as 1.64 million people travelled to and from this popular part of town.The green line's Al Fahidi station was also incredibly busy, with 1.37 million passengers using the facility over the three-month period.With so many people moving to Dubai on a permanent basis, it is important that the emirate's public transport infrastructure is up to scratch.A number of significant upgrades have been slated for the Metro system and these will increase the capacity of the transport network considerably.Building developers are erecting new residential properties on the outskirts of the city and the RTA is keen to ensure people who live a little further afield are able to travel into the heart of Dubai without any stress.Last month, the RTA revealed that new bus services would be introduced and some of these would act as feeder routes for the Metro. This will ensure more people will be able to reach the busy business districts and plethora of leisure facilities in the centre of town. Continue reading
