Online marketplace The Luxury Closet closes $7.8m series B round

The firm said it would use the funds to accelerate its regional expansion

Pictures: Dubai’s Meraas opens new chocolate boutique

The new chocolate-themed boutique, cafe and restaurant is open in the City Walk retail complex

Oman increases cigarette prices

The country’s tobacco tax has been doubled

New York’s Bareburger to open first outlet in Dubai

The store will be launched next month at Festival City mall

Dubai’s Abraaj exits investment in Colombian retailer Koba

Koba was sold for an undisclosed amount to Capital Group Private Markets

“Challenging” for high-end pizzerias to succeed in Dubai

Pizza restaurant operators are faced with major challenges in Dubai

Cartier’s ME perfume sales rival the US

General Director of Fragrances highlights region’s importance during L’Envol male fragrance launch at Zaya Nurai Island

Italian themed Dubai Outlet Village opens its doors

The mall is inspired by Tuscan hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage site San Gimignano

Majid Al Futtaim’s smallest mall My City Centre Al Barsha opens

Dhs57m My City Centre Al Barsha is expected to cater for 40,000 people by 2017

Dubai’s Nakheel to develop huge shopping mall in Nad Al Sheba

The mall will feature around 200 shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets

New link opens between Dubai’s Ibn Battuta mall and metro station

The two-storey, 210-metre walkway will connect passengers directly from the station to the mall

Landmark Group signs deal with Abu Dhabi’s Reem Mall for 23 stores

Landmark will occupy a total retail area close to 200,000 square feet within the mall

Majid Al Futtaim reveals Dhs600m expansion of City Centre Ajman

The renovated mall will feature 150 retail and dining outlets and an expanded VOX Cinemas

Riyadh court upholds $8m fine on soft drink firms

The six were accused of collectively agreeing to increase prices to boost profitability

Nakheel, Reel to develop new dine-in cinemas at The Pointe mall

The five-cinema complex will offer a total of 250 seats

Burger chain Wendy’s plans rapid MENA growth under new partner

Wendy’s plans to open 150 outlets across the MENA region over the next 10 years

Dubai’s Nakheel to build new 375,000 sq ft retail complex at Dragon City

The developer has awarded a Dhs117.5m contract to build the complex

Bahrain’s Investcorp sells UK crisp brand Tyrrells

The deal is Investcorp’s ninth European exit in 12 months

Dubai-based camel milk producer receives VAT exemption

Value added tax is expected to be introduced in the UAE in 2018

Al Futtaim Carillion ‘preferred tenderer’ for Abu Dhabi’s $1bn Reem Mall

The two million square foot mall is slated to open in 2018

Nepali billionaire to open ‘Wai Wai’ noodles factory in Saudi

The factory will have an annual production of 120 million packets in the first phase

GBK’s CEO on conquering the burger market

Alasdair Murdoch, the CEO of Gourmet Burger Kitchen talks turning the brand around, its global and regional expansion plans and acquisition rumours

Anki taps into growing UAE market for toys, games

The UAE’s retail industry for toys and games reached $762m in 2015

Jo Malone: Following a new scent

Fragrance queen Jo Malone charts her return to the market after selling the business that bears her name

Sephora expands in Middle East with new stores across GCC

French beauty giant already has 52 shops across the Middle East

Aster launches region’s first online pharmacy

The company plans to deliver prescription medication to the homes of its customers

How data can help retailers improve customer experiences

Failure to relay data will leave customers with blanket recommendations that are of little relevance to them

UAE maintains Eid appetite for gold despite rising prices

Gold prices have increased by around 25 per cent in the last six months

Qatar’s Al Mana acquires BHS’ international franchising business

Al Mana intends to “enhance the retail offer, expand into new territories and develop the online presence of the brand,” it said

Dubai’s Al Ghurair Centre adds stores under wider expansion

The Deira-based shopping centre plans several more openings in the coming months