Marka signs Dhs 31m franchise deal for ice cream brand Morelli’s Gelato

Post the deal, Marka plans to open 17 Morelli’s outlets in the MENA region by 2020

Reem Mall gets nod from Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

Following the approval, officials said that they expect to start work on the $1bn mall this year

Five minutes with.. Christianna Tsiterou, founder, The Gift Concierge

Christianna Tsiterou is planning to bring luxury service The Gift Concierge to the whole of the GCC following its UAE launch

Al Masah Capital’s F&B unit buys Johnny Rockets franchisee

The private equity firm acquired Al Faris Restaurant, which operates the Johnny Rockets franchise in the UAE and Oman.

Agility unit to invest $225m in Abu Dhabi mall project

The mall will be a partnership project, the company said

Five minutes with.. Yasmine Attieh, operations director, Em Sherif

Yasmine Attieh says Lebanese restaurant chain Em Sherif is working on several franchise opportunities in the region.

Sharaf DG to open first Egypt store in 2016, plots Gulf expansion

The electronics retailer is also looking to enter the Saudi market next year, a senior official said.

Luxury Belgian chocolatier Godiva plans major UAE, Saudi expansion

The company aims to double the number of outlets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the next six to 12 months

UAE residents spend an average of Dhs 120 per head on eating out – survey

Up to 66 per cent of UAE residents have dinner out at least once in a week, a survey by KPMG has found

Dubai Parks and Resorts begins leasing retail, dining units in Riverland

The entrance plaza will feature about 50 dedicated outlets along with various street dining options.

UAE’s R Holding launches retail projects worth Dhs700m

The company is currently building five retail projects in Ajman and two in Dubai, a statement said.

Nakheel to launch retail space for lease at Ibn Battuta Mall extension

The developer will launch 766,000 sq ft of additional shop and restaurant space for lease at the mall on June 1.

Nakheel says work on The Pointe mall at Palm Jumeirah 30% complete

The developer says Dhs800 million mall on track for opening in 2016.

Dubai’s Marka acquires stake in UK-based e-commerce site Icons

The company purchased a 65 per cent stake in sports merchandise retailer Icons for a value of Dhs15.3 million.

Dubai’s Marka to invest Dhs250m in 2015, eyes two deals

The company is looking to close deals in the UAE’s hospitality and retail sectors, officials said.

Saudi’s Almarai approves $5.6bn capex plan for 2016-20

The investment will cover expansion in the areas of farming, manufacturing, distribution and logistics.

Despite rumours, Apple remains mum about Dubai store’s launch in August

The tech giant will open its biggest store worldwide in Dubai this summer, say reports.

Dubai named world’s second most important shopping destination

About 55.7 per cent of retailers in Dubai are international brands while the city attracted 45 new global brands last year.

Majid Al Futtaim to invest Dhs1bn in VOX Cinemas until 2020

The funds are aimed at helping VOX attract a further 50 million customers over the next five years.

Nakheel signs deal with Landmark Group for 25 outlets in Al Khail Avenue

Construction on the Al Khail Avenue mall will begin this year, with expected opening in 2018.

Dubai’s Marka Buys Reem Al Bawadi Restaurant Chain For Dhs315m

The acquisition is being funded by a blend of the company’s own funds and bank facilities, Marka said.

Huawei Launches Honor Six Plus Smartphone In Middle East

The Honor Six Plus is targeted at a younger internet-savvy demographic.

Nakheel To Build New Beachfront Resort In Deira Islands

The developer will partner with Spanish hotel operator RIU Hotels and Resorts to build an all-inclusive four-star resort in Dubai.

Five Minutes With.. Alessio Ruffoni, Manager, Al Grissino Restaurant & Lounge Dubai

Alessio Ruffoni explains why he is bringing Milan’s Al Grissino dining concept to Dubai, and potential plans for Abu Dhabi.

Nakheel’s New Dragon City Project To Begin Leasing Retail Space

The developer is offering 1.3 million sq ft of new shop and showroom space in its mixed use development.

Dubai’s Emaar Malls Q1 Net Profit Rises 32%

The unit made a net profit of Dhs433 million in the first quarter of 2015.

30 Seconds On The Business Of… Family Entertainment

Gulf Business speaks to Silvio Liedtke, COO, Landmark Leisure.

Online Store Merger Prods Luxury Goods Makers Towards Internet

Top brands such as Prada and LVMH’s Christian Dior still baulk at the idea of selling clothing online.

Fatburger Plots Four More Restaurants In MENA

The restaurants are planned for Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia and Iraq.

Dubai Parks And Resorts Partners With UK’s Merlin Entertainment For Lego Water Park

The water park is an addition to the under construction Legoland Dubai theme park, set to open in October 2016.