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.

Saudi’s Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Q4 Net Profit Rises 5.7%

The company made a net profit of SAR201.74 million ($53.79 million) in the first quarter of 2015.

Dubai’s Landmark Aims To Double Online Sales, Plans Major Expansion

LandmarkShops.com recorded a 200 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue for the fiscal year 2014-2015.

Five Minutes With.. Abed Bibi And Husain Makiya, Co-founders, YouGotAGift.com

YouGotAGift.com’s co-founders discuss the inspiration for their gift card business, growth areas and plans to expand to regional and international markets.

Chalhoub Group, Marka And Jumeirah To Open In Dubai Design District

Many global designers including Rami Al Ali, Furne One Amato and Michael Cinco are also establishing their presence in the project.

Abraaj Says Completes Investment With TPG In Saudi’s Kudu

The deal is a first in the region for TPG, which manages about $65 billion of capital.

Landmark’s Centrepoint Plots 130 Locations By Year-End, Iraq Expansion

The move is part of a Dhs2 billion expansion announced last year.

Carrefour Signs Up As First Retailer For Upcoming Legends Mall In Dubailand

The 300,000 sqft mall, located within the Living Legends development, is set for completion by the end of 2016.

Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Rules Out IPO, Plans Egypt, Saudi Expansion

The Dubai-based conglomerate will open its first Magic Planet In Saudi Arabia this year.

Dubai-Based Souq.com Plans 3-Day Mega Sale, Expects 7m Visitors

The sale, set to run from March 29-31, will have 2,500 product deals on offer.

Nakheel Launches Tender For New Mall At Jumeirah Village Triangle

The tender covers infrastructure services relocation, shoring works and excavation at Al Khail Avenue.

Saudi’s Savola Says Has All Approvals For Packaging Unit Sale

Takween in December agreed to buy the packaging unit of Savola, the region’s largest food firm for SAR910 million.

UAE’s Majid Al Futtaim Says To Invest $590m More In Egypt

The new projects include development of four shopping malls and other facilities in greater Cairo, and the introduction of VOX cinemas over the next five years.

Kuwait’s Americana Q4 Net Profit Falls 28%

The company made a net profit of KD10.19 million ($34.38 million) in the last quarter of 2014.

UAE’s Abraaj Group Buys Stake In Turkish Online Retailer Hepsiburada

No purchase price or stake size was disclosed.

UAE’s JadoPado Expands, Sees Local E-Commerce Hit $12bn By 2018

The online retailer has expanded into a marketplace, and will host sellers from around the world.

Five Minutes With.. Salwa Hachem Mahfouz, Co-CEO, Fashion & Beyond

Salwa Hachem Mahfouz, Co-CEO of Fashion & Beyond, discusses her plans for bringing Brazilian swimwear brand Liquido to the region in the build up to the Dubai launch later this month.

Dubai’s MAF To Open Canadian Brand Lululemon Stores In ME

The first lululemon athletica store is slated to open in Dubai later this year.