B Store launched by AstraTech Image Astra tech

Now pay for groceries using facial recognition at Astra Tech’s new B Store

Astra Tech has launched its first autonomous shopping store in Abu Dhabi’s Sky Tower, which operates solely using artificial intelligence

gift cards

Beyond gifting: The hidden benefits of gift cards

Gift cards have grown into a form of branded currency – encompassing a variety of physical or digital payment methods

Tamimi markets sells 30% stake to PIF

Saudi wealth fund PIF to acquire 30% stake in Tamimi Markets

The deal is aimed at supporting Tamimi Markets’ growth plans including a potential initial public offering

micky jagtiani image credit Landmark group

Dubai’s Landmark Group founder Micky Jagtiani passes away

A constant innovator, the Indian billionaire created and led more than 27 diverse brand concepts

Mall of the emirates 3 day super sale is back phot courtesy: Mall of the Emirates Majid al futtaim

Dubai’s 3 Day Super Sale is back, with discounts up to 90% up for grabs

The three-day super sale (3DSS) will run from May 26 to 28

Alan

Alan’s corner: The tipping point

A strategic offering of in-store and online shopping experiences can help retailers stay relevant in current times

EMAAR DOWNTOWN_DUBAI

Emaar records net profit rise of 43% to Dhs3.2bn for Q1 2023

Emaar’s group property sales reached Dhs9.2bn, an 11 per cent increase compared to Q1 2022

Apparel Group

Apparel Group expands presence in Kuwait with 12 new store openings

The line-up of stores feature brands such as Birkenstock, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Dune London, Levi’s, The Children’s Place, Steve Madden, among others

Carter & White

Emirati brand Carter & White raises Dhs40m in Series A funding

The funding will be invested to attract a new segment in regional retail markets including UAE, Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries and eventually Europe

MENA e-commerce trends GettyImages-157027870

Total e-commerce market value in MENA region to surpass $57bn by 2026

The MENA region’s total e-commerce market size reached $37bn in 2022, with a double-digit growth rate from 2021

Consumers spend more in Malls in 2022 167896190

Revealed: Here’s what consumers in the UAE spent their money on in 2022

Majid Al Futtaim’s latest ‘State of the UAE Retail Economy’ Q4 report, revealed that e-commerce sales continued their strong upward trajectory, more than doubling to $6bn in 2022 from $2.6bn in 2019

retail summit

Global, regional retail giants converge on Dubai for The Retail Summit

The summit supports international brands looking to either establish an in-market presence or sell via cross-border ecommerce to the UAE

GMG's new Africa HQ in District 5, Cairo

UAE’s GMG opens new office in District 5, Cairo

By 2025, GMG aims to double its global workforce through acquisitions, developing fresh concepts and entering new geographies

Harrods _ Supplied

Interview: Harrods MD Michael Ward on luxe retail trends

The managing director of the UK-based luxury department store shares how the store is adapting to changing consumer expectations, the Luxury for Life initiative and Harrods Hive

Majid Al Futtaim FY 2022 performance Photo courtesy Mall of the Emirates

Majid Al Futtaim reports 12% rise in revenue in 2022, visitors to malls rise by 16%

Majid Al Futtaim – Retail’s online sales continued their growth trajectory reporting revenue increase from digital sales by 51 per cent year-over-year

Retail sector trends from Kearney

Here’s how companies can adapt to changes in the retail sector

By monitoring the signals of shifts in consumer spending closely, retailers can effectively plan their supply chain operations and avoid overstocked shelves

Dubai's Emaar announces net profit rise of 80% to Dhs6.8bn, riding on record property sales

Dubai’s Emaar sees 80% net profit rise to Dhs6.8bn, supported by record property sales

Emaar’s group property sales in 2022 reached $9.5bn, primarily driven by new project launches

ADNOC Distribution completes acquisition of 50% stake in TotalEnergies Marketing Egypt

ADNOC Distribution completes acquisition of 50% stake in TotalEnergies Marketing Egypt

The deal includes a downstream portfolio of 240 fuel retail stations, more than a 100 convenience stores, and over 250 lube changing stations

mall of oman opening by Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim officially inaugurates Mall of Oman 

Mall of Oman, which had a soft launch in September 2021, is home to Snow Oman – the largest snow park in the region, Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas and 260 international and local retail outlets

UAE's GMG acquires Aswaaq to expand retail footprint

UAE’s GMG acquires Aswaaq to expand retail footprint

The acquisition adds a total of 11 community malls and 22 supermarkets to GMG’s retail network

Aldar subsidiary ETHER to open soon

Aldar subsidiary Cloud Spaces to launch ETHER, a new co-retail space, at Yas Mall

This co-retail space provides an accessible, tech-powered retail platform, where shoppers can explore multiple product lines under one roof

Apparel Group and Project Chaiwala

Apparel Group, UAE home-grown concept Project Chaiwala sign partnership

Apparel Group’s five-year plan is to grow the Project Chaiwala brand by increasing its retail footprint across the GCC

Majid Al Futtaim and Poltrona Frau sign strategic partnership

Majid Al Futtaim, Italian luxury brand Poltrona Frau announce strategic partnership

Founded in 1912 in Turin, Italy, Poltrona Frau is known for its 21-step tanning process to create enduring leather items

GMG establishes its Asian headquarters in Malaysia to pursue further expansion and growth in SEA

GMG to ramp up growth in Southeast Asia, aims to launch 100 stores by 2025

The company has opened 31 stores across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia since entering the SEA market in 2020

Dubai Chambers WAM

Dubai Chamber of Commerce launches 4 new business groups

The chamber plans to increase the number of sector-specific business support groups to 100 by March 2023

Easa Al Gurg

Power Letters 2023: Easa Al Gurg, group CEO, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group

ESAG2025 is the road map for the group’s future, focusing on diversity and intrapreneurship

Mubadala Investment Capital invests in fintech Tabby's Series C round

Mubadala Investment Capital invests in fintech Tabby’s Series C round

The funds will be used to expand Tabby’s product line and support the company’s growing operations

Dubai's DMCC launches e-commerce ecosystem to support SMEs

DMCC launches e-commerce ecosystem, aims to support SMEs, targets $50bn regional market

The DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem will give SMEs easy access to workspaces, order fulfillment services and delivery options

Majid Al Futtaim New CEO

Majid Al Futtaim Holding appoints new chief executive officer

Ahmed Galal Ismail assumes the position from Alain Bejjani, who served in the role for eight years

Luxury shopping

Insights: How the luxury shopping experience has evolved

Shopping remains a key component of Dubai’s draw as a tourist spot, as daily spending by tourists in the UAE increased 30 per cent during the summer of 2022