Released on: September 24, 2007, 5:10 am

Press Release Author: Shushmul Maheshwari

Industry: Retail

Press Release Summary: Dubai is called a shopper’s paradise and the events it
hosts annually support it. This year’s DSS attracted 30-40% more tourists than
2006 and consequently, turned out to be a money-spinning festival for retailers.

Press Release Body: According to a latest market research report “Middle East
Retail Sector Analysis (2007-2010)” by RNCOS, with huge number of shopping
centers, retail units, and malls cropping up all over the city, Dubai could possibly
be on its way to enlist itself among the most densely shopped cities of the world.
This aggressive retail activity in the city is expected to account for around 50% of
its GDP by 2009.

Also, the report has identified tourism an instrumental parameter in deciding the
retail sales of the city. The city generated around 35% of retail sales from
tourism industry in 2006 and it is expected to touch 50% by 2010. The research
report discusses the other factors too affecting the retail industry in the Middle
East region in both positive and negative ways.

As per the report, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) plays a vital role in the retail
tourism sector of Dubai. In 2005, this event alone attracted around 50% of the total
tourists.

2007 commemorated the tenth edition of DSS (from June 21 to August 31) and as
predicted, attracted more trippers than ever before.

DSS 2007 witnessed an anticipated 30-40% rise in both sales and footfall over the
previous edition because of increased influx of tourists and residents. This sharp
growth is generally ascribed to the DSS-related attractions and promotions offered
in abundance by airlines, hospitality, travel and tourism, and retail sectors to
visitors.

Apart from the annual events, emerging markets are also increasing the tourist
influx to Dubai. Large number of inbound tourists from regions such as Far East
flocked to the city all through 2006. In the first six months of 2006, hotel guests
from Far East in Dubai crossed 152,000 and in the later half of the year, the number
surpassed 177,000.

Experts say that consumer spending during the DSS 2007 has dwarfed the previous
figures and exceeded AED 3 Billion, translating into high revenue generation for
retailers. In 2006, around one million square meter of retail space in Dubai, with
over 50% (around AED 1.3 Billion) of cumulative consumer spending, took away the
major pie of DSS 2006 expenditure.

As the retail space in expanding in Dubai at an outstanding pace, retailers in the
city, as per the RNCOS report, alone have to record sales worth over US$ 7.5 Billion
by 2009 to maintain this enormous increment in shopping space and retail activities.

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. It has a team of
industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. They provide
industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate
business decision in today\'s globally competitive environment.

For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM076.htm
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Web Site: http://www.rncos.com

Contact Details: RNCOS E-Services Pvt Ltd.
Shushmul Maheshwari
Head of Business Development
29, 1st Floor, Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi 92
91-11-4214-1229
info@rncos.com