The number of malls in Dubai is among the highest in cities globally, said a regional expert in retail brands, adding that the emirate has entered the third phase of development in shopping tourism.

Extensive retail space in Mall of the World in Dubai will entice global brands to increase their presence, added Nazek Al Sabbagh, a renowned UAE businesswoman.

Dubai is investing in major retail projects that have pushed hotel occupancy levels to among the highest in the world, due to the Emirate’s position as a magnet for international brands. “Periodically, Dubai astounds the world with new headline-making projects, mainly in tourism, shopping or retail sectors,” she added.

 “We expect ‘Mall of the World’ to dramatically boost the local retail sector on a Middle East and Africa level, taking into consideration that the local sector is registering four-fold growth annually,” said Al Sabbagh.

Al Sabbagh recently participated in ‘Arab Women in Global Economy’ forum in London. The Emirati businesswoman is the founder of Zari O’Breesam retail brand that has gained wide attention in several international events in Milan, London and other cities round the world.

Al Sabbagh expects greater success for local brands on the global scene over the coming few years, based on the ideal business environment provided for the private sector in the UAE as well as the integration of this sector with the needs of a global economy. – TradeArabia News Service