Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a growing strategic focus for luxury companies as consumers increasingly use AI tools during purchasing decisions, although many brands are still working to move beyond experimentation, according to an industry expert.
Dubai's commercial property market recorded its strongest H1 performance in 2026, with sales up 183% over last year. The commercial property sales, including offices and retail units, surged to AED19.5 billion ($5.3 billion) through 3,415 deals in the first six months, said a top brokerage.
Knowledge Economic City (KEC) has signed an agreement with Saudi group Alrashid Properties to develop a premium mixed-use project - the Multaqa Residences - in Madinah on a 149,520 sq m area. The SAR1.35 billion ($359 million) project will boast branded residences as well as retail and hospitality assets.
Saudi Downtown Company, a unit of sovereign wealth fund PIF, has announced that it has awarded the design and infrastructure development works contract for Al Khobar Downtown, a major mixed-use lifestyle, retail and entertainment destination coming up in the kingdom’s Eastern Province.
AI could soon choose what we buy; sustainability has shifted from nice-to-have to non-negotiable; and second-hand shopping is rapidly becoming mainstream, according to new DHL eCommerce research.
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the emirate's annual summer retail and entertainment festival, kicks off on July 2 offering 60 action-packed days of shopping promotions, dining events, concerts and family-focused attractions, thus providing unforgettable experiences for both residents and visitors alike.
Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company, has appointed Tarek Moussawer as its new Commercial Lead for Middle East region. An industry veteran, he brings over 20 years of experience across retail, finance, brand building and commercial strategy to the new role.
The Middle East retail real estate industry leaders are set to rethink the operating models as the forces reshaping the retail sector are converging faster than most operators recognise, said an industry expert, addding traditional space-centric models are no longer sufficient for what lies ahead.
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has signed an agreement with Afhad Holding to activate a 15,095-sq-m plot in Kshisha into a new retail destination, marking a key step in expanding commercial infrastructure across emirate's growing residential districts.
Havelock One, a leading interior fit-out contractor in the region, has announced that it has been signed up as the front-of-house fit-out contractor for The Avenues - Khobar, an ambitious mixed-use development coming up on a 820,000 sq m area in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
