Feb. 2--ABU DHABI GOLD SALES FALL: In January, the volume of gold jewellery sales in Abu Dhabi fell by 70 percent. The reasons given for the downturn in sales are rising prices and the impact of the slowing global economy. The chairman of Abu Dhabi Gold and Jewellery Group said investors buying gold bullion during the downturn are supporting international prices and making the metal less attractive for retail consumers. Demand for gold bars was also down 50 percent.

SAMSONITE TO EXPAND GCC PRESENCE: Samsonite has recently added more than 50 stores across the GCC, in association with other retailers including Harvey Nichols, Shoemart, Strandbags and Debenhams. The company plans to further expand in the GCC with announcements that more shops are being mooted. In addition the company plans to introduce the new Black Label Classic Trunk before the end of the year.

QATAR GOLD PRICES HIT HIGHS: The price of gold in the local market has shot up to record highs since the global financial crisis struck. The price of 22 karat gold was at QR105 per gram yesterday, which was the highest price recorded over the past few months, say the traders. Over the past week, the prices have gone up by QR3 per gram, with a rise of QR1 over the weekend.

BEAUTY PRODUCT MARKET WORTH DHS11BN BY 2010: According to EPOC Messe Frankfurt, the market for beauty products in the Middle East will exceed Dhs11bn by 2010. The beauty products and services market is worth more than Dhs7.3bn in Saudi Arabia and beauty sales for the UAE are forecasted to exceed Dhs3.3bn by 2010.

BOSE OPENS IN DUBAI MALL: Audio brand Bose has increased its retail presence in the UAE, opening a new outlet in the Dubai Mall. Bose now has seven exclusive outlets in the UAE including the Mall of the Emirates, Wafi, Mercato, Deira, Dubai Festival City and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. The AMB Group is the exclusive distributor for Bose in the UAE.

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