Mar. 23--UAE 2008 GOLD SALES UP 17 PERCENT: The World Gold Council's latest report has said that gold jewellery sales in the UAE went up by 17 percent in 2008 to over Dhs13.7bn compared to Dhs11.4bn in 2007. Jewellery accounted for 90 percent of total consumer demand, but net retail investment witnessed 38 percent growth in the last quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

SAUDI JEWELRY EXPO TO BEGIN: A four-day international exhibition for gold and jewellery is due to begin on Tuesday in Jeddah, which will showcase the latest designs of gold ornaments, jewellery and rare watches. Over 60 Saudi and international companies will be participating in the event. The latest report from the World Gold Council confirms the Kingdom is fourth in the world and first in the Arab world for gold and jewellery trading.

UAE RETAIL REAL ESTATE SALES TO GROW 12 PERCENT: Retail real estate sales in the UAE are likely to grow around 12 percent annually from last year to 2011, according to a report. Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) named Saudi Arabia as the country with the best retail opportunities while Bahrain will be a direct beneficiary being a favourite tourist hub for Saudi nationals.

RETAIL ASSOCIATION TO BE FORMED IN UAE: The UAE will soon be home to the Gulf region's first retail association. A number of retail groups, which manage about 50 brands and hundreds of stores, are forming the association to help retailers amidst the downturn. Sajid Sayed, the general manager for Giordano Fashions, said the association's objectives will include advising developers on future malls, working with shopping centres' management to improve customer traffic, and allowing retailers to share expertise, reported The National.

ZAIN OPENS DIGITAL STORE IN BAHRAIN: Zain has opened its 350sqm. flagship store in Bahrain's Seef Mall. The store features state-of-the-art motion sensor screens aimed at entertaining customers as it changes imagery when customers walk by. 'Lift triggers' were also set up, displaying product information when customers pick up mobile devices. The store is equipped with 65' LCD Welcome Wall, multiple LCD and LED installations and customer service centers.

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