The shopping industry in the UAE is ahead of its regional peers by more than 10 years, in terms of experience, maturity and stability, despite its relatively smaller population, said an industry expert.

This advancement, according to Khalid Shraim, marketing manager, Bawadi Mall, is a result of government support in the form of world-class transportation infrastructure and the preference of international retail brands to have franchisees in the UAE.

“The shopping industry in the UAE comes among the top priorities of the government in terms of legislations and facilitation, as it is vital to the daily life of people and it serves as an index of the development and robustness of the economy,” Shraim said.

“The UAE has attracted a variety of world class retail brands in response to the ideal shopping environment and also because it serves as a springboard for other markets in the Mena region.”

“Other key features that make the UAE a top draw among international brands is its strategic location, a multicultural population, free zones, infrastructure, low customs tariffs, international treaties signed with many countries and international organizations, tax-free environment and strong IPRs laws,” he added.

He noted that these attractive features were complemented by a series of festivals that have played a key role in boosting the shopping industry round the year. – TradeArabia News Service