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A Whirlwind Tour

VMSD’s journey exploring the best of retail in Singapore and Dubai, U.A.E.

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As you approach Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the air and look toward the horizon, all you see is sand – miles upon miles of the stuff. Then, like a mirage, a lush, green oasis appears, with manmade lakes the color of swimming pools and towering buildings that could only have been imagined by the most visionary of architects.

For many, the Far and Middle East represent the ultimate in luxury, beauty, fashion and sophistication. This past May, I had the good fortune of spending 10 days in Singapore and Dubai as part of the asia a go go 2016 retail tour, presented by VMSD. In this issue, I’ll share the intelligence, insights and inspiration the group gathered during our adventure.

Despite recent low oil prices, Dubai’s economy remains strong, thanks in part to other economic sectors, including retail, which have helped balance the decline in oil-related revenue, according to The National, an English-language newspaper in the Middle East. The retail market in the U.A.E. has been projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent, from last year until 2020, according Euromonitor Intl. (London).

At first glance, it’s immediately clear that retailers here have embraced the power of “experience.” Due to the region’s extreme heat, climate-controlled malls have become the society’s epicenter for dining, recreation and, yes, shopping.

Local Emiratis, tourists and expatriates drive the thirst for American and European brands, which are well-represented in any shopping center you visit. Experiential attractions are popular too: At the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai draws throngs of visitors, giddy at the notion of downhill skiing (indoors) on real snow.  

Not to be outdone, and said to be the largest shopping mall in the world, The Dubai Mall is home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which houses more than 140 species of aquatic animals. Alongside the sharks and stingrays, visitors can also discover a bevy of world-class dining and shopping options – and even an ice rink.

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The Dubai Mall is also home to the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, a “retail celebration” that takes place for most of January. Product launches and deep discounts are just part of the excitement; visitors looking for the full DSF experience can also enjoy film festivals, fashion shows and fireworks.

In a society where e-commerce has been slow to gain traction due to consumers’ preference to examine goods in person, Dubai deserves its reputation as a don’t-miss retail destination. For more on VMSD’s experiences in Dubai and Singapore, check out our asia a go go special report, beginning on page 15 of VMSD's August issue. And for more information about asia or euro a go go, visit euroagogo.net.

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