BRAND BUILDERS

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Federation of 7 emirates ruled by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Capital: Abu Dhabi. Business hub: Dubai

5.5 million Inhabitants

6% population growth in 2008, 0% forecast in 2009

80% foreigners

GDP: US$254.6 billion

Real growth: 6.6%

GDP per capita: US$46,291

3rd Arab economy, fast liberalizing. Reducing oil reliance through tourism, multi-billion real estate projects and business developments.

15 million tourists targeted by 2015 in Dubai alone

8 million tourists in 2008 in Dubai

Retail surface expected to triple by 2010

Retail scene marked by mega malls and shoppertainment trends