BRAND BUILDERS

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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

Capital: Abu Dhabi. Business hub: Dubai

4.8 million inhabitants

7.3% growth

80% foreigners

GDP: US$163 billion, real growth: 9.7%

GDP per capita: US$33,747

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

15 million tourists targeted by 2010 in Dubai alone (vs. 7.5 million in the UAE in 2006).

Retail surface expected to triple by 2010.

Retail scene marked by mega malls and shoppertainment trends.