Electronics IT Trade In Jafza Registers Average Growth Of 8.5% Over Five Years

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Electronics and IT companies based in Jafza generated trade worth AED 51 billion in 2009, compared to AED 35 billion in 2005, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5 % in the five year period. The increasing trade reflects the steady growth enjoyed by the sector due to rising consumer demand in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East.

These trade figures and the trade trends in the Electronics and IT sector within the Free Zone were announced by Jafza officials and industry representatives at the recently held Strategic Customer Forum focused on the electronics industry.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, Deputy CEO, Jafza and Chief Commercial Officer, together with other senior officials and partners of Jafza addressed individual and collective concerns of the participants. He said: “Jafza plays a key role in facilitating trade and business opportunities for more than 1,050 electronics companies based in the Free Zone. Since we are uniquely positioned to impact trade and investment for this sector, we continuously liaise with government officials to encourage easing trade policies and regulations that will benefit customers. These forums help us better understand industry trends, requirements and operational concerns. The constructive dialogue and optimistic outlook from all representatives at the forum speaks well for continued growth opportunities.”

The UAE’s consumer electronics market, defined as the addressable market for computing devices, mobile handsets and audiovisual and gaming products, is projected at USD 4.0bn in 2015. The growth, forecasted in a recent BMI report, will be driven by the popularity of new electronic devices such as LED and 3D TV sets, 3G mobile handsets, smart phones, feature-rich notebooks, MP3/MP4 players and Blu-ray players.

Representatives from Sony Gulf, Panasonic, Samsung Gulf, LG Electronics and Nikai Gulf among others attended the event. They met with high-level officials and Jafza partners including Dubai Customs, DP World, Dubai Trade and Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, who addressed queries and suggestions to improve operations and free zone effectiveness.

During the event Dubai Customs addressed individual issues and queries on customs regulations and policies, explaining that officials were in regular dialogue with government representatives to address federal rules and GCC customs policies.

The Forum also discussed ways in which Jafza and its customers could take advantage of emerging opportunities in high-growth markets in Africa and the Far East.

The Strategic Customer Forum was the fifth in a series of industry events initiated by Jafza to encourage dialogue with key clients. The first four forums were held for clients in the Logistics, Chemical, Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing sectors.
 

Dubai-Based Jupiter Group Pioneers New Consumer Electronics Retail Concept  DOT- At Lamcy Plaza

The Dubai-based consumer electronics major, Jupiter Group, today unveiled a pioneering retailing concept – DOT – offering customers a stunning choice of an array of multi-branded product range under one canopy.

DOT is located on the second level of Lamcy Plaza, the popular and family destination shopping mall, and will feature the largest stretch of LCD TV display in the UAE – the `Great Wall of LCDs’ – featuring 212 LCD screens in one continuous row.

Elaborating on DOT as a milestone in consumer electronics retailing in the UAE, Jupiter Group spokesperson said the concept was a trailblazer in terms of finding new paradigms in brand partner relationships and customer engagement.

Addressing the media at the opening of DOT, Mr. Sajan Joseph, CEO, Jupiter Group, said: “DOT is entirely different and is based on a new strategy in consumer electronics retailing, It has been evolved with a view to bring in new comfort levels in relationships – with partners as well as customers.”

He said DOT has a two-pronged focus – one looking at giving unprecedented benefits to brand partners and second, to engage and sustain customer interest in an interactive and knowledge sharing format.

“For customers, DOT will be perhaps offering a first-of-its-kind visual display never attempted by a consumer electronics retailer at this scale. Apart from the `Great Wall of DOT,’ it also has other engaging interactive USPs, that would help customers make an informed choice in finding the right kind of product.” Mr. Joseph said.

These interactive channels include `Ask Me Kiosks’ – a one-point touch screen facility to access products details in terms of technology, price etc… DOT will also have a special zone for hourly live product demo.

“We will also soon have live streaming of the store activity on our web portal. DOT will also have a technology counter which will provide information on latest products in electronics. The outlet will also feature Pink Tag products which will bevalue for money products to customers at special price,” Mr. Joseph added.
 

102 New Companies Registered In 2010 Aviation Industry Represents 14% And11%For Electronics Sector

Dubai Airport Freezone, home to some of the world’s major corporates, registered an impressive 23 per cent increase in sales in 2010, as compared to the previous year, disclosed HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone.

This growth was driven by the increasing numbers of new companies and expansion by existing companies working in the Freezone. Out of the 102 new companies registered in 2010 in the Freezone, 28 per cent are from Europe, 27 per cent from the Middle East & Gulf region, 21 per cent from Asia and the rest from the USA, Japan and other countries.

Aviation companies form the largest segment in the Freezone with 14%, followed by the electronics sector with 11%, followed by engineering, computer, cargo advisory services and consultancy companies.

The activities of the companies in the Freezone are segmented into two major areas including trade which represents 68% and service sector representing 32%, which comes in line with the mechanics of the global economy in which trade plays the biggest part.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone, was pleased with these results. He underlined the achievements and growth rates accomplished in Freezone during 2010, despite the economic challenges faced by the global and local economies. HH Sheikh Ahmed was also certain about Dubai Airport Freezone’s ability to overcome all the economic challenges and achieve the goal of sustainable development in the coming years.

"The achievements in the past years are part of the unique strategy of the Freezone. The Freezone will continue to sustain performance, quality and development, helping it to enter the foreign markets in future, which is one of the objectives and priorities. We aim to achieve 20% growth in sales by the end of this year as compared to last year," he said.

HH Sheikh Ahmed added the Dubai Airport Freezone has made Emiratization Strategy one of its priorities in order to give opportunities for national cadres to run the institution. Last year the Freezone recruited 125 national staff, bringing the total number of UAE national employees to 201. Emiratis currently hold 100% of the top management positions at the Freezone, while 74 per cent of the middle management are also nationals.

"Dubai Airport Freezone is committed to select staff with high competencies and expertise and pays attention to quality human resources, as they are the most important elements of the production process. We will develop our human resources and implement a motivational system for our employees," HH Sheikh Ahmed said.

HH Sheikh Ahmed considered the human element as fundamental to the success of any institution and the basis to gain competitive strength and maintain it, in light of the economic challenges and transformations taking place in the world. This has helped Dubai Airport Freezone to emerge as an effective economic power locally and globally.

"23% growth in sales of leasable spaces in 2010 for the European, Gulf and Asian companies in different sectors is a positive result which can be built on in the current year. This necessitates focusing on the industrial markets to attract more foreign investments," HH Sheikh Ahmed added.

He said: "Registering 102 new companies last year was excellent, given the current global economic conditions. We will redouble our efforts to increase the number of investors through promotional programs that suit the needs of the targeted markets, meet customer requirements and exceed their expectations in terms of service delivery and streamlined procedures."

The increasing number of multinational companies in the Freezone confirms the commitment of the Dubai Airport Freezone to provide world class services and facilities that have helped to attract these companies. These results will further motivate the management to put more effort to promote growth rates and reinforce the concepts of customer service.

HH Sheikh Ahmed noted that the increasing number of investors from the aviation industry, automotive industry and information technology is positive evidence of the Freezone’s trend towards advanced industries and their need to bring in more of knowledge economy with its advanced tools.

HH Sheikh Ahmed also asserted the need for continuous improvement in the work environment and the need to keep pace with the requirements of investors. "We are committed to continue developing the investment environment. The world class facilities and services we provide have helped to attract international brands in many sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical supplies industry, aviation, telecommunications, electronics, spare parts, auto industry, oil and natural gas.” Sheikh Ahmed concluded.
 

GITEX Shopper 2010 Cements Position As Regions Biggest And Best Consumer Electronics Event

GITEX Shopper has cemented its position as the region’s biggest and the best consumer electronics retail platform with power retailers and world class brands reporting stronger than ever sales at the 2010 event. Across the board, exhibitors sold millions of dirhams worth of white goods, games, home entertainment systems and lifestyle gadgets, with laptops, smart phones, LCD TVs and digital cameras among the best performing categories.

With participating retailers at the show reporting total sales in excess of AED 175 million, plans are in place for an even bigger and better GITEX Shopper next year. The 2010 edition’s first time Home World feature will return in 2011 with more space and the event will see an advanced new Gaming Zone to capitalise on the growing gaming sector in the region.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the sales extravaganza will return next year for eight days of great deals from 8 – 15 October 2011.

The keenly anticipated event attracted 166,521 visitors over eight days – drawn to the unrivalled range of new items, unbeatable prices and fabulous prizes ranging from cameras to a BMW Z4 car. Price wars between the big names guaranteed great offers and ensured that consumers walked away with some great freebies and value deals.

GITEX Shopper 2010 welcomed a host of first time exhibitors including Al Futtaim Watches, Canon, E4U, E-City, iSTYLE, Panasonic, RIM and 050 Mobile.

“This year’s GITEX Shopper was a great success for us,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, DWTC. “Year on year we have been recording more exhibitor space, more products and more value deals from some of the world’s top brands. GITEX Shopper has demonstrated that it is a not to be missed event for exhibitors and consumers alike.”

Exhibitors were equally positive about GITEX Shopper, with Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer at Jacky’s Electronics stating: “This year’s GITEX Shopper was very successful thanks to our great bundled offers, raffles of BenQ LCD TVs every 15 minutes and innovative price points. We were 15% higher in terms of sales revenue compared to last year’s event. GITEX Shopper remains an important event for us as it allows us to showcase our products to thousands of customers who may not be frequent visitors to our retail outlets, and convert them into loyal customers in the long term. It also gives us a chance to understand firsthand our customers’ needs in a short period of time.”

First time exhibitor Canon commented on the success they had at GITEX Shopper: “The Canon DSLR corner, a first for GITEX Shopper, was conceptualised with the aim of educating amateur photographers as to the benefits and creative opportunities that lie within the realm of DSLR photography. Over the eight day show, our DSLR corner was an instant hit with many photography enthusiasts as they were able to engage with Canon’s experts, providing an interactive platform to discuss and learn DSLR photography. We are very happy with the outcome and look forward to further empowering the region’s evolving photography community”, said Vineet Wadhwa, DSLR Product Manager, Canon Middle East.
 

Jackys Electronics Opens Doors To Customers On Souq.com

Souq.com, the region’s most widely trusted online marketplace, has opened an online store with Jacky’s Electronics on www.souq.com. The move signals a win for both customers and the electronics retailer, providing quick and convenient access to a wide range of Jacky’s Electronics’ brands.

With a customer base of over 1.5 million people across the MENA region and one technology item currently being sold every minute, Souq.com’s online stores are a valuable meeting place for the electronics retailer and its customers. Jacky’s has been quick to leverage the virtual footfall provided by Souq.com’s online stores – Souq.com is the MENA region’s largest shopping platform, attracting the greatest number of visitors. Customers enjoy easy access to the best deals available on new products, as well as a straightforward and secure way of browsing and purchasing goods.

Commenting on the retail initiative with Jacky’s Electronics, Souq.com’s CEO Ronaldo Mouchawar stated: “Souq.com is the online trade partner of choice for retailers. The company has pioneered the field of e-commerce in this region, to provide customers and retailers alike with a highly visible and effective place to conduct business.

“Companies, such as Jacky’s Electronics, recognise that creating a brand-sponsored store presence on Souq.com ensures that they are markedly enhancing their customer touch-points and driving their revenue channels,” continued Mr Mouchawar, “In choosing Souq.com, Jacky’s has expanded their business frontiers by partnering with the MENA region’s most trusted and expert online marketplace.”

Souq.com currently values the UAE online business to be worth USD $200 million – a figure which represents a striking opportunity for Jacky’s Electronics. “As experts in e-commerce, we’re confident that having an online presence on Souq.com will help us boost sales significantly,” said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky’s Group of Companies.

“Souq.com allows us to serve customers who live in areas where we don’t have a retail outlet by shipping directly to their doorstep with the assurances that Souq gives its customers vis-à-vis security etc. All products purchased on Souq.com will receive the same local warranty we give to products bought in stores, including after sales services.

“Opening a store on Souq.com is hassle-free and gives us access to a wider market and a large pool of loyal consumers. We look forward to enjoying a successful trade partnership with Souq.com and meeting our new, online customers,” Panjabi added.

Souq.com was established in 2005 to become the largest e-commerce site in the Arab world, today. Thousands of buyers and sellers meet daily to transact business over a trusted platform that offers both many payment options and delivery methods catered to the markets that the company serves. Since its inception, the company has quickly evolved to become the region’s leading and fully integrated online marketplace, reflected in recent accolades, such as the UAE’s E-Commerce Award and the Small Business Award.
 

Sony Unveils Irresistible Bundle Offers With The VAIO Line-Up For GITEX Shopper And Consumer Electronics Expo 2010

Sony Gulf, the regional arm of leading consumer electronics brand Sony, today announced exclusive bundle offers with the VAIO range of notebook computers for GITEX Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo, the largest gathering of the region’s leading ICT retailers and suppliers in Dubai.

GITEX Shopper, the retail segment of the region’s largest ICT event GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2010, opened on 16 October and runs until 23 October at the Airport Expo Dubai. The Sony offers at the event will be available across its VAIO notebook line-up comprising the Z-series, S-Series, F-Series, EA-Series and EB-Series notebooks.

Weighing approximately 1.4 kg and forged from high-grade aluminium and lightweight carbon fibre, the slim yet sturdy VAIO Z128, VAIO Z127 and VAIO Z126 from the VAIO Z Series will come bundled with an Iomega external hard disc 320GB and a Sony E-reader (PR-S300). The VAIO Z115 series notebook comes with a Sony Slim DVD Drive DRX-S70U and a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 digital still camera.

The high-performing and extremely mobile VAIO S-Series notebooks – VAIO S117 and VAIO S116 – in sleek colours and sporting a 13.3-inch screen, will be bundled with a Targus Wireless Presentation Remote and a 4GB Sony Walkman NWZ-E443.

The VAIO F-Series notebooks come equipped with a superior 16.4 inch screen and full HD display that make them ideal for viewing High Definition video and photos. At GITEX Shopper, the VAIO F-Series notebooks will be offered with a 4GB Sony Walkman NWZ-E443 and an 8GB Sony Microvault USB flash drive.

The VAIO EA and EB Series include a host of chic notebooks in different sizes from the 15.5-inch VAIO EB26 and VAIO EB27 to the 14-inch screens with VAIO EA16 and the stylish Mystic Arabesque range VAIO EA26. These notebooks will be offered with a 4GB Sony Walkman NWZ-E443 and an 8GB Sony Microvault USB flash drive.

The VAIO EA25 will be bundled with a Sony Headset DR-350USB and an 8GB Sony Microvault USB flash drive, while the VAIO EA22 will be available with only an 8GB Sony Microvault USB flash drive.

The ultra-handy VAIO M126 netbooks with 10.1-inch screen will come bundled with a Sony Slim DVD Drive DRX-S70U and an 8GB Sony Microvault USB flash drive. The entire VAIO line-up also comes with a one-year free subscription of the McAfee Anti-Virus software.

The VAIO range and bundle-offers are available at the GITEX Shopper and all official VAIO retailers in the UAE.
 

Jacky’s Electronics Gears Up For Eid Retail Giant Partners With HP To Sizzle Up Shoppers

Jacky’s Electronics, the UAE’s number one multi-brand consumer electronics retailer, has rolled up an exciting promotion for customers looking for the best deals this Eid.

As more families are looking forward to Eid celebrations, Jacky’s is giving away Black & Decker kitchen appliances for every purchase of notebooks, mobile phones, digital cameras and LCD TVs. These special offers will be available to shoppers at all Jacky’s retail outlets until 30th September.

To make Eid extraordinary this year, Jacky’s also teamed up with HP to offer a range of great deals for its loyal customers. Cash back of AED150 to AED500 awaits anyone who purchases any HP notebooks and desktops until 30th September in all Jacky’s outlets.

“Eid is a time for joy and pleasure for all, elders and children alike. During the Eid days, families and friends exchange gifts to express well wishes, and we in Jacky’s would like to celebrate this joy with our loyal customers by giving them valuable gifts such as Black & Decker products,” said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky’s Electronics.

“Jacky’s and HP have provided the biggest promotions to our customers and with school starting shortly after Eid, we want to give the students latest gadget accessories courtesy of HP,” he added.

In addition, owners of HP laptops, either old or new, can avail of the free cover engravings being offered at HP Store-in-store in Jacky’s Dubai Mall outlet, on level 2, until end of this month. Furthermore, customers can redeem 30% discount on HP accessories, if they print vouchers from Jacky’s Facebook fan page and present them at this outlet.

At the same outlet, first 200 customers will get free giveaways from HP. As an exciting countdown to Eid, there will be a daily raffle draw to win seven HP Mini Netbooks.
 

Jacky’s Electronics Scoops Superbrand Award For Fifth Time

Jacky’s Electronics – the UAE’s leading chain of Electronics, Entertainment and Telecommunications stores – has for the fifth time scooped a Superbrand Award at a special ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

“The award this year is especially sweet for us considering the fact that we’re receiving it a day before our 40th anniversary,” said Jacky Panjabi, Group Managing Director, who founded the Jacky’s Group of Companies on 21st July, 1970 in Hong Kong.

The Superbrands organisation is acclaimed worldwide as an independent authority and arbiter of branding excellence and is committed to paying tribute to exceptional brands and promoting the discipline of branding.

It defines a Superbrand as ‘one which offers consumers significant emotional and/or physical advantages over its competitors which (consciously or subconsciously) consumers want, recognise and are willing to pay a premium for’.

The Superbrands Council is comprised of individuals who have shown exceptional aptitude in business and who have a thorough knowledge of that particular country’s markets and methods of business. Its members produce a shortlist of candidate brands and the organisation then invites the CEO and Marketing Directors of those short-listed brands to vote for all the other brands, with the resulting top scoring brands being designated as Superbrands.

Reflecting on the award, Mike English, Director of Superbrands Middle East, said “I am delighted that Jacky’s has maintained its status as a Superbrand. The reason it has done so is quite simple. Jacky’s is consistent in its approach to business but, above all, in its approach to its customers. Jacky’s is a brand that is perceived as being an old friend and, more importantly, an old friend that always keeps its promises.
 

Jacky’s Electronics’ Holds Video Gaga Competition For Facebook Fans

For a chance to win a Sony Ericsson XperiaTM X10 Android Smartphone and maybe even become the next singing sensation in the UAE, Jacky’s Electronics, in association with Sony Ericsson and contemporary Hindi music channel City 101.6, has launched Video Gaga – a music video competition amongst its Facebook fans in the UAE.

By filming a video of themselves singing any song of their choice in either English or Hindi, contestants – who must be 16 years old or above and a UAE resident – should then upload their entries on Jacky’s Facebook fan page – http://www.facebook.com/jackysuae. For existing Jacky’s Electronics’ Facebook fans as well as those who aren’t fans yet but would want to join the competition, they have until the 21st July 2010 to become a fan, and upload their videos.

Sony Ericsson’s XperiaTM X10 Smartphone, which runs on Google’s Android operating system, is already making waves in a growing line-up of Android smartphones. With a whopping 4-inch screen, the XperiaTM X10 also has an 8.1 megapixel camera, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor and a cool overlay.

Four finalists will be chosen from among all entries and will then be invited to sing one song each at the Grand Finale, which will be held at Jacky’s – Level 1, Mirdif City Centre at 6:00 pm on 22nd July 2010. The competition will be judged by City 101.6 RJs, along with the audience, and the winner will be awarded a Sony Ericsson XperiaTM X10 Android Smartphone on the spot.

Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer of Jacky’s Group of Companies, says: “Following our highly successful iPad competition, which we did through our Facebook fan page when the iPad was first launched, this social networking platform has indeed proven to be an excellent avenue for two-way communication with our customers.

“We had some really superb video entries the last time around, and we are presenting Jacky’s Electronics’ Facebook fans with another fun-filled and exciting competition, this time showcasing their singing talent and creativity, and offering them a chance to win and own one of the most sought after smartphones around at the moment – the Sony Ericsson XperiaTM X10 Android Smartphone.

“Personally, I cannot wait to see some of the entries and actually witness how many hidden talents in the UAE can get discovered,” Panjabi adds.
 

AED1-M Worth Of Free Meals Up For Grabs At Jacky’s Electronics In DSS

This summer season, Jacky’s Electronics, the UAE’s leading multi-brand electronics retailer, is giving away AED1 million worth of free meal vouchers from Americana Group’s line of food outlets across the UAE.

Customers buying products worth AED 399/- and above at any Jacky’s outlets in Dubai, from June 1 to July 11, will receive a free meal voucher. In this promo, anyone can enjoy free treats from a simple coffee or ice cream to any favourite pizzas, burgers, quesadillas or chicken meals at KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardees, Taco Bell and Krispy Kreme during the entire Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) period.

“Every summer, we have always been providing our loyal customers with innovative promotions that are of value and that can be enjoyed as well. Last year, our summer promotion was successful when we also gave away meal vouchers. This year by partnering with Americana we are giving our customers a wider choice to enjoy free meals from their favourite food outlets,” said Jimmy Patel, General Manager, Jacky’s Electronics.

In line with the FIFA World Cup season, Jacky’s Electronics has also introduced a new scheme ‘World Cup to World Cup Warranty’, a free 4-year warranty valid until the next world cup on any TVs ranging from 32” and above. This amazing offer will entice and benefit most customers who shop with Jackys.

“The four year warranty is a real value-add as most manufacturers provide one or two years warranty and here our customer will be at peace of mind for four years. This exclusive offer is only at Jacky’s and is at no extra cost to the consumer,” Patel added.

A Grundig 42” LCD TV awaits patrons of any Americana Group food outlets who will visit any Jacky’s outlets during DSS. The company is also giving away 40” Samsung LCD TVs to patrons of Shakespeare & Co., The Irish Village & The Aviation Club and frequent bowlers at the Dubai International Bowling Centre in Al Mamzar.

“We also have a special promotion on notebooks from 3rd June to 17th July, wherein we are giving away accessories worth up to AED500. Customers can choose a wide range of accessories ranging from keyboard, mouse, headset, laptop cases, external hard drives, routers, chargers, notebook batteries, etc ,” Patel said.

Furthermore, Jacky’s has also partnered with Spinneys Supermarket on special promotions and gift vouchers for purchases of major domestic appliances. Jacky’s has also tied up with a whole array of banks such as ADCB, Emirates-NBD, Mashreq and HSBC where credit cardholders can avail the 0% instalment schemes. Citibank cardholders are also entitled to extra discounts on purchases at selected outlets.

There will also be exciting bundle offers across various products categories especially on laptops, DSLR cameras and smart phones. Customers can also keep in touch with Jacky’s via www.twitter.com/jackysuae on Twitter, as well as on www.facebook.com/jackysuae on Facebook where promotion details will be updated and customer queries can also be answered.