Emaar Retail Renews Partnership With Standard Chartered Bank To Strengthen Customer Engagement

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Drawing on the success of attracting over 47 million eyeballs – equivalent to the number of visitors to The Dubai Mall in 2010 – Emaar Retail LLC, the provider of premium leisure and retail experiences in the region, has renewed its strategic partnership with Standard Chartered Bank to continue offering the benefit of value-added branding platforms and strategic customer engagement opportunities.

Standard Chartered will benefit from several brand building and marketing opportunities across Emaar Retail’s popular leisure attractions in Dubai as well as the leading leisure assets of Emaar in Dubai – the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and The Address Montgomerie Dubai.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “A successful marketing partnership is marked by the sustained benefits that it brings to the stakeholders. Emaar Retail offers creative, unprecedented and highly effective marketing platforms that have benefited our partners, several of them global brand leaders such as Standard Chartered Bank. We are raising the bar in marketing and customer outreach by offering a diverse breadth of choices – all guaranteed to connect with the desired target group.”

Pramod Veturi, Acting Head of Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank UAE, said: “We are pleased to renew our association with Emaar Retail, which in the past year has been successful in achieving our marketing goals. Standard Chartered is focused on becoming a truly customer-centric Bank, and Emaar Retail’s leisure assets complement our strategic marketing activities.”

With this partnership, Standard Chartered, which is the exclusive Bank partner at the Dubai Ice Rink, will offer several customer initiatives at Dubai Ice Rink and Reel Cinemas, both popular attractions managed by Emaar Retail in The Dubai Mall. The bank’s brand promise, ‘Here for Good’ is also being displayed on the Middle East’s largest indoor advertising board, measuring 64 m x 20 m on the wall at Dubai Ice Rink.

From Fridays to Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm, the Bank’s customers can benefit from a special ‘Happy Hours’ at Dubai Ice Rink. For every skating session, they will get one session free. They also get discounts of up to 25% for the Learn to Skate programme that offers five tutorial sessions and five skating classes.

Standard Chartered Premium cardholders will receive 50% discount on Ice Rink tickets while regular cardholders get 25% off. Priority Banking members will also have privileged access to polo matches by invitation at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and value added benefits at The Address Montgomerie Dubai. In addition, the Bank will have an exclusive Platinum Suite Hall Adoption at Reel Cinemas.

Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring the Guinness World Record for the largest acrylic viewing panel and featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals; the Olympic sized Dubai Ice Rink; the unique children’s’ edutainment centre KidZania®; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall.

Emaar Retail Showcases Cool Additions At Dubai Ice Rink In The Dubai Mall

The city’s chill-out lifestyle destination just got a lot cooler. Emaar Retail LLC, the provider of premium leisure and retail experiences, has rolled out new customer-focused attractions at Dubai Ice Rink, the Olympic-sized ice-skating and events venue, located in The Dubai Mall.

The popular venue which attracts thousands of skating enthusiasts every week and most recently hosted the Emirates Hockey League Cup, has now opened a new F&B choice, Choowy Goowy, which opens its first store in the UAE offering a delectable selection of hot & cold desserts, pizza, salads, sandwiches, carrot cakes and cookies that suit all occasions.

To further enhance the skating experience, Dubai Ice Rink recently introduced colourful ‘Penguin Skating Aids,’ specially designed to help the little ones maintain their balance while trying out skating lessons, and giving them a fun-way to improve their posture and skating stance. The ‘Penguin Skates,’ sponsored by Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paints, coatings and powder coatings, are equipped with handles on either side of their “heads” enabling little ones to get a tight grip.

Additionally, Dubai Ice Rink which stands apart with a 1.5 inch thick ice-bed, nearly three times the thickness of a National Hockey League ice rink, has relocated its fully-equipped Skate Shop to provide greater ease and access for guests. The outlet also offers the entire breadth of accessories that meet the needs of ice-skating and ice-hockey fans in addition to an array of take-home memorabilia.

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, said: “In driving the success of a leisure destination, it is important to continuously add new lifestyle experiences that appeal to the customers. Emaar Retail has been at the forefront in identifying and offering new choices that add value to our visitors at all of our leisure assets.”

He added: “The new additions at Dubai Ice Rink, including the addition of a new F&B outlet, follow thorough research into the preferences of our visitors. These will significantly add to positioning Dubai Ice Rink as the preferred venue, not only for games and fun, but also for events and corporate team building sessions.”

Opened in the first week of June, Choowy Goowy, located on the Mezzanine level at Dubai Ice Rink, is also easily accessible for visitors to The Dubai Mall and will feature a designated birthday area where children can make their own cookies.

With a wide choice of offerings, Dubai Ice Rink has evolved as a preferred venue for birthday celebrations and get-togethers, as well as corporate team building exercises including special Broomball Games. Two-hour public skating classes,  disco on ice sessions, and private or group skating lessons as well as various summer skating camps for children and adults are offered at Dubai Ice Rink.

Sprawling over an area of 60 m x 30 m, Dubai Ice Rink features a year-round events calendar both on and off the ice including themed skating events, figure skating shows and sporting matches. For non-ice events, Dubai Ice Rink can be converted into a multi-functional venue that can host up to 2,000 guests. The ice rink has a world-class multimedia system including a 20m x 10m LED screen which is a preferred marketing medium assuring a captive audience.

Ice Marshals are at hand at all times during public skating hours to ensure customer safety, and the Zamboni – a special ice resurfacing machine – is deployed across the rink every couple of hours to ensure top quality ice at all times.

In addition to Dubai Ice Rink, Emaar Retail LLC manages a strong portfolio of exclusive leisure and retail concepts including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo featuring the Guinness World Record for the largest acrylic viewing panel and featuring over 33,000 aquatic animals; the unique children’s’ edutainment centre KidZania®; Reel Cinemas, the UAE largest megaplex with 22-screens; and SEGA Republic, the region’s first and largest SEGA indoor theme park – all in The Dubai Mall. Reel Cinemas has also introduced the first ‘premier’ boutique 6-screen Cineplex at Dubai Marina Mall. 

Emaar Retail Honours Staff Achievements With STAAR Awards

Emaar Retail LLC, a pioneer in innovative entertainment, leisure and retail concepts, has introduced the STAAR Awards to acknowledge and demonstrate appreciation for the outstanding achievements of its 800-strong staff members.

The STAAR Awards honours employees for five key parameters: Smile, Teamwork, Attitude, Attention to Detail and Respect. Each of the five leisure assets of Emaar Retail including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, Reel Cinemas and SEGA Republic nominates staff members for STAAR Awards. Based on these nominations, one employee is selected every month from each attraction for outstanding performance within these parameters.

STAAR winners were awarded at a recent ceremony held on May 26, 2011 by Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail LLC. He said: “Emaar Retail is committed to providing the best of customer experience for our visitors, and in this regard, the active engagement of our staff members plays a vital role. The STAAR Awards are a key management initiative to further encourage our staff members to enhance customer services standards and contribute to the overall efficiencies of the organisation.”

Emaar Retail LLC manages Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which opens a new window of learning by showcasing some 33,000 aquatic animals; the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink; the Middle East’s largest and first of its kind indoor theme park – SEGA Republic; the region’s largest megaplex; KidZania®, the first and only one of its kind, award-winning children’s edutainment centre in the region; the 22-screen Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, and the 6-screen premier boutique Reel Cinemas at Dubai Marina Mall.
 

HE Dr Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat And Indian Presidential Delegation Tour Emaar Retail Leisure Components At The Dubai Mall

His Excellency Dr Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat, husband of Smt Pratibha Patil, the President of India, and the Presidential Delegation visited the leisure components, managed by Emaar Retail LLC at The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the world.

The dignitary visit, led by Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail LLC, commenced with a tour of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with two divers displaying the UAE and Indian national flags underwater. The visitors walked through the underwater tunnel of the aquarium which houses over 33,000 aquatic animals and enjoyed the animal diversity at Underwater Zoo.

The visitors also toured the innovative children’s ‘edutainment’ concept, KidZania® followed by a tour of The Dubai Mall. The dignitaries were welcomed by the heads of each attraction.

The leisure attractions in the mall include Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East; KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment destination; and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas.
 

NASDAQ Dubai Proposes Rule Changes To Encourage Retail IPOs, Attract Small And Medium Enterprises And Family Companies

NASDAQ Dubai today announced proposals for wide-ranging changes to its listing rules, including steps to increase participation by individual investors in initial public offerings (IPOs).

All IPOs would be required to reserve at least 10% of the offer for individual investors, or else have a minimum of 400 institutional or individual security holders, under the proposals. The current rules contain no minimum requirements.

Jeff Singer, Chief Executive of NASDAQ Dubai, said: “These proposals would bring new dynamism to our market by ensuring that IPOs have a broad investor base from day one and can be easily bought by individual and other investors after listing. We are also proposing new and more flexible rules aimed at attracting family companies small and medium enterprises. The changes would promote economic activity as well as create new investment opportunities.”

Under the proposals, NASDAQ Dubai’s existing rule that accepts companies with a minimum market capitalisation of 50 million dollars would be retained. In addition, a new rule would allow listings by companies with a market capitalisation as low as 20 million dollars, provided that in such cases the pre-IPO shareholders undertake not to sell their shares within a year of the IPO.

The rule changes would also allow companies to list without any minimum market capitalisation, provided they meet specific criteria of profitability (of 1 million dollars for the most recent 12 months, and an aggregate of 10 million dollars over the most recent three years), or else hold net tangible assets of 10 million dollars. Specific rules are proposed for listing mining, oil and gas companies.

The exchange’s existing free float requirement of 25% would be retained, as would its rules allowing bookbuilding.

Lanae Holbrook, Head of Market Regulation of NASDAQ Dubai, said: “While accommodating a wider range of issuers, the exchange would maintain the international regulatory standards that underpin its market. Supported by the merger last July of NASDAQ Dubai’s liquidity pool with that of Dubai Financial Market (DFM), the changes would strengthen Dubai’s growing role as a listing and trading hub.”

NASDAQ Dubai outsourced its trading and other operational functions for equities to DFM in July 2010, enabling DFM’s more than 500,000 individual investors to trade on the same platform as NASDAQ Dubai’s institutional investors.

In addition, the new proposals would require all equity IPOs to be offered via a prospectus in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The prospectus would be filed with Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the regulator of NASDAQ Dubai. This structure is in line with international standards and ensures that investors receive adequate disclosure about issuers.

The proposed rule changes were published today on NASDAQ Dubai’s website for public consultation lasting 60 days. NASDAQ Dubai welcomes feedback on the proposals.

The changes would also promote transparency and investor protection, including a requirement for equity issuers to publish financial results quarterly, instead of half yearly as now.

The rule changes would also strengthen NASDAQ Dubai’s framework for listing exchange traded funds (ETFs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS). The rules for listing exchange-traded commodities (ETCs) and Sharia securities have been revised.

To support NASDAQ Dubai’s debt sector, issuers of Sukuk and conventional bonds would be encouraged to obtain an investment grade credit rating before listing.

The new rules would also streamline the listing approval process, to enable NASDAQ Dubai to normally make its decision within one week of receiving all application documents.

NASDAQ Dubai expects to finalise its new listing rules after studying feedback from the public received during the consultation period. They will be the first revision to the rules since the exchange opened in 2005.

About NASDAQ Dubai
NASDAQ Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists equities, equity derivatives, exchange-traded commodities, structured products, Sukuk (Islamic bonds) and conventional bonds.

The majority shareholder of NASDAQ Dubai is Dubai Financial Market (DFM) with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The regulator of NASDAQ Dubai is the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). NASDAQ Dubai is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

For more information visit www.nasdaqdubai.com.
 

Emaar Middle Easts Al Khobar Lakes wins Saudi BuildInfra Awards for Best Retail Project honour at the Building Infrastructure Summit

Al Khobar Lakes, the premier waterfront development by Emaar Middle East, the subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has won the ‘Best Retail Project’ honour at the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011, organised as part of the Saudi Arabian Building and Infrastructure Summit held in Riyadh recently.

Emaar Middle East, received the award from Sheikh Abdulrahman Ali Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of the Board, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the award ceremony.

Al Khobar Lakes is a picturesque development set amidst serene water bodies, and is the largest of its kind integrated community in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. The first two residential villages in Al Khobar Lakes – Al Nada and Al Ghadeer – were launched to overwhelming home buyer and investor response. Work on the first phase of homes is nearing completion and will be handed over shortly.

Mr Ahmad Al Kulli, General Manager, Emaar Middle East said: “The Saudi BuildInfra Award for Al Khobar Lakes is a reiteration of the world-class build quality that Emaar Middle East brings to its master-planned communities in the Kingdom. All aspects of the development, designed by international architects, have been planned and executed to the highest global standards and will assure a new lifestyle for residents.”

Evaluated by a panel of industry experts the Saudi BuildInfra Awards 2011 recognise the best in class developments in the Kingdom. The Awards highlight the excellence and strategic initiatives in the field of infrastructure creation and development in Saudi Arabia.

Al Khobar Lakes offers the superior location advantage of being near to three key cities in the Eastern Province, only 30 minutes away from the airport and close proximity to Bahrain. The community provides a safe and secure lifestyle environment with abundant greenery and lifestyle amenities such as community centres, a health club and a large retail centre.

Emaar Middle East is also developing Jeddah Gate, a mixed-use project featuring residential units; commercial units; and 75,000 sq m of gross leasable area for retailers, in the Kingdom. The sale of Abraj Al Hilal, a cluster of three high-rise residential towers within Jeddah Gate, gained strong home buyer and investor response.

Another key development of Emaar Middle East in the Kingdom is the Emaar Residences at the Fairmont Makkah, located directly on the Haram Plaza. The serviced residences are offered on a leasehold basis and range in size from 40 sq m for a thoughtfully designed studio to 160 sq m for a comfortable three-bedroom residence.

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.
 

Over Five Million Visitors And 26 New Retail Outlets Contribute To Success Of The Walk At JBR During 2010

More than five million visitors and 26 new retail shops, in addition to over 100 high-visibility events, contributed to positioning The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) as one of the UAE’s most popular tourism destinations during 2010, Dubai Properties Group announced today.

A distinctive collection of new stores opened on the Plaza level of Murjan, Rimal, Sadaf, and Amwaj towers at JBR in 2010, including Joe & Moe Beauty Salon, Mary Foot Spa and the Black Stallion Salon, complementing the already diverse leisure and recreational offerings at The Walk.

The 1.7km beachfront promenade also maintained its status as a must-visit destination by hosting a variety of music, sports, heritage, art, and cultural activities throughout the year. Highlights included the ‘Barza’ tent to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan with its traditional iftar and Sahur and “Stadium at The Walk” a purpose built venue to celebrate FIFA World Cup 2010.

The array of events that took centre stage at the promenade also included The Dubai Shopping Festival, the popular Covent Garden Market, the Red Bull Air Challenge, Tarara German Culture Festival and the ‘Walk for Bones’ to raise awareness of osteoporosis.

In partnership with Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), Dubai Properties Group also hosted the week-long ‘Rhythm and Reels’ screenings and concerts at the open-air beachfront destination.

In addition, a series of cultural events were hosted at The Walk in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, including the 39th UAE National Day celebration which showcased traditional Emirati life.

Khalid Al Malik, DPG Group CEO said: “The Walk was designed to deliver a diversified offering unlike any other in Dubai. It is our commitment to providing a hub of leisure and entertainment that has drawn visitors from across the globe. The destination has quickly become one of the most attractive venues in the region and has evolved into a significant contributor to Dubai’s tourism.”

Several leading hotels opened their doors at The Walk over the past year, including the Rotana, Movenpick, and Sofitel, positioning The Walk’s as a distinguished tourist venue.

The destination has proven to be a compelling choice for both visitors and residents, from throughout Dubai, for its community-friendly lifestyle amenities, including a dedicated childcare centre, well-appointed beauty salons and supermarkets.

The Walk at JBR is one of the most distinctive and popular venues in the UAE not only for entertainment and shopping but also for cultural and leisure activities. The unique outdoor shopping boulevard boasts 305 shops, situated on both the plaza and ground levels. From its beach side location to its wide-ranging retail and dining options, The Walk at JBR offers a unique experience for every age and every choice.
 

UAE Minister Of Economy Discusses Measures To Strengthen Market Stability With Retail Outlets

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, today, discussed with representatives of the leading retail outlets in the country about measures to strengthen market stability.

HE Al Mansoori lauded the cooperation and efforts of the retail outlets in supporting the Ministry’s strategy as well as the recommendations of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection in reducing the price of essential commodities. He said the Ministry of Economy is committed to strengthen the framework for communication and dialogue with all retail outlets in the UAE.

HE Al Mansoori said the retail outlets have demonstrated during the Holy Month of Ramadan that they have the resolve and commitment to reduce prices of essential goods in addition to launching marketing initiatives that contributed to enhancing the purchasing power of customers.

At the meeting, the Minister discussed the key challenges faced by the retail sector, and urged the key players to uphold their social responsibility by launching practical initiatives to reduce prices and support market stability.

He noted that the initiatives launched by the retail outlets in the UAE in coordination with the Ministry of the economy, is an ideal model that generated a positive impact on the performance of consumer markets and received wide attention from Gulf countries.

The Minister reiterated the importance of coordination between the Ministry, the Government, the retail outlets and consumers to be prepared for any variables that may affect customer prices and market stability. He called for close monitoring of international prices of consumer goods, and underscored the importance of an electronic system for goods monitoring, which was launched by the Ministry recently.
 

More Restaurants On The Menu As Retail Space Fills Up At The Galleries

The Galleries at Downtown Jebel Ali, Limitless’ flagship project in Dubai, has kicked off 2011 with the opening of Italian eatery Oregano’s largest restaurant in the emirate.

Oregano occupies more than 3,550 square feet at The Galleries, including an outdoor area overlooking the project’s 215,000 sq ft landscaped plaza. The restaurant offers sit down lunches, takeaways and deliveries within the development and to areas within a 10km radius, such as Jafza, Jebel Ali Village and Dubai Investment Park. It joins a number of other eateries to sign up at The Galleries, including Subway, Appetite, Nordsee and Arabic chain Mushmaool.

The Galleries, located on Sheikh Zayed Road and 45 minutes by car from Abu Dhabi, has also secured Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank as its latest retail tenant. ADCB, currently undergoing fit out and due to open in the second quarter of 2011, joins Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, Blom Bank France, DiamondLease car rental and Fresh Plus convenience store on The Galleries’ growing list of onsite household retail names. More than 35,000 square feet of retail space is now occupied or reserved.

Bahaa Abouhatab, Project Director at The Galleries, said: “Our focus at The Galleries is social interaction and connectivity through a diverse range of high quality, eco-friendly facilities and everyday conveniences – indoors and out. These include four A-grade offices towers, banks, restaurants, shops and communal garden the size of three football pitches, where people can walk, talk or relax in shaded comfort.”

Manfred Steichler, Director at Oregano, said: “Oregano restaurants throughout Dubai are popular with office crowds as well as evening diners. With its increasing number of commercial tenants and visitors from surrounding neighbourhoods, The Galleries is a natural choice for the largest of our four outlets here.”

For more information on leasing offices or retail space at The Galleries, call +971 4435 7868. Alternatively, visit www.downtownjebelali.com or www.limitless.com