Armada Distribution

Dubai School of Government and Armada Distribution Co-Host Discussion on UAE's Retail Environment

25 Nov 2010 

Retail panel at Dubai School of Government.

Seminar Explores Policy Reforms that Impact Region's Retail Growth

Dubai-UAE: 25 November, 2010 - With UAE's retail space supply set to grow by approximately six million square feet of Gross Leasable Area (GLA) by 2013, and demand for retail space making a healthy comeback at three to five per cent annual increase, the focus is once again on this industry to become a key growth sector in the region, according to David Macadam, Head of Retail MENA, Jones Long LaSalle.

During his address, he referred to the study which determines the key factors behind the forecast as strong underlying economic growth despite the recent downturn, increasing household consumption, growing acceptance of modern retailing concepts and expatriate wealth.

Macadam's observations, based on Jones Lang LaSalle's UAE Retail Market Overview (November 2010 UAE), came during a seminar titled 'Turning Footfalls into Purchases: Improving Retail in the UAE' held at the Dubai School of Government (DSG). The event that was co-hosted by Armada, the Dubai-based premium FMCG distribution company, focused on the short-and medium-term retail environment in the country.

Macadam's presentation was followed by a panel discussion featuring Shahram Shamsaee, Senior Vice-President - Shopping Malls, MAF Group, who spoke about issues related to customer service, while Robert Keay, Managing Director, Ethos Consultancy, addressed the marketing challenges in the UAE. Other panelists included Elio Pacheco, Director General, Evian Volvic Exports, who spoke on visual merchandising, and Susan Crotty, Assistant Professor at the Dubai School of Government, who explored the academic research on multicultural management and teamwork. Ruchdi Abou Haka, Regional Vice-President - Food and Beverage, Azadea Group, offered insights into consumer behaviour. 

Dr. Tarik Yousef, Dean of the Dubai School of Government (DSG), said: "The retail sector is one of the pillars of the UAE's economy, and its competitiveness has boosted the country as a global tourism destination. However, challenges posed by the global financial downturn, as well as increasing international competition, mean that the industry must continue to reinvent itself through innovative approaches in order to sustain growth. This lecture has offered retailers the opportunity to learn directly from industry analysts and experts about specific trends, as well as possible avenues for improving competitiveness."

Michel Fattal, Vice-President of Fattal Holding and Chairman of Armada, said: "The UAE retail market is one of the most competitive and developed landscapes in the GCC and in the World; major international retailers have decided to establish footprint in that market.  It is also a fantastic window for regional companies, who, through their presence in the UAE can anticipate upcoming changes in more traditional markets in the region."

Established in 2005 in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, the Dubai School of Government is committed to the creation of knowledge, the dissemination of global best practices, and the training of policy makers in the Arab World. The School is focused on capacity building and conducts various programmes to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy.

For more details, visit www.dsg.ae or call 04 329 3290

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About the Dubai School of GovernmentThe Dubai School of Government (DSG) is a research and teaching institution focusing on public policy in the Arab world. Established in 2005 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, in cooperation with the Harvard Kennedy School, DSG aims to promote good governance through enhancing the region's capacity for effective public policy. Toward this goal, the Dubai School of Government also collaborates with regional and global institutions in delivering its research and training programs. In addition, the School organizes policy forums and international conferences to facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote critical debate on public policy in the Arab world.

About Armada Distribution Company Founded in Dubai over twenty years ago, Armada is a distribution company that quickly set its unique mark and reputation over all of the UAE's distribution landscape. Spreading its reach into the country's various distribution channels, Armada has become a premium partner of choice for like-minded brands and companies, with a reputation for excellence and reliability second to none.

It is remarkable that most of the brands for which Armada has taken distribution responsibilities have remained with it over its existence and their success and growth are closely linked to the company's history.

Armada focuses its distribution effort on premium fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), such as Danone's Evian and Badoit, Loacker, and Hershey's. Its mission and vision are defined by their objective of adding value to the corporations that entrust it with their brands, through innovative and efficient strategies. This is what sets them apart in an extremely competitive sector of the economy, and keeps distinguishing them from other players in their sector.

Dubai School of Government

Convention Tower

Level 13

P.O. Box 72229

Dubai. UAE

Tel. 971.4.329.3290

Fax. 971.4.329.3291

Website www.dsg.ae 

For more information contact:

Selma Nagbou

Outreach Manager

Dubai School of Government

www.dsg.ae

Tel: +971 4 317 5517 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +971 4 317 5517      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Mob: +0971 50 394 8835

Fax: +971 4 329 329 1

Mathilda Saad

JiWin

Tel: +9714 361 3879 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +9714 361 3879      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (direct)

+9714 361 3333 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +9714 361 3333      end_of_the_skype_highlighting (switchboard)

+97150 699 9890 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +97150 699 9890      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fax: +9714 388 8001

Email: mathilda.saad@jiwin.ae

For more information, contact

Ms. Alia El Khatib, marketing manager, Armada Distribution, at:

(T) 04  269 1768

(F) 04  269 5340

(E) akhatib@armadadubai.ae.

Ms. Tanya Kassab, Senior Communication Executive,

Euro RSCG Corporate Communications Middle East, at:

(T) 04  366 4100

(F) 04  391 8001

(E) tanya.kassab@eurorscgme.com.

© Press Release 2010