Retail City, the annual real estate industry exhibition slated to take place from June 1 to 3, 2008, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will focus on countries in the new economic region stretching from China across India, and will discuss their potential to be the most popular targets for both retail and real estate investments.
“With emerging markets making up more than half of the world’s population, they are increasingly attractive and accessible to global retailers as well as regional and international real estate investors,” said Naomi Koningen, project manager of Retail City 2008.
“Partly as a consequence of the financial slowdown in much of the developed world, property investors and retailers are now much more inclined to look for growth opportunities and potential partnerships,” Koningen added.
The event will bring together global retailers, investors, shopping centre developers, franchise networks, architects and regional authorities to focus on all aspects of the retail development cycle.
A new feature at this year’s Retail City event will be a dedicated Retailers Pavilion where retailers from emerging markets can network and exhibit to expand their brand in direct contact with mall management, retail developers, investors and operators.
The Retail City Awards, to take place on June 2, will be rewarding excellence in the retail industry with categories including Emerging Market Retailer, Retailer of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility, Architectural Designer, Franchise Operator, Mall of the Year, and World’s Best Retail Destination.
