UAE petrol prices fell slightly in March following an increase in February
Retail
Dubai
Dubai announces Great Online Sale; launches virtual mall with 95% discounts
The Great Online Sale is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and will be a four-day event
Dubai Shopping Malls
Majid Al Futtaim reports $9.2bn revenue and $681m net profit
Majid Al Futtaim reports 2024 results across real estate, retail, lifestyle and entertainment divisions
E-commerce
UAE Eid trends revealed: Convenience, flexible payment remains top priority for customers, says Amazon VP
Insights from Amazon Advertising surveys reveal that 66.1 per cent of shoppers in 2024 are focusing on Eid celebrations marking the end of Ramadan
Arada
Arada brings Australia’s cult coffee brand The Reformatory Lab to UAE, eyeing 10 outlets in 3 years
The Reformatory Lab’s launch outlet has now opened at Arada’s W Residences sales centre in Dubai Harbour
Brand advocacy
UAE loyalty programmes surge as companies embrace cross-sector collaborations, multi-brand ecosystems to boost profits
Leading UAE companies are investing in AI-powered loyalty programmes, with a focus on creating seamless, high-value experiences
Apparel Group
Apparel Group plans 250 R&B stores in GCC by end of year
Apparel Group looks to add more than 100 R&B stores in GCC this year
acquisition
Hassana acquires 40% stake in Saudi bottled water giant Berain
The strategic transaction marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Rajhi-Invest and Hassana
Spinneys
Spinneys in Saudi Arabia: Supermarket chain expands in Riyadh and Jeddah, targets 12 stores by 2028
Spinneys opens first Jeddah store and expands in Riyadh as it spreads across Saudi Arabia
E-commerce
Noon unveils massive Ramadan discounts with buy now, pay later, instant delivery
The marketplace announced prioritising convenience this Ramadan, with noon Minutes offering deliveries of groceries and home essentials in just 15 minutes
Masafi
UAE water brand Masafi unveils Ramadan packaging to celebrate the story of UAE
The limited-edition packaging, created in collaboration with Emirati artist Mariam Abbas, pays homage to the UAE’s cultural heritage
Discounts and Deals
e& UAE launches ‘Save & Grow’ programme, linking discounts to tree planting initiatives
e& UAE users can activate the “Save & Grow” programme through the e& UAE App
business of coffee
UAE coffee business gets $8.2m investment shot, eyes Saudi and Europe expansion
ROR Coffee Solutions in UAE is planning expansion across Saudi Arabia and Europe
Alshaya Group
Disney Stores to open in UAE as brand heads to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Iconic Disney Store will open in the UAE for the first time with outlets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Amazon Prime
Smiles SuperApp offers Amazon Prime membership at 58% discount
Customers can pay with their Smiles points or through credit cards; 6-month Prime membership available for AED40
duty free
PIF announces first Saudi-owned duty-free retail business
Saudi Arabia has created Al Waha Duty-Free Company as it targets travel retail growth
halal
Tanmiah, Griffith Foods partners to boost Halal culinary innovation across Middle East
The companies will explore the establishment of a joint venture in Saudi Arabia
