Dubai attracts foreign retail brands

Dubai's favourable investment climate is helping it to attract a growing number of foreign businesses.

This is the view of Eisa Adam Ebrahim, chairman of the Dubai Shopping Malls Group, who said a number of well-known brands are choosing to set up in the region.

Speaking to the Gulf News, he highlighted Sax Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols and Debenhams as three of the big names which are pursuing business opportunities in Dubai.

He added that Bloomingdales, the US-based department store, is also set to open outlets in the emirate.

"We have a flow of brands coming to Dubai and it has become the gateway for the whole region," Mr Ebrahim commented.

He cited the region's business environment as one of its main attractions, as companies are exempt from a number of tax payments.

This comes after Terry Lungren, chairman of Bloomingdale's owner Macy's Inc, said the company has gone to Dubai as it is an affluent and fast-growing marketplace.