Retail

For many residents, tourists and developers, retail remains a core part of Dubai’s identity. The sector contributes just over one-quarter of the emirate’s GDP, and is set to continue expanding. However, optimism surrounding the influx of new supply is tempered by slower economic growth brought on by lower oil prices. In this context, sector stakeholders are looking to Dubai Expo 2020 to provide a welcome boost to the sector. At the same time the growth of e-commerce is being actively supported by the government, which sees an opportunity to create a regional e-commerce centre within the logistics district in Dubai World Central. This chapter contains interviews with Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, Dubai Duty Free; and Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group.