Ramadan Fair draws good response

Dubai:  The rising spending power of UAE residents is a key factor that will drive up sales at the Ramadan Fair, which got underway at Expo Centre Sharjah yesterday, organisers say.

The spending power of the UAE residents is set to increase by nearly a third in the next four years, Business Monitor International, a market leader in business intelligence, said in its latest Retail Report.

It said retail sales would grow from an estimated $107.3 (Dh393.79) billion in 2009 to more than $150 (Dh550.5) billion in 2014, with increasing household consumption and rising expat wealth.

The UAE's GDP per capita is also forecast to rise to more than $64,000 by 2014, driving growth in retail sales in the country.

The multi-product consumer show was opened by Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

The show has a 24-day schedule packed with shopping and entertainment activities and will end on September 11.

"The UAE retail industry has continued to grow in the post-slowdown phase on the back of almost unaffected household spending, sustained income levels and aggressive marketing strategies adopted by leading retailers. The presence of key players of the retail industry at the Ramadan Fair is a testimony to their confidence in this market," said Al Midfa after the opening ceremony.

More than 150 leading brands and exhibitors from Africa, China, Thailand, Turkey, Italy, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE are taking part in the fair, which is a key component of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival.

"Being part of the annual Sharjah Ramadan Festival, the Ramadan Fair is a much-awaited entertainment and shopping event that has few parallels in the region," added Al Midfa.

"With a track record of attracting over 100,000 visitors every year during its nearly-month-long schedule, the fair packs so much shopping, entertainment and cultural activities that it has become a hot favourite for people of all ages, especially families," said Al Midfa.

The fair usually starts by the middle of Ramadan and extends until the Eid festivities are over, thus catering to the needs of observing both the solemn fasting period as well as the festivities associated with Eid Al Fitr.

"It is billed as a complete shopping and entertainment event for the whole family," Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director General, Expo centre Sharjah, said in a statement.

"Sharjah is considered as the most family-friendly destination in the region, with a focus on arts, culture and religion. Over the years, the Ramadan Fair has played a key role in achieving such an honour for the Emirate. Now, the fair is an integral part of the Emirate's busy annual calendar and has emerged as a key driver of tourism and retail sales in the country," said Al Midfa.

"The household consumption and expenditure levels in the UAE are one of the highest in the world and the country is still among the top 10 most optimistic nations in global consumer confidence index. There is no better platform in the region than the Ramadan Fair to ride this positive wave," said Al Midfa.

The display profile of the show covers household items, furniture, electronics, food products, garments, footwear, gift items and jewellery.

Main attractions at the show will include raffle draws to win household appliances and gift hampers; a radio programme on the popular channel Radio Spice; Lucky Thursdays where shoppers have the opportunity to win prizes every Thursday and cooking demos.

Other major activities at the show include a heritage village, a food court, camel rides, horse rides, amusement & fun rides, mini zoo, free health check-up and special entertainment for children during Eid days.

The Heritage Village will provide visitors glimpses into the past through a display of pottery, and a photo gallery of early Arabian lifestyle that will focus on falconry, pearl diving and fishing methods .

The Sharjah Health Zone will provide free health check-ups for blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index.

The fair is open to public from 9pm to 1am on week days and 9pm to 2pm weekends (Thursdays & Fridays), while during Eid days it will be open from 5pm to 11pm. Entry and parking are free.

The show is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.