Mid East urged to build 'green' malls

Socially responsible retailing and sustainable "green" stores and malls are emerging global trends which Middle East developers cannot ignore, says an industry expert.

"The demand for sustainable buildings is not just growing internationally but here in the Middle East too," said Naomi Koningen, Project Manager of Retail City 2008.

"The affluent consumers of the Arabian Gulf are concerned about the impact retailers are having on the environment."

The fast growing Arabian Gulf economies continue to develop ambitious retail infrastructure projects.

"But what is needed now are more buildings that not only provide shelter, comfort and healthy places to live and work but also have far less impact on the environment," Koningen added.

Retail City, which takes place from 1-3 June 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will bring together global retailers, investors, shopping centre developers, franchise networks, shopping centre management, architects and regional authorities to focus on all aspects of the retail development cycle.

“The Middle East retail sector is currently worth in excess of $100 billion annually and is second only to residential property in the non-oil economy," said Koningen.

"It is all the more important then that this hugely vital economic sector takes on board the impact it has on the environment and the need for sustainability in both design and construction of stores and malls."