TOURISTS in Dubai are expected spend nearly Dh28 billion ($7.6 billion) a year by 2009, a report said.
This figure is expected to be the highest for GCC countries according to the report in the Gulf News which quotes from a statement from the chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Obaid Humaid Al Tayer.
The DCCI says the retail sector represents nearly 50 per cent of the emirate's economy.
“The DCCI had invested over Dh100 million in the past eight years to promote Dubai's retail sector and opening up new business opportunities, which will further have positive effects on the national economy,” Al Tayer is quoted to have said while launching a promotional campaign on behalf of the DCCI.
“This campaign is being launched in order to depict the retail sector in Dubai as one that guarantees an exciting and fulfilling shopping experience, with over 50 shopping malls and centers in Dubai that host hundreds of retail shopping outlets catering to shoppers from all over the world.”
An extension of this effort is also reflected through the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, which are some of the most important government promotional campaigns, the report added.