ABOUT THE U.A.E MARKET AND ABU DHABI IN SPECIAL

In this current decade the Middle East has witnessed a major property nad construction boom which has led to a rapid expansion of shopping mall spaces on an annual basis. This in turn has increased the number of retailers and shopping malls of which also include those keen to sell toys, games, books, stationery and all other related products. Many retailers are attracted to the category because of higher margins and a trend for shopping malls to sell items that appesl to the entire family.

A visit to any major store in the U.A.E will demonstrate how important these categories are, no more so than around seasonal occasions, during holidays, exam times and back to school seasons.

Other interesting statistics show that more than half the population in the middle East is under 20 years of age . Kindergartens have more than trebled in the past five years with the number of primery schools increasing by over 35%. This has affected the size of the baby -and pre-school product market.

Having a fair for Toys is not a new concept in U.A.E. But the difference in hosting in Abu Dhabi is something to see. The Government of U.A.E. is working hard on the expansion plans for Abu Dhabi.Major cities are being developed like the Khalifa City, mohammad Bin zayed City, Al Raha City, Reem Island, Sadiyat Island. Abu Dhabi is the largest of all the emirate and the building of these cities will be on large scales covering wider areas than other cities of U.A.E. These cities are being planned because it is known that with the tremendous progress in the economy of Abu Dhabi there will be an increase in population, demands for entertainment and recreational fecilities will also increase. Families will be looking for recreations and entertainments for themselves. This is where Toy Fair will play a major role in publicizing the various sources for entertainment and recreation. Therefore it will definitely be the right opportunity for major business players to undertake some new ventures.