Middle East Trends & Forecasts

By Manu GhaiRetail Analyst

Planet Retail Ltd | February 2012

Multinationals look to the Middle East for growth

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Please note:

Planet Retail defines the Middle East as a geographical entity and not a political one. Our database covers 211 geographical countries and non-state territories. Given our coverage, Middle East Trends & Forecasts includes the following countries as categorised by the definitions in our methodology:

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Israel and Jordan.

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Middle East Trends & Forecasts

Manu GhaiRetail Analyst

Manu.Ghai@planetretail.net

The Middle East is increasingly on the agenda of the world’s leading retailers, as highlighted by the recent announcement that Tesco and Walmart are to enter the region. They will join other global retailers, such as Carrefour, Casino and John Lewis, who are already present and expanding in the region. In this report, we examine retail developments and trends redefining the region’s retail landscape, as well as looking at the prospects and franchising options for global retailers.

All images ©Planet Retail Ltd unless otherwise stated.

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Contents

1. Market Overview

i. UAE

ii. Saudi Arabia

iii. Bahrain

iv. Kuwait

v. Oman

vi. Qatar

vii. Israel

viii. Jordan

2. Franchising in the Middle East

3. Tesco and Walmart enter the Middle East

4. Key findings & implications

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In January 2012, Tesco and Walmart announced plans to enter the Middle East through their standalone fashion stores.

The planned entry of Tesco and Walmart highlights the potential of the Middle East - a region where currently only one of the world’s top five largest retailers (Carrefour) is present.

This reports looks at the opportunities and challenges present across the entire region with a particular focus on those countries where foreign investment is most likely - UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Israel and Jordan.

We also highlight the operations and strategies of the major franchise players currently operating in the region.

Middle East Trends & Forecasts