Mega-Malls Boost GCC Retail Market To USD 300 Billion By 2018

Mega-malls are boosting the GCC’s retail market to nearly USD 300 billion by 2018, driving investment in aluminum ceilings to enhance the customer experience, mall safety and sustainability, industry experts announced today.

Thanks to new mega-malls from Mall of the World in Dubai, to Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi and Mall of Saudi in Riyadh, and mega-events like Expo 2020 Dubai driving tourism growth, the GCC’s retail market is set to grow by 15 percent from USD 253 billion in 2016 to USD 290 billion by 2018, according to a recent Ardent Advisory report.

“GCC mall customers want a more comfortable shopping experience – with relaxing lighting and less noise interference. In response to customer demands, GCC retailers are investing in high-performance and light aluminum ceilings, which can provide an enhanced shopping experience, and increase customer dwell time and revenue,” said Frans van de Laak, General Manager at Hunter Douglas Middle East, the global architecture and design consultancy.

Supporting construction innovation, the global architecture and design consultancy Hunter Douglas is seeing strong Middle East demand for its recently-expanded line of metal and aluminum ceiling solutions, the Tavola baffle ceiling systems.