The MECSC held its first executive committee meeting of 2006, discussing new developments, training sessions and the expansion of the Council. With more than 500 members covering retailers, mall owners and retail real estate developers, the group covers 14 markets across the Middle East and North Africa.
Speaking at the meeting, Mike Davidson, President of MECSC said “There are a number of developments in the region that are launching this year or are nearing completion, which will considerably increase the gross leasable area of the region, introduce many new brands and contribute towards increased tourism.”
“At the MECSC we are looking to provide information on the many developments in the region, especially for new retail brands looking to enter the marketplace.”
During 2006, the MECSC is looking to move to new headquarters in the BurJuman office tower, as well as create a retail library covering both the region and international markets.
MECSC is also expanding its education program, providing qualification for retail and mall operators.
Speaking of the education programmes, Kim Redman, Regional Director for the Council said “Offering qualifications for retail professionals in the region is part of our remit, and ensures that the training is specific to operating in the Middle East. With the number of new malls coming up, mall management is looking for more tailored programmes for their executives.”
The MECSC is anticipating a 50 percent increase in membership during 2006, and is aiming for the increase to come from the Levant markets, past Jordan and Lebanon, as well as Egypt and North Africa and Iran.
Concluding, Mike Davidson said, “With an increase in membership, we are also looking to expand the sharing of data through a new level of open communication. While we compete for footfall, we also realise the importance of differentiation and sharing of knowledge can only benefit the industry.”
Note to editors:
The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is a voluntary non-profit association. Established in 1994, the council has hundreds of active members, presided over by Majid Saif Al Ghurair, President of the BurJuman Centre.
MECSC represents shopping mall owners, developers, marketing managers, leasing managers and specialists, retailers, consultants, property managers, financiers, accountants, government officials and industry suppliers. MECSC covers a territory of 18 countries including Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia in North Africa; Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria in the Levant; the six Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Iran, Iraq and Yemen
For more information on the MECSC please visit www.mecsc.org.
For further information, please contact: Kate Mullen/Anoushka Misra, ASDA’A Public Relations, Dubai, UAE, Tel: 9714 3344550, Fax: 971 4 3344556, Email: k.mullen@asdaa.com, www.asdaa.com
