In a move that will strengthen the future of data storage technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), SanDisk, the global leader in flash memory cards today announced a strategic partnership with National Store, the flagship company of JK Sons Group and market leader in wholesale trading and retailing of consumer electronics and photographic equipment. The partnership signs on National Store as a distributor of SanDisk products in the UAE. The agreement was signed in the presence of high ranking officials from both sides and takes effect immediately.
SanDisk's expansion is driven by the growth of the consumer electronics sector in the UAE. As per research reports, the country's consumer electronics market is expected to reach AED11.38 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2010, and projected to grow to AED14.3 billion (US$3.9 billion) by 2014[i].
Commenting on the partnership, Jawad Yousuf Khoory, Managing Director, JK & Sons said: "We have always taken care to develop custom built facilities that optimize work space, infrastructure and team spirit amongst employees. Consistent commitment to quality and innovation together has brought seven exclusive National Store showrooms and plans for three more in the immediate future. This agreement between SanDisk and National Store consolidates both our core strengths and builds for a successful future."
With an extensive dealer network of over 150 major retail outlets across the UAE, an official distribution of Canon products and significant presence in the retail space, National Store will further strengthen SanDisk's presence across the seven Emirates.
"The UAE's consumer electronics market is very buoyant and one of the largest in the Gulf, accounting for close to 40 percent of regional spending[ii]," said Tareq Husseini, SanDisk's Middle East and Africa Sales Director. "Our alliance with National Store will bring the full range of SanDisk products to a wider market across the UAE. By accessing their expertise and established distribution networks, this partnership with National Store reinforces our objective to expand our product reach to better services our customers."
SanDisk's product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers.
[i] BMI United Arab Emirates Consumer Electronic Report – Brief Q4 - 2010
[ii] New Retailing market report from Business Monitor International: United Arab Emirates Retail Report Q4 2010
