UAE retail sales seen growing by 37% by 2013

Sales in the UAE's retail sector is predicted to grow to nearly $165bn by 2013, driven by economic growth, expat spending power and increasing household consumption, a new report has said.

Sales are seen increasing by 37 percent from a 2008 figure of $103.5bn and sub-sectors seen leading the growth will be pharmaceuticals, automotive and consumer electronics, Business Monitor International (BMI) said in its UAE Retail Report Q3.

The report highlighted future economic growth, a rise in tourist numbers and an increase in the country's population as key factors leading the improved retail conditions.