A&F set for Dubai in 2014

Leaders of UAE conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) have confirmed that a deal has been struck to bring popular US fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) to Dubai for the first time.MAF chief executive officer Ahmed Galal Ismail hailed the North American fashion retailer as an "iconic label" and it is highly likely that the company will be a huge success in the Middle East.Dubai's very first A&F store will open in 2014 and this follows on from an announcement that Hollister - another brand linked to A&F - will also be coming to the Gulf."The signing of another joint-venture with leading retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co, reflects our demonstrated understanding of the region's evolving retail landscape," Mr Ismail remarked.There has been no indication as to where the A&F boutiques will be located, but MAF is in charge of a number of shopping centres, including the Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre, so it would be no surprise to see the two brands being sold in these places.Dubai has established itself as a retail hub in recent years and more and more world-class designers are opening stores in the city. The emirate is renowned for being a playground for the rich and famous, so brands know their products will sell extremely well in this part of the world.The city's amazing retail options have been a major reason for the rising number of tourists visiting the UAE in the past few years.More than 57 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport last year and this figure is expected to soar to 66 million in 2013.Events like the Dubai Shopping Festival have also helped to boost the city's tourism industry and a recent report published by Visa showed that foreign visitors spent US$589 million on their credit cards during the retail extravaganza, which took place in January.With the likes of A&F coming to town, and a number of new mega-malls set to be built in the near future, Dubai's shopping scene is only going to get better.