Latest news with #CRCProperty
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Tech-driven, experiential shopping redefines Dubai retail
Dubai's retail sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation as immersive experiences, digital innovation, and entertainment-led concepts take centre stage. With retail transactions worth Dh587 million recorded in the second quarter of 2025 alone, the emirate is underpinning its status as one of the world's most vibrant consumer markets. According to CRC Property's latest report, The CRC Edit, which tracks retail trends and commercial activity across the UAE, the future of retail is increasingly intertwined with storytelling, technology, and experience. With the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the region is poised for an even larger leap into the realm of experiential commerce, positioning itself as a global hub for lifestyle, leisure and retail investment. 'Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn't just a tourism announcement — it's a turning point for how we think about retail and commercial development in the UAE,' said Behnam Bargh, managing director of CRC. 'It signals long-term growth across sectors like hospitality, food and beverage, real estate and especially experiential retail. We expect heightened investor interest, especially around Yas Island, and a ripple effect across Dubai and the wider region.' Retail industry watchers argue that as experiential design becomes the norm and digital fluency defines physical spaces, retail in the UAE is no longer just about shelves and storefronts. It is about 'stories, spectacles and unforgettable journeys — crafted not only to satisfy consumer demand but to shape it,' they said. CRC's Q2 2025 data offers a glimpse into the current strength of Dubai's retail property market. A total of 232 retail transactions were recorded, amounting to Dh587 million in value. The most active locations included Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Arjan, and Dubai Marina — areas that are witnessing strong population growth and evolving consumer demographics. One of the most defining characteristics of Dubai's retail evolution is the integration of technology into physical shopping environments. Nearly 90 per cent of UAE shoppers use digital tools while browsing in-store, and 71 per cent engage with features like augmented reality (AR), interactive kiosks, in-store mobile apps, and QR-activated promotions. The shift isn't just in what consumers buy, but how they want to feel while buying it. Dubai's community malls — once mere convenience centres — are now platforms for digitally enhanced journeys. Smart mirrors, AR fitting rooms, and interactive touchpoints are being introduced at a rapid pace, particularly in mid-sized lifestyle malls catering to younger audiences and families. Global consultancy McKinsey & Co. has observed similar shifts across major retail destinations, noting that 'digital integration and personalization are now critical levers for in-store growth.' In Dubai, this transition is happening faster than in many Western cities, driven by a tech-savvy population and a government pushing digital-first initiatives. Beyond shopping, the dining experience in the city has also evolved dramatically. CRC's report highlights the explosive growth of 'immersive dining,' where theatrical performances, art, and multisensory storytelling now complement culinary excellence. Concepts like Krasota — a 360-degree visual gastronomy theatre — and Le Petit Chef, with its animated 3D tabletop performances, are setting new benchmarks. 'Dubai is no longer satisfied with good food and service,' the report notes. 'It wants spectacle, it wants theatre, it wants story.' This shift reflects a broader trend in the UAE's post-pandemic consumer psyche — one that values novelty, emotion, and Instagrammable moments as much as the core product. Dining out has become about entertainment and engagement, and successful F&B concepts are those that blend taste with surprise. This is reinforced by Dubai's overarching economic strategy. According to a Dubai Chamber of Commerce study, the emirate's retail sales are projected to reach over $70.5 billion in 2025, fuelled by rising tourism, growing affluence, and a flourishing e-commerce ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has outlined plans to make the city the 'experience capital of the world,' with retail playing a central role in that narrative. 'Dubai's retail landscape is no longer just about transactions,' said an industry analyst from CBRE. 'It's about destinations. Whether it's shopping, dining, or leisure, everything is curated, themed and infused with technology. That's where the future is headed — and Dubai is already there.' With developments like Disneyland Abu Dhabi, hyper-themed malls, and immersive retail zones in the pipeline, the trajectory is clear: Dubai is not just adapting to global retail trends; it is setting them.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Retail reinvented: AED 587mln in Q2 sales reflects Dubai's appetite for immersive, tech-led experiences
Dubai, UAE – As Dubai's retail sector races ahead, with sales projected to exceed $70.5 billion by 2025, the demand for curated, trend-savvy insights has never been greater. The CRC Edit — CRC Property's dynamic new retail mini-magazine that unpacks the stories, shifts and cultural moments shaping the region's fast-evolving commercial landscape. The lead story? One with global impact: Disneyland Abu Dhabi is going to be a catalyst for growth and tourism. This announcement is a milestone for regional tourism and signals the UAE's growing status as a global hub for retail, leisure and experiential commerce. However, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Behnam Bargh, Managing Director of CRC, commented: 'The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi marks a defining moment for the region. This isn't just a boost for tourism, it's a long-term catalyst for growth across hospitality, retail, F&B and real estate. With global attention turning to Yas Island, we anticipate a surge in investor interest and commercial activity that will elevate Abu Dhabi's position as a global entertainment and lifestyle hub.' Retail by the Numbers – Q2 Insights from CRC Dubai recorded 232 retail transactions totalling AED 587M in Q2 2025, with top-performing areas including Business Bay, JVC, MBR City, Arjan and Dubai Marina. The appetite for well-positioned retail spaces shows no sign of slowing. Current trends on the forefront of the retail market include a heavy tech-driven customer journey, particularly in community malls across the city, where more retailers are incorporating augmented reality installations, smart mirrors and interactive touchpoints to create curated and immersive shopping environments. The magazine states that today, almost 9 in 10 UAE shoppers rely on digital tools while browsing in-store and 71% report interacting with features such as AR displays, in-store apps, kiosks and QR activations during their last visit. Dubai's Dining Goes Experiential: The Rise of Immersive Dining Concepts Forget just food. The CRC Edit shines a light on how Dubai is a city that demands the extraordinary. The culinary scene is no longer limited to taste alone. It has evolved into a stage, a story and a spectacle. From Krasota's 360° visual gastro-theatre to Le Petit Chef's whimsical 3D table-top performances, restaurants are transforming into immersive experiences that blend flavour, design, art and storytelling. In a city where expectations are constantly being redefined, experiential dining has become the new benchmark for success. About CRC Property CRC Property is the UAE's leading commercial real estate brokerage, offering expert guidance across retail, office, industrial and investment advisory. Backed by over decades of regional expertise and global standards, CRC is a trusted partner for landlords, tenants and investors seeking to navigate the dynamic commercial property landscape of the UAE. With a dedicated team of sector specialists and access to one of the largest commercial databases in the country, CRC delivers data-driven insights, tailored brokerage services and full-spectrum support. For more information, head to:
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CRC Property wins Bayut's ‘Commercial Agency of the Year 2024' amid record market growth
CRC Property, the UAE's largest commercial brokerage, has been honored with the prestigious 'Commercial Agency of the Year 2024' award by Bayut. With three branches spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, CRC has cemented its leadership in the commercial real estate sector, delivering exceptional service and unmatched market expertise. The award comes at a time when Dubai's commercial real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. In 2024, the sector recorded 9,038 commercial sales transactions, marking a 24% year-on-year (YoY) increase. The total transaction value soared to AED 90.1 billion, reflecting an 11% YoY rise. CRC has played a pivotal role in this surge, with buyer leads increasing by 33% YoY and office property leads climbing 48%, fueled by the influx of new businesses and corporate expansions. Tenant leads also experienced a notable 9% YoY growth, with retail spaces leading the demand at a 15% YoY increase, underscoring the sector's resilience and upward momentum. Expressing his gratitude for this recognition, Behnam Bargh, Managing Director of CRC Property, stated: 'Winning Bayut's 'Commercial Agency of the Year 2024' award is a testament to our team's dedication, expertise and commitment to driving the commercial property market forward. The past year has been a landmark period for Dubai's commercial real estate and we are proud to have played a key role in shaping its success.' As businesses continue to thrive in the UAE, CRC remains committed to facilitating seamless commercial real estate transactions, empowering investors, tenants and business owners with strategic property solutions. With a proven track record and a vision for continued growth, CRC is set to further redefine the commercial brokerage landscape in the region.
