The annual event, which is now in its 12th edition, will be held at Hall 4 of Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, UAE, from March 19-20, 2007.

Among the companies expected to make announcements on their developments is Tamdeen Shopping Centre Development Company (TSCD), Kuwait, who will update on the progress of two of their landmark ventures.

Muath Al-Roumi, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Marketing, TSCD said: 'The regional and local retail industry is vibrant and booming in the past few years but there is a lack of quality retail and entertainment venues despite the strong economic condition the region is experiencing at the moment. We will be showcasing two of our major developments-360 Degrees Kuwait and Mall of Kuwait, at the 2007 MECSC Annual Convention. Both the projects provide a wide range of entertainment leisure activities for shoppers.

'360 Degrees is expected to open by the fourth quarter of 2008 with a gross leasable area of 75000 sq.m. and Mall of Kuwait is a unique and significant development with a massive retail area of 150,000 sq.m. surrounded by gardens and water features. Located in Kuwait's southern district of Sabahiya, the mall is expected to open in 2010 and will be an iconic shopping and leisure destination consisting of a hypermarket, five anchor stores, the world's best brands and spectacular entertainment facilities.'

TSCD is looking to meet key retailers and strengthening business relationships with existing clients at the MECSC Annual Convention which is a focal point to enhance the company's networking throughout the Gulf region.

Another exhibitor who will reveal recent developments of its premier projects is Dubai Properties, showcasing The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence and Bay Avenue at Business Bay.

'Current market trends reveal the growing role of retail investment in the region's economy. As master developers, our vision is to see the integration of retail and commercial zones with residential developments in order to build self-sustaining communities that add value for the customer and contribute towards the growth of Dubai,' said Mohamed Binbrek, CEO, Dubai Properties.

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence will be Dubai's first outdoor waterfront shopping boulevard; its 1.7 km beachfront stretch will consist of two levels and host over 350 retail outlets. More than 300 global brands had signed on to The Walk with more agreements in the pipeline.

The Bay Avenue at Executive Towers is an urban development within Business Bay, the region's business capital. The modern retail facility will sprawl across 175,000 sq ft. of a two-level shopping concourse comprising over 130 shops including exterior retail space overlooking the extension of the Creek.

'Our support to the MECSC Annual Convention is in line with our strategy to develop investor interest in Dubai Properties' retail projects. Through MECSC we will be able to engage in more opportunities to exchange expertise with major retailers, mall developers and mall managers in one of the most successful emerging economies of the world, 'added Binbrek.

Presenting up-to-date leasing opportunities at Riyadh's Gardenia Mall, home to the region's biggest Geant Hypermarket and other well known brands, is Arabian Ovaz from Saudi Arabia.

Khalid Bamihrez, Operation Manager, Arabian Ovaz, the company that provides leasing services to the Mall, commented, 'MECSC Annual Convention is a great business occasion to network, we look forward to presenting the current leasing opportunities at Gardenia Mall in Riyadh. With a total gross leasable area of 25,000 sq.m, spread across two levels, the Mall offers a selection of 122 retail shops of various international and local brands. It has a food court with two big restaurants, unique family entertainment centre and over 2000 parking spaces.'

The MECSC Annual Convention is the only event of its kind in the region that provides a perfect platform for professionals from the shopping centre industry, retailers, investors and product and service suppliers to meet and discuss potential new business.

'At this year's Convention we have introduced a Trade Expo and Leasing Fair for the first time and the interest we have received from the industry so far is amazing, this is going to be our biggest edition ever in the region, 'said Mike Davidson, President of the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres.

The 2007 MECSC Annual Convention is sponsored by Dubai Festival City, Tamdeen, Dubai Properties, Colliers International, Burjuman and Grand Optics.