DUBAI, 18 May 2007 — UAE ranks fourth in consumer confidence, according to the second Global Online Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by The Nielsen Company in 46 countries. The only countries to score higher than the UAE are India, Norway and Denmark.
In Nielsen’s 2007 edition of Consumer 360 conference held in Dubai yesterday under the support of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al-Qassimi, UAE minister of Economy, under the theme “Winning Today, Transforming Tomorrow,” Sheikha Lubna reiterated the UAE government’s commitment to consumer rights as the country makes its transition from being a regional business hub to a global business hub. “Consumerism is of significant importance in the industry, and the government and businesses are working together to address those areas that concern consumers. This is to make the UAE a destination where consumers are safe, happy and comfortable — to visit or live, to work or relax, to shop or play.”
In her keynote speech, she said “everyone remembers number one. Being number one is a tall order, yet it is worth pursuing,” quoting Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.
Speakers at the conference included Jan Zijderveld, chairman of Unilever North Africa and Middle East; Osman Sultan, chief executive officer of du; Ahmed Khan, retailer services director, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan of Nielsen and Lennart Bengtsson, president, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa of Nielsen.
The conference was followed by a panel discussion with Richard R. Evans, commercial vice president, Middle East and Africa of PepsiCo International, joining the speakers as a guest panelist.
Bengtsson stressed on the need to closely monitor returns on investment. The conference was attended by over 100 business leaders coming from different sectors. It was the second such conference in the Middle East.
