The Middle East toy market is estimated to generate one billion dollars annually. The average annual amount spent on toys and video games for a single child in the region is said to be $263, figure that is second to spending in North America, stated Managing Partner of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Geoff Dickinson.
The Middle East has the most retail outlets for toys per capita than any other part of the world, making it a prime target for retailers, manufacturers and marketers. The absence of local toy industries and a presence of a large expatriate community make it a favorable atmosphere for international products.
With one of the youngest populations in the world and a high emphasis on family and children, toy companies are eyeing the Middle East market. Dubai is the distribution hub of the region and is a gateway to 1.5 billion consumers. Over the last few years, shopping mall space in the Gulf has been increasing by nearly 50 percent annually. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
