In 2011 growth should be between 5 and 6

The helicopter is the back and forth in a large fracas at the top of the Khalifa Tower, the highest world. The Interior, Tom Cruise, come turn to Dubai a new "Mission impossible". For the French luxury houses, the mission is accomplished. With the Colbert Committee, which brings together the majority of them, the marks are given appointments until Sunday at the foot of the Tower in the Dubai Mall, the latest addition to the large shopping centres of the city. Cartier, Vuitton, St. Louis or Pierre Hardy presented a selection of antique precious objects or creations of jewellery, silver, leather, etc., to bear witness to the French style.

Since Dubai has regained its power of attraction. While a year ago, no one was on the Emirate, then threatened with bankruptcy. "For luxury, it is not only China, insists Elisabeth the doors Ponsolle, Delegate General of the Colbert Committee." We have a diversified strategy of development and will seek growth where it manifests itself. "And the Middle East is one of the areas in strong growth. "The Gulf countries have not recovered the rate of increase of pre-crisis." But they are sitting on a solid, explains Pierre Mourlevat, responsible for the economic service at the France Embassy. In 2011, growth should be between 5 and 6. "After a recession of 4 last year, Dubai, supported by its neighbor Abu Dhabi, is a growth of 1 in 2011. "This fourth world port traffic is distributed." Transport, air, has ever suffered. "There is a return of confidence of the markets after the agreement on the rescheduling of debt of $ 24 billion", said Pierre Mourlevat.

2,500 points of sale

A boon to the French luxury, which already achieves 8 of its turnover in the area. If homes of the Colbert Committee, established for a long time, have seen their sales slow down last year in these countries, the activity restarted foot to the floor, with some brands more than 50! These companies are already more than 2,500 outlets in the Middle East. Some 50 projects are in boxes, in the example of the Faïencerie de Gien (14 million turnover, including 50 export) has not yet shops. Its objective: the opening of 10 "corners" from 2011, particularly in Riyadh and Iran. "This was an error not us established earlier in the Middle East, because the market is exploding." "We are a small business and in recent years, we have spent considerable time in China, which now account for 5 of our activity," said its President and CEO, Louis Grandchamp of Liberals. The faïencerie, which has lost 20 of its turnover in 2009, as for others, to the Arab countries to offset declines in Europe and the United States.

Many towers are still empty in Dubai and delayed projects, tourists flock: 15 million are expected by the end of the year. They constitute half of the French luxury customer in the country. In the Dubai Mall, opened in late 2008 crisis, the Chinese lead now Russians. This temple of consumption, that represents only a quarter of the Emirates commercial surfaces, it receives about 5 million visitors per month. It is the only place in the world to allow as many French houses. "Shopping is social activity." "People are found in these"malls"between friends and come to distract, because it's too hot outside," takes Elisabeth Ponsolle of doors.

Beyond Dubai, the French luxury is extended to other Arab countries, Jeddah to Beirut and Riyadh. "Relations have intensified, laid by the educational and cultural projects", note Thierry Oriez, CEO of Christofle.

Next destination for luxury, the Qatar. With gas reserves, GDP there has achieved 78.600 dollars per capita, making the country one of the richest in the world. What to encourage manufacturers of luxury to strengthen their presence.