郑志刚香港上合发展宣布进军中东及北非市场 2026年携手迪拜瓦菲集团推动文化商业版图

Core Insights - Hong Kong's ALMAD Group has officially entered the Middle East and North Africa market through a strategic partnership with Dubai's Wafi Group, aiming to enhance Wafi City and create a new business entity, Wafi Anime 11, to merge cultural retail innovation with local heritage [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Partnership - The collaboration will elevate Wafi City, reinforcing Wafi Group's leadership in creating distinctive retail and leisure destinations in Dubai [2] - The partnership will explore opportunities in the anime retail and entertainment industry, catering to the growing demand in the UAE [2][8] - A new business entity, Wafi Anime 11, will be established to capitalize on the rising interest in anime and cultural entertainment [2][8] Group 2: Cultural and Retail Development - The Gentry Club, a private members' club, will expand into the Middle East and North Africa, targeting high-net-worth individuals from various regions [3] - Wafi City, one of Dubai's oldest shopping destinations, has over 1.1 million square feet of leasable area and has seen a 30% increase in visitor numbers over the past three years [4] - The transformation of Wafi City will maintain its historical architectural style while enhancing its status as a cultural and retail landmark [4][9] Group 3: Market Potential and Growth - The partnership aligns with the growing friendly relations between the UAE and China, with an expected 824,000 Chinese visitors to Dubai in 2024, marking a 31% increase from the previous year [8] - The initial phase of the collaboration will introduce top Chinese brands to the Middle East market by 2026, including renowned cultural and culinary brands [8] - The new entity will also host various events to attract local and global visitors, leveraging the rapid growth of anime and IP culture in the region [8][9] Group 4: Company Backgrounds - ALMAD Group, founded by Dr. Adrian Cheng, focuses on innovative industries across emerging markets, including culture, entertainment, and tourism [10] - Wafi Group, established in 1973, operates in diverse sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and retail, with a strong emphasis on blending tradition and innovation [11][12]