Luxury brand dealers in the Dubai Airport Freezone are attempting to increase sales among oil rich Gulf states to lessen the impact of the global financial crisis.  The Middle East is less affected by the credit crunch than other states, and luxury brand dealers are optimistic about increasing demand for high end brands in the Gulf market.  

A study released by the global consulting firm Bain & Company said “In luxury goods markets, once thought to be immune to the ebbs and flows of economic fluctuation, the impact is felt, though marginally.”  It said that the Middle East has responded to the downturn by using new marketing tactics and a variety of different products to open new markets.  It forecasts a 7% fall in the sale of luxury goods around the world during 2009, based on constant exchange rates.