Dubai, UAE / Paris, France, March 27th, 2013 - Yves Saint Laurent S.A.S. (YSL), one of the world's most prominent fashion houses, is pleased to announce its direct entry into the United Arab Emirates, through a joint venture with Al Tayer Insignia, the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East. The joint venture will be headquartered in Dubai.

Since its entry into the UAE in 2003 through a multi-year franchise relationship with Al Tayer Insignia, Saint Laurent has expanded its presence to five points of sale in the country. With stand alone stores in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, the brand also has a presence in Harvey Nichols - Dubai and Bloomingdale's - Dubai with corners in these two department stores, and a shop-in-shop within Level shoe district at The Dubai Mall. The joint venture will also open a flagship Abu Dhabi store at Sowwah Square during 2013.

Part of Al Tayer Group, a UAE-based diversified business entity, Al Tayer Insignia represents over 30 of the world's most renowned luxury brands. The company currently has operations in Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

"We are delighted to take an important step further into the UAE market through this strengthened partnership with Al Tayer Insignia. Over the past years, Saint Laurent has established a strong presence in the region and we feel that it is now time to enhance it even more in order to offer our customers a renewed experience with the Saint Laurent brand", said Paul Deneve, CEO of Yves Saint Laurent.

"Saint Laurent is a favourite with the luxury connoisseur in the UAE. With this joint venture, we not only strengthen our relationship but create a platform for the brand to extend its presence in the market. We're committed to ensuring that customers in our market continue to experience the delightful world of Saint Laurent," said Khalid Al Tayer, Chief Executive Officer - Retail, Al Tayer Group."

About Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is one of the world's leading fashion brands. It designs, produces and distributes high-quality personal luxury goods, including ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, shoes, jewelry and eyewear. The company directly operates stores in major markets throughout the world and wholesales products through franchise stores and leading department and specialty stores. Saint Laurent is part of the Kering Group*, a world leader in apparel and accessories which develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands. 

* PPR will become Kering, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting on 18 June 2013.

About Al Tayer Group
Al Tayer Group is a diversified regional business established in 1979 with its headquarters in Dubai, UAE. Since its inception, the Group has grown rapidly and currently operates in 12 countries in the Middle-East and beyond, with nearly 8000 employees. It has built leading operations in multiple sectors, including automotive, contracting, distribution, retail, and services.

For more information on Al Tayer Group, please visit www.altayer.com.

Media Contacts
Saint Laurent
Mrs. Gaëlle Collet
Tel. +33 1 56 62 61 36
gaelle.collet@fr.ysl.com 
 
Al Tayer Group
Sugam Bhasin
Tel: +971 4 201 1556
sbhasin@altayer.com

© Press Release 2013