Saudi Arabia attracted the most new retailers in the past year, with 37 opening their doors there, a CB Richard Ellis report found.

The study showed that most retailers expanding abroad were entering Middle Eastern markets; Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates were also in the top five.

Separately, AT Kearney’s annual Global Retail Development Index named India the most “attractive retail investment destination” for 2009.

Giants including Wal-Mart and Tesco are launching there, with low inflation levels and rent reductions, particularly in second- and third-tier cities, adding to the attractiveness.