Two more shopping malls are set to open in Sharjah to serve growing demand for retail space there, an official said.
"We have witnessed tremendous growth in the retail market and are trying to retain it by opening new malls," Shaikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Department, told Gulf News.
The growth in Sharjah's retail sector indicates there is more room for new shopping malls, he said.
Al Safeer Mall and Down Town Mall will be the two new shopping centres to open this year in Sharjah.
"These new malls represent an important addition to Sharjah's retail market. They are being developed as part of the Sharjah Government's plan to present Sharjah as an attractive [shopping destination]," Shaikh Tariq said.
"We are making every possible effort to cooperate and assist the developers and managers of such malls to ensure [a high degree of confidence in Sharjah]," Shaikh Tariq said.
He spoke at the inauguration of Sharjah Mega Mall's new wing.
The extra space at Mega Mall means room for an additional 20 shops, including some international brands making their debut in the UAE, said Raffi Eyad, General Manager of Mega Mall. "We are also planning to double the capacity of the mall by building a new building, Ayad said.
"The project is at the design stage and will be launched in 2007," the official said.
The mall's current premises, which opened in February 2002, are filled to capacity and have reported sharp increases in foot traffic, he said.
The brands on offer in the new wing have been carefully selected to ensure consumers are offered exceptional choices, he said. "Customer satisfaction is our priority. We anticipate exceeding our customers' expectations the minute they enter the new area."
Gulf News
