Dubai, May 11, 2009: As part of its strategy to expand into different areas of Dubai, aswaaq has opened its first stand alone supermarket in Al Sufouh. The new supermarket is one of 40 supermarkets & 20 community centres, aswaaq is planning to establish in the emirate's key populated areas.

The new supermarket occupies an area of 1000 square meter and it offers its services to some top landmarks like Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Knowledge Village, in addition to residents of Al Sufouh and the surrounding neighbourhoods in The Palm, Jumeriah and Umm Suqiem.

Mr Affan Al Khoori , Director- Merchandise & buying at aswaaq, commented that the opening of aswaaq supermarket in Al Sufouh fits in perfectly with the company's strategy and plans to expand into Dubai's key populated areas and to cater for the needs of their residents.

"aswaaq places quality as a top priority. It is keen to provide products with the highest world standards to meet the needs of the various segments of the local community. aswaaq also prioritises food safety, therefore, aswaaq is adapting HACCP protocols as a comprehensive  preventive system to guarantee food safety. For this purpose, it utilizes state-of-the-art quality control technology to monitor freshness of food products," Mr Al Khoori said.

He referred to aswaaq's ambitious plans to open many integrated community centres in various locations that are in need of shopping services in Dubai.

The supermarket has been designed in a way that facilitates the access to different services. A special entrance is devoted for the bakery; also there is breakfast and lunch facilities, where shoppers can enjoy delicious meals that are prepared upon request. It also provides home delivery services for food meals.

In addition, aswaaq's supermarket in Al Sufouh offers a wide tailor made of the of breads and pastries, food items, home supplies, mobile phones and accessories as well as self service DVD rental (by machine).

Like aswaaq's in Nad Al Hamar and Al Mizhar, the new supermarket has been equipped with the latest technologies; it depends on a considerable talent people are working in its various sections.

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About Aswaaq
"aswaaq", the biggest retail project in the UAE, is a public joint stock company (under formation) of which the Dubai government has 45% stakes.

The "aswaaq" project is a new, innovative concept in the world of shopping and retail, based on small, medium and large-sized shopping centres strategically located at the heart of residential areas. These centres will have lively "aswaaq" supermarkets at their heart complemented by retail shops and will soon become available in all bustling and populated areas of the UAE, providing a wide range of products that meet the requirements of all shoppers regardless of their nationality or age.

The "aswaaq" shopping experience is uniquely defined by the high-quality tailor-made assortments and fresh products offered at fair prices with friendly, consistent and efficient customer service. "aswaaq" is particularly proud of the values upon which it bases its practices, respecting its clientele's freedom of choice, focusing on applying the best international practices, not to mention contributing to the pioneering task of institutions supporting medium-sized and small projects in the UAE. By becoming a major source of products, goods and services, "aswaaq" will play a vital role in local neighbourhoods; providing investment opportunities for UAE entrepreneurs, as well as creating job prospects. Moreover, it will also provide UAE nationals with the opportunity to become major importers and suppliers.

"aswaaq" will also give back to society by setting aside a certain percentage of the net profit for social and community services.

Lina Husri
Public Relations Manager, O2PR
Email Lina.h@o2mc.net
Tel: - 050 280 35 80

© Press Release 2009