Alshaya operated brands to occupy over 173,000 sq ft of retail space

New openings represent approximately 11 per cent of total leasable area

Dubai, UAE; March 22, 2012: Dalma Mall, the largest shopping and lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, has signed a leasing agreement with Alshaya, one of the Middle East's leading international franchise operators, to open 37 new retail outlets covering a predominate part of its retail portfolio in the mall. 

Under the agreement, which was signed by Mr Rashid Doleh, Executive Director of Dalma Mall and Mr John Hadden, Senior Vice President, Retail Property for Alshaya, Dalma Mall will house a wide range of brands, spanning over 173,000 sq ft of retail space. Representing approximately 11 per cent of the total leasable area of Dalma Mall, the new brands will encompass fashion, lifestyle and F&B outlets, with many making their presence in the capital for the first time.

Due to open in the last quarter of 2012, the stores occupying the mall will include clothing and accessory brands H&M, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria's Secret, Mothercare, Next, and Express; F&B outlets Pinkberry, Potbelly Sandwich Store, Shake Shack, Al Forno, and Starbucks; and lifestyle stores Bath & Body Works, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, MAC and Boots Pharmacy, among others.

Mr Rashid Doleh, Executive Director of Dalma Mall, said: "The partnership with the Alshaya Group underscores Dalma Mall's commitment to provide visitors and residents of Abu Dhabi with an unparalleled shopping experience, by bringing some of the world's foremost retail brands under one roof. Alshaya's repertoire of brands is a strong draw for our visitors, and this is reflected in the extensive retail mix that Dalma Mall will offer. With the sequence of events and rapid rate of progress, Dalma Mall now represents the most promising investment opportunity for the region's retail community for the immediate future in the capital."

He added: "We are extremely encouraged by the current average daily footfall of over 15,000 visitors which reaches over 19,000 on weekends. We expect this to increase dramatically as more stores open. With a gross leasable area of 1.6 million sq ft, Dalma Mall delivers to the capital city a unique collection of synergetic brands and a truly world-class retail consumer experience."

Commenting, Mr John Hadden, Senior Vice President, Retail Property for Alshaya, said: "Alshaya is delighted to confirm its partnership with one of the UAE's most important new malls and we look forward to introducing some exciting retail concepts to Abu Dhabi. We know that our mix of leading international brands will appeal to local shoppers and their presence in the mall will support Dalma Mall's goal of creating a dynamic retail destination for its visitors."

With over 60 percent of its total leasable area of 1.6 million sq feet already leased, Dalma Mall has signed strategic partnerships with major groups such as Apparel, Landmark Group and Al Futtaim, among others. More than 60 outlets are open already including a large Carrefour Hypermarket, Centrepoint, Home Centre, Fun City, Max, Emax and Matalan as well as a host of specialty stores.

Recording an average month-on-month footfall growth of 35 percent, Dalma Mall is all set to register a surge in visitor turnout with a large number of anchor stores opening later this year including Marks and Spencer, BHS and Toys R Us.

Abu Dhabi's largest Cineplex, the 14-screen CineRoyal Cinemas offering over 2,200 seats and unprecedented cine-going experiences, has also opened at the mall, underlining its appeal as a must-see shopping and entertainment destination in the UAE capital.

-Ends-

About Dalma Mall:
Dalma Mall is the largest shopping mall in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Situated opposite Mohamad Bin Zayed City at the heart of Abu Dhabi's growth corridor, Dalma Mall has a built-up area of 2.7 million square feet and a gross leasable area of 1.6 million square feet. The mall has a total capacity of over 400 retail outlets, to feature a wide array of entertainment and dining facilities along with an extensive parking facility with over 7,500 car parking spaces. Dalma Mall is developed and owned by The Developers LLC, a consortium of Abu Dhabi's leading business figures.

About M.H. Alshaya Co:
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 55 of the world's most recognised retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, P.F. Chang's, Office Depot and Boots. The company operates 2,200 stores across 7 divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food Service, Optics, Pharmacy, Office Supplies and Home Furnishings. 

Alshaya's stores can currently be found in 19 markets across the Middle East & North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe and it employs more than 28,000 people from over 90 nationalities.

The company has established itself as the industry leader across these territories through a combination of local market understanding and a comprehensive commitment to customer service. Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure.

It applies best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls. 

M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East. In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments. www.alshaya.com

For further information on Dalma Mall, please contact:
Reem Diab
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9712 6334133
r.diab@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2012