New retail units form part of the centre's AED 350 million redevelopment strategy

Dubai, June 05th, 2007: Deira City Centre (DCC) today announced its plans to open 24 new outlets by this September. A substantial fashion component of this expansion includes  Splash, Boots, Shoe Mart, Mothercare, Pablosky, Wrangler and Bata. The new stores will be part of the AED 350 million redevelopment program that began last year to upgrade the centre's facilities with a view of improving the customer experience and retail mix at the centre.

The arrival of the new fleet of stores comes close on the heels of other major international brands setting up shop at the centre, including Next and River Island. While Nexts outlet is its biggest store outside of the UK, GAP and Banana Republic will be opening their first full range stores in Deira City Centre offering full product lines.

Fareed AbdelRahman, Vice President, Deira City Centre, said that the opening of the new stores testified to the success of the centre's growth strategy to provide high street fashion at competitive prices. "The idea is to offer more choices to the customers, who are on the look out for the finest brands from across the globe. In the process, we aim at taking the Centre to new heights in terms of business and customer satisfaction."

The project to house the new stores is estimated to cost around AED 40 million. The new precinct - which is being built for the purpose and expected to open by September this year, will add to the splendor of the centre substantially. Around 200 people are working on the site of the project. However; the construction activities are confined to off-trading hours or behind hoardings so that the customers are not disturbed.

"Despite the building activity, the centre has met its targets for last year in terms of visitors and sales. In the first quarter of 2007, we have welcomed over 5.3 million visitors to the centre which is 3% higher compared to the same period last year and our retailers have recorded a 6% increase in sales vis-à-vis last year. The courtesy crew, being deployed across the centre, do a sterling job in helping shoppers with directions, queues and other required information, besides distributing the daily gifts to customers, ranging from refresher towels and water to balloons and lollipops for the little shoppers," added Fareed.

The new shops will introduce of some new brands as well as several well- known brands like Borders, Bateel and Boots. There will also be outlets for antiques, carpets, furniture and food & beverages. Splash will be the biggest store in the precinct. With the new additions, the total number of retailers in the centre will rise to 370.

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About Deira City Centre:
Deira City Centre is one of the flagship shopping, leisure and entertainment center's within the MAF Shopping Malls portfolio.  A multi-faceted complex, it has over 350 stores and attracts over 21.3 million visitors a year, making it one of Dubai's top attractions. 

Deira City Centre is unique in its variety of retailers and anchor stores which include Carrefour, Zara, Debenhams, Woolworths, Virgin Megastore, Paris Gallery, Sun and Sand Sports and Magrudy's. In addition to offering a great shopping experience, the centre is a home to Sofitel City Centre Hotel and Residence; 11 screen multiplex CineStar, adjacent to international restaurants and cafes; Magic Planet family entertainment centre; a Textile Court as well as a food court with 22 unique quick service restaurants; dedicated tourist services; a specialized Jewellery Court and a hub of electronic stores on the ground floor that all add to the overall atmosphere.

For additional press information, kindly contact:
Patricia Tellis / Claire Parker
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
Tel: +971 4 3210077
Fax: +971 4 3211711
Email:patricia.tellis@promoseven.com           
claire.parker@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2007