Your City Keeps Getting Better

Dubai, 4th June-2006: Deira City Centre, one of the flagship shopping, leisure and entertainment Cen[L1] tre's within MAF Shopping Malls portfolio today announced that it will invest AED 250 million toward refurbishment of the mall that will also see the opening of 20 new stores and major upgrading of the centre facilities across the mall.[L2] 

"The news of the mall's renovations has already garnered praise from existing retailers and mall visitors," said David Robinson, Vice President, Deira City Centre. "The revamped mall will enhance our offering to the customer in an improved environment and will ensure we remain one of Dubai's dominant retail destinations.

Key areas of the AED 250 million project will include the refurbishment and upgrade of facilities in the Food Court and Magic Planet. The enhanced Food Court will offer customers increased number of seats, better choice and range in food outlets as well are larger toilet amenities. Magic Planet will be refurbished offering kids more rides and entertainment facilities along with better lighting. The new fashion precinct scheduled to open shortly will offer shoppers a variety of choice from 12 international fashion houses.

"One of the goals of the Food Court renovation of this section is to transform it into more airy and open environment. These improvements are a direct result of customer feedback and research," adds Robinson

Customer amenities across the mall are also being improved with the first of the refurbished toilets now completed. The rolling programme will continue over the next six months with all toilets scheduled for completion by the end of 2006.Floorings and ceiling enhancements at the mall's City Gate, City Walk and Jewellery Court areas will also be undertaken, further improving their look and feel. The Taxi-pick up area is also being improved to make it more user friendly and improving queues during peak hours.

"The goal is to have all the work done in time for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2007," says Robinson

"[L3] Deira City Centre is a 'must-visit' venue for Dubai tourists who made up over 40% of our 22.25 million [L4] visitors in 2005.  We envisage the new look and feel of the mall will further add to its popularity and in turn build added value for our retailers" he concluded.

The project is being handled by Callisons Preamble, one of the world's leading [L5] retail design firm.

-Ends-

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 340 stores and attracts over 20 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, 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; Arabian Treasures, an enclosed 'souk' featuring 14 unique shops; a Textile Court as well as a food court with 12 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.

Deira City Centre welcomes the latest luxury home and fashion Zone featuring Sia and White company within Jawad Home and 26 popular outlets within the Bin Hendi Avenue such as Hugo Boss, GF Ferre, Paul and Shark.

For additional press information kindly contact:
Patricia Tellis 
Joe Harmoush
Promoseven Weber Shandwick Dubai
Tel:  +971 4 321 0077
Fax: +971 4 321 1711
E-mail: patricia.tellis@ promoseven.com 
E-mail: joe.harmoush @promoseven.com 

Press Release 2006