UK's largest toy retailer to launch Middle East flagship store in Dubai
32,000 sq ft concept store with interactive stations
More than 15,000 product lines ranging from toys, games and corporate gifts
Dubai, UAE; August 30, 2008: The Dubai Mall, the flagship shopping mall development of Emaar Malls has confirmed that it will host the first-ever Hamleys store in Dubai. Hamleys at The Dubai Mall will be the Middle East flagship store for the world famous toy shop. The Dubai Mall is set to be one of the world's largest shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destinations featuring a host of world-class attractions and is set to open later this year.
Hamleys is the UK's greatest toy retailer, famous for its magical atmosphere and huge range of toys, from much loved brands to more traditional and quirky treasures. It was established nearly 250 years ago by William Hamley and its flagship store on London's Regent Street has become a global icon within the toy industry and is among the top visited tourist destinations in London.
Hamleys at The Dubai Mall will occupy an anchor location of 32,000 square feet, and showcase more than 15,000 lines of toys, gifts and gadgets from traditional favourites to the most up-to-date toys on the market. All products bear the Hamleys stamp of creativity, fun, quality and safety as well as environmental friendliness and educational play value.
Hamleys is strategically located near The Dubai Mall's family entertainment precinct on the second level where attractions such as SEGA Republic®, an exciting indoor theme park and KidZania®, a unique children's 'edu-tainment' concept and the 22-screen cinema are located.
Yousif Al Ali, General Manager of The Dubai Mall said, "The Dubai Mall is excited to introduce the world famous Hamleys to Dubai, and proud to host the Middle East flagship store. Hamleys is unlike other toy stores in the region - with its highly themed play areas, interactive stations and live entertainers, shopping at Hamleys is a delightful experience for children and families."
The flagship store at The Dubai Mall will replicate the magical elements of its sister store in London. The shop front and interior is designed by Hamleys in collaboration with one of the top retail designers in the world. Toy demonstrators and magicians will bring the store to life and customers are invited to test toys before buying. Store features include: a life sized doll house, an imitation streetscape of London's Regent Street and so much more.
Mr Nabil Daud, Chief Executive Officer of Hamleys Dubai, said: "We are thrilled to be bringing the magic of Hamleys to the people of Dubai. Our flagship toy store at The Dubai Mall will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the wonderful world of toys, in one of the world's most exclusive and exciting malls. A trip to Dubai would not be complete without visiting Hamleys at The Dubai Mall. Unlike any other toy store in Dubai, Hamleys is an enchanting toy world that has widespread appeal for children, families and tourists in Dubai."
Mr Gudjon Reynisson, Chief Executive Officer of Hamleys, said: "Dubai is a logical step in our global expansion programme, as a significant number of our current customers in the UK are visitors from the Middle East. We are sure our customers will love the magical and exciting elements of Hamleys, which guarantees the best of past, present and future for children - both young and old at heart."
Hamleys at The Dubai Mall adds considerable value to the mall's already strong shopping and entertainment offer that includes the world class Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre, an Olympic-sized Ice Rink, KidZania®, The Grove, an indoor-outdoor themed streetscape, SEGA Republic®, a 22-screen cineplex and exclusive access to the 124th floor observation deck in the world's tallest tower, the Burj Dubai.
The Dubai Mall is located in the world's most prestigious square kilometre, Downtown Burj Dubai, which encompasses Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building. The mall complements the already thriving retail environment of the community, highlighted by Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque themed shopping mall which opened its doors in December 2007.
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About Emaar Malls Group LLC:
Emaar Malls Group LLC, is the retail and shopping mall subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, a leading property developer based in Dubai, and drives its diversification into shopping malls. This is in line with Emaar's Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Emaar has announced investments in shopping malls of over US$4 billion (AED 15 billion) with 10 million sq ft of retail property in operation or under development in the emerging markets of the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia and is on target to become one of the largest developers of shopping malls in the world.
At the forefront of these developments is the flagship The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest malls in the heart of the Downtown Burj Dubai. Opening in late 2008, The Dubai Mall will be a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination. Emaar Malls Group is also developing two other malls in Dubai; Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque shopping and entertainment development on The Old Town Island which is now open, and the Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping mall for residents of the Dubai Marina community opening in late 2008. Recently, Emaar Malls Group unveiled Cairo Gate, Egypt's largest shopping mall and leisure destination at the Cairo-Alexandria Project site, a mixed-use development spread over 160 acres.
About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest property development companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Emaar Properties, which has a strong presence in 36 global markets, has expanded into shopping malls in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world through a two-pronged approach of geographic expansion and business segmentation. For more information visit www.emaar.com.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Roisin Lillis
ASDA'A Public Relations
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, r.lillis@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2008
