Mirdif City Centre targets local communities

Dubai, April 30th, 2007: MAF Shopping Malls, the leading manager and developer of shopping centres in the Middle East and North Africa today announced its ambitious plans to build Mirdif City Centre, the UAE's next super regional centre focussed on lifestyle and community facilities.

Strategically located on Emirates Road and Tripoli Street along Dubai's Eastern growth corridor, the centre is expected to be completed by fourth quarter of 2009. The super regional shopping mall will stretch across 183,400 square meters (GLA) and cost AED 2.6 billion to build. The project is also expected to generate over 10,000 job opportunities in the UAE.

On completion, Mirdif City Centre will be home to over 430 retail outlets with provision for 8 anchor stores including Carrefour - the world's second largest retailer. The merchandise mix will include strong representation in key categories such as convenience, service, fashion, home, electronics entertainment and leisure.

Making the announcement, Graham Drevermen, CEO, MAF Shopping Malls said; "This super regional centre is strategically located along Dubai's Eastern growth corridor (recognized as the fastest growing area of Dubai). This area is earmarked by Dubai Municipality for significant residential development and population growth over the next 5 years. By 2010, the population of the

centre's primary and secondary trade area is estimated to grow to over 530,000 with an anticipated 15.6% per annum growth rate and a corresponding retail spend forecasted at over AED 9 billion."

"The new Centre is designed to become the community focal point offering a vibrant, active, social hub which will reflect both international trends and community needs. It will be a special place other than work or home, where visitors can relax and build a sense of belonging within the community - a complementary social environment away from the hectic pace of everyday life. The Centre will inspire a sense of ownership in the hearts of every visitor who walks through its doors," added Dreverman.

Mirdif City Centre's primary trade area comprises of; Mirdif, Al Warqaa, Al Khawaneej, Nad Al Hamar, Al Muhaisanah, Al Maher and Rashidiya areas. The Centre is expected to achieve a market share in excess of 25% in its primary trade area. "The centre is located just 5 kilometres from the iconic Dubai International Airport and along with the new hotel developments planned for the Eastern Corridor, there are significant opportunities for Mirdif City Centre"

Learning from past experience, developing and managing seven regional shopping centres, Mirdif City Centre is designed to offer unrivalled accessibility. It incorporates multiple entries and exits at different levels of the 7,000 plus car park. Direct access from Emirates Road at interchange 55 and a direct link from Tripoli Street will provide easy access and egress from all directions.

A strategic perimeter road network, including dedicated service vehicle and taxi links from Emirates Road, along with 4 designated loading bay zones, will facilitate the ease of access and exit to and from the centre for all shoppers and service providers.

Inspired by the vibrant lifestyle of the communities surrounding the centre, the entertainment and leisure concept at Mirdif City Centre will provide visitors of all ages with a variety of passive and interactive activities including; a special 'edutainment' area for children and a brand new Magic Planet that will encompass the latest in cosmic bowling, video redemption games and 'soft play' areas for toddlers. The 14-screen multiplex cinema will complement the recreational proposition of the centre. Visitors to the centre can also dine in over 60 multi-cuisine restaurants and cafes (including 2 food courts).

Mirdif City Centre aims to provide a 'green oasis' for residents - especially during the warmer months of the year. It will provide a magnet for residents and visitors to enjoy shopping for their everyday essentials in an engaging, bright, and fresh environment.

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About MAF Shopping Malls:
MAF Shopping Malls is the leading manager and developer of shopping centres in the Middle East and North Africa. The company is part of MAF Properties one of the major operating subsidiaries of the Majid Al Futtaim Group. It has seven operating centres totalling over 500,000 square meters of GLA including: 4 centres in UAE, 2 in Egypt and 1 in Oman. MAF Shopping Malls deals with over a 1,000 retailers across the globe and its centres draw combined foot traffic of over 85 million shoppers annually.

MAF Shopping Malls' world-class shopping centres have revolutionised the retail industry over the past 15 years with breakthrough developments like Ski Dubai, the first indoor Ski Resort, Mall of the Emirates, the first shopping resort in the Middle East and the popular City Centre franchise that has been

exported across the region to Egypt, Muscat and the upcoming Bahrain City Centre.

For additional information of the Majid Al Futtaim Group kindly visit www.majidalfuttaim.com

For additional press information, kindly contact:
Patricia Tellis / Claire Parker
Promoseven Weber Shandwick Dubai
Tel:  +971 4 321 0077
Fax: +971 4 321 1711
email: patricia.tellis@promoseven.com/claire.parker@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2007