UAE's favourite shopping landmark launches largest ever expansion plan

40 new stores, bigger parking area and direct Dubai Metro link to be added

Dubai, UAE, September 28th, 2008: Mall of the Emirates, the UAE's favourite shopping landmark, will undergo its largest ever expansion programme with just under half a billion dirham's to be invested in new space, it was announced today.

The project will see the addition of increased facilities for shopping, dining and parking and, will be completed by the first quarter of 2010. The expansion was announced today by the Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group, which operates the popular mall.

Since its launch in 2005 the mixed-use development, strategically located in the heart of New Dubai, has emerged as a truly world-class landmark with the region's residents and, growing tourist community. This year alone, the mall was voted the Superbrands "Brand of the Year", and won the Best Mall Award at the Grazia Style Awards.

The expansion will add several important facilities to the existing mall structure, including:

  • An additional 10,500 square metres of gross leasable area for retailers and other service providers 

  • A direct link for Dubai Metro commuters 

  • Increased parking spaces to accommodate 750 vehicles

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Vice President, Mall of the Emirates, said: "This major investment for the UAE's favourite shopping destination is imperative in order to meet the increasing demand from newer retailers, who seek a presence in the mall. Since we opened in 2005, we have broken many records, some of which were only meant to be achieved much later.

"With a footfall averaging over 2.4 million a month, it is no surprise that more and more retailers want to be a part of Mall of the Emirates."

Home to over 466 retailers, Mall of the Emirates currently incorporates several iconic brands. These include SkiDubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates and a five-star hotel.

The new building will expand the Mall of the Emirates luxury brand portfolio, something that Fuad Sharaf is keen to develop. "Our mall has emerged as a well-established shopping and leisure destination and, already incorporates a host of top attractions as well as the most popular retail brands in the market," he said.

The development will be carried out in phases, starting with the mall extension. This will be followed by car parking upgrades, adding approximately 750 new spaces for vehicles and, the Metro link access, which has an anticipated completion date of September 2009, to coincide with the scheduled opening of the new service.

"When complete, the expansion will offer customers a truly VIP experience, with dedicated parking facilities, stunning interior architecture, dining and a mix of haute couture flagship fashion stores," Sharaf said.                       

The extension will be created in the south area of the Mall, adjacent to Entrance 3, in the space currently occupied by the outdoor fountain. The new building will enjoy the same architectural character as the existing mall, continuing its neo-classical galleria scheme over three levels.

Visitors to the new extension will enter through the Welcome Court, before continuing into the grand interior rotunda with stepped colonnaded arcades and a domed roof. The ground floor will be dedicated to food and beverage, with a number of unique dining concepts being introduced, while the first and second floors will offer a mix of luxury wares and high end fashion. The central plaza will contain a water feature that will provide a relaxing focal point.

There will be direct access to the new extension, with drop-off points to all levels and, valet parking on the first floor for customer convenience.

Plans are in place to ensure the green landscaping at the extension site is preserved. The outdoor fountain, a popular feature with shoppers, will be packed away and used at another Majid Al Futtaim property, while the trees are being relocated to alternative areas within Mall of the Emirates.

-Ends-

About Mall of the Emirates:
Mall of the Emirates, the world's first shopping resort, is located in Dubai at interchange four on Sheikh Zayed Road. The two-level shopping centre features 466 international brands including 220,000 sqm of department stores, fashion, lifestyle, sports, electronics and home furnishing outlets, the largest Carrefour in the city and over 60 stores that are unique to the centre. The compelling family leisure offer includes a Magic Planet family entertainment area, a 14-screen multiplex cinema, the world-renowned Ski Dubai - the Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park - a five star Kempinski hotel and 70 coffee shops and restaurants. Recently, the mall's 500 seat community theatre and accompanying arts centre - DUCTAC - opened its doors to the public.

There is a dedicated overpass offering easy access to the mall and 7,000 public parking spaces. This landmark development within the MAF Shopping Mall portfolio welcomed over 26.9 million visitors in the calendar year of 2007 and expects substantial growth in footfall and sales in 2008 thanks to its burgeoning reputation amongst residents and tourists alike.

For more information, please contact:
Komal Manglani
Polaris Public Relations
P. O. Box 32838, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714-3415555;
Fax: +9714-3415588
Email:k.manglani@polaris-me.com

© Press Release 2008