Unicorn owned TAJ Mall nears completion in Jordan

Leading supermarket retailer commences fit out works

Bahrain, 19 January 2011 - Leading Middle East supermarket chain Spinneys has commenced fit out works on its first branch in Jordan, a 5,000m² unit located at TAJ, a high-end shopping and entertainment complex co-owned by Bahrain-based Unicorn Investment Bank (Unicorn). TAJ is currently nearing completion in Jordan's upscale Abdoun district.

Spinneys is an anchor tenant of the new complex, which is on track to open for trading in the third quarter of 2011, following months of intense construction activity.

A wide range of tenants have been signed by TAJ, including many well-known international and regional brands, some opening in Jordan for the first time. TAJ will include over 180 retail outlets, a 12 screen movie theatre, kids zones, arcade centers and an extensive food and beverage offering.

Commenting on the progress of the project, Ikbal Daredia, Acting CEO of Unicorn, said: "We are pleased to have handed over to Spinneys their unit at TAJ and expect many other units at the complex to begin fit out works shortly, paving the way to a successful and strong opening later this year. Designed by renowned US architecture firm F+A Architects, TAJ will be a landmark in Amman and will offer visitors a truly unique experience. It will be the destination of choice for locals and visitors wishing to shop, relax, dine and be entertained."

Spinneys is expected to create approximately 270 new jobs at TAJ. The complex expects to attract more than 7 million visitors per year. 

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About Unicorn
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Bahrain, Unicorn Investment Bank (Unicorn) is an Islamic financial services group, with an international presence in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Turkey. The Bank is also a major shareholder in Dawood Islamic Bank, Pakistan. Unicorn has completed several landmark transactions since its inception, including the establishment of t'azur, a regional Takaful company; the acquisition of Bahrain Financing Company, the oldest and one of the leading foreign exchange and remittance houses in the GCC; and the successful launch of the Strategic Acquisition Fund, a fund established to acquire strategic stakes in commercial banks globally. Unicorn has achieved consistent growth since its inception and has received widespread industry recognition for excellence and vision.

www.unicorninvestmentbank.com

About TAJ
TAJ is an upscale retail and lifestyle development consisting of a multipurpose facility catering to a wide spectrum of tenants with the main objective of entertaining clients through a pioneering approach and diversified services including cinemas, advanced arcade centers, retail outlets, food courts, kids zones, restaurants and cafes in addition to retail stores and a large supermarket. With a total built up area of 150,000 square meters, TAJ will be Jordan's newest development combining a unique blend of architectural design and innovative facilities. TAJ is designed by the world known American F&A Architects who have a recognizable portfolio in the USA and the Middle East including Fashion Island in California and the Mall of the Emirates.

Media Contacts
Mai Aljishi
Corporate Communications
Unicorn Investment Bank
Phone: +973 17566214
Email: maljishi@unicorninvestmentbank.com

Sami Amin
Hill & Knowlton
Phone: +973 17533532
Email: sami.amin@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2011