06 October 2015
Sheikh Jaber Int'l Complex to put Kuwait on global tennis map

KUWAIT: The massive expansion of 360 Mall, Kuwait's iconic shopping destination, has commenced with the development of the new state-of-the-art Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex, which will put Kuwait firmly on the world's professional tennis map.

The newly expanded mall with the tennis complex is expected to open its doors by 2019. The KD100m expansion will build on the huge success and identity of the 360 Mall with an added offering which includes a tennis academy, sports, entertainment, a hotel and additional shopping.

The mall is owned by a subsidiary of Tamdeen Shopping Centers Company, part of the Tamdeen Holding Group of Companies. This was announced during a press conference held at the Tamdeen Group headquarters at the 360 Mall, addressed by Mohammed Jassim Al-Marzouq, Chairman, Tamdeen Group; Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, President of Kuwait Tennis Federation, President of Arab Tennis Federation and Chairman of the Asian Tennis Federation; Anil Khanna, President, Asian Tennis Federation and Vice- President, International Tennis Federation; and Sami Al-Ibrahim, representing the Public Authority for Youth and Sports. According to Marzouq, this will be the first time in the world that retail, sports and entertainment come together under one roof and on this scale. "When the expansion work is complete, 360 Mall will be further enhanced and together with the tennis complex will become a landmark in Kuwait.

We aim to promote the very best brands from around the world under one roof whilst simultaneously encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle for Kuwait residents," he said. "We believe that the synergy between the glorious game of tennis and 360 Mall, the premium lifestyle mall in Kuwait, creates an unparalleled experience. We are committed to Kuwait and to the development of tennis in Kuwait, which we believe is a sport where the country excels. Through this project we will provide world-class tennis facilities for the country," added Marzouq.

The expansion project will feature several new-to-the-market retail brands and a signature five-star hotel, in addition to outstanding restaurants, a ballroom and a health club.

The upgraded retail experience will leave shoppers with a multitude of new brands to choose from, while the hospitality and food and beverage facilities will create a new luxury paradigm. The extension to the retail mall will increase footfall by at least 30 percent to over 18 million discerning visitors. The tennis complex will have a combined stadium seating for over 7,600 people across two main arenas, each with the capacity to hold 4,000 and 1,600 people respectively, eight indoor courts with over 500 seats and eight outdoor courts with 1,500 seats. Sheikh Ahmad noted that the Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex will become one of the world's best tennis facilities in line with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) standards, thus putting Kuwait on the world's tennis map. "We are drawing the best of designs from similar tennis facilities globally and will provide Kuwaitis with playing conditions that will match the world's best," he pointed out. "Kuwaitis have a long history of tennis and we produce some of the top players in the GCC," he added. "It is time we showcased to the world our sporting prowess and infrastructure. Few facilities in the world offer such indoor tennis facilities adjacent to a fine range of outdoor courts. This is unprecedented except for the Grand Slam grounds. Also, women in Kuwait are oppressed in the sports field and the new project will provide them a great opportunity to practice this sport," explained Sheikh Ahmad.

In order to enhance the "event experience", spectators will have direct access to the tennis arena from 360 Mall, a 2,000-car multi-storey parking and from the 6th Ring Road. There would be a seamless relationship between the mall, the tennis facility and the hotel. "The main tennis arena when not being utilized for tournaments will serve as an entertainment anchor for 360 Mall and provide a venue for leisure and recreation with a yearlong calendar of events and activities," stressed Marzouq. "Additionally, the facilities will provide a base for a tennis club which will cater to young aspiring sportspersons in Kuwait and give them a venue like no other. For young people, the location will have greater attraction because of the retail, entertainment and leisure opportunities in the immediate 360 Mall vicinity," he concluded.

© Kuwait Times 2015