MAF Shopping Malls announces AED 2.6 billion project

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.