Top International Awards for Majid Al Futtaim Malls

Majid Al Futtaim malls were the only winners from the Middle East and North Africa at one of the world's most prestigious shopping centre award ceremonies held in Singapore recently. Four awards were conferred to Majid Al Futtaim developments from over 109 entries received from leading shopping centres across the Asia Pacific region, the most won by a developer at the event.

The first accolade, a special Foundation Award, came for Majid Al Futtaim Properties' UAE malls (Deira, Sharjah and Ajman City Centres and Mall of the Emirates) for their annual Ramadan charity campaign, 'Make a Difference'. Majid Al Futtaim Properties was named the 2009 Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa Community Support winner.

As the recipient of the Foundation's special Award, Majid Al Futtaim Properties' partnering charities will share a US $5,000 donation from ICSC to support their philanthropic causes. The Ramadan charity programme also won a Silver Award in the Corporate Community Relations category.

The other honors received included Gold Award for Bahrain City Centre and Silver for Muscat City Centre in the Grand Opening Marketing and PR and Consumer Advertising categories respectively.

Shahram Shamsaee, Senior Vice President - Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said, "To have won four prestigious international awards and being the only ones from the MENA region is an accomplishment and a great honour for our company. This achievement is a testament to the international standards and best practices adopted at all our properties."

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to our valued customers and retailers who have participated in our community initiatives and have continued their loyal support by choosing our malls as their preferred shopping and entertainment destinations."

Michael P. Kercheval, President and CEO, International Council of Shopping Centers highlighted Majid Al Futtaim Properties achievement in the community relations category. "By organizing this charity drive at its shopping centers, Majid Al Futtaim Properties clearly demonstrated that they are committed to being part of the environment in which they operate. The "Make A Difference" campaign clearly illustrates that while shopping centers are often a large contributor to the local economy, they also contribute to the community on a social level."

The ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping centre industry that recognizes the sector's most cutting-edge developments, innovative solutions and creative responses to market trends through its various awards honours. The Asia Shopping Centres Awards were introduced in 2008 to recognise the region which is home to so many of the 21st century's most dynamic retail projects that are setting new standards for the rest of the world to follow.