BurJuman to usher new era in retail development

The size and scope of the project has been further enhanced by the finest features in architecture and technology being introduced in many areas of the project's retail, residential and commercial developments.

The entire project will maintain the core elements of Arabic heritage and tradition while introducing the latest international architectural designs and concepts to give it a "beautiful look of modernity without losing its connections to the past".

The range of highly complex architectural techniques that were being introduced will create a fascinating internal landscape dominated by a spectacular glass-topped "sky roof", the biggest of its kind in the region, to provide a natural and relaxed ambience for visitors.

Mr. Eisa Adam Ibrahim, General Manager of BurJuman, said: "The kind of unique world-class infrastructure, facilities and services that will be introduced during the expansion will open a new chapter in retail development and make BurJuman a benchmark for the retail industry in the Gulf region. It will usher in a completely new shopping culture. Everything in the architecture has something to do with nature. The ambience of BurJuman will be created in such a way that it reflects a garden city neatly placed against the backdrop of nature - natural light, internal landscaping, attractive water features and open spaces".

He said that the external façade that will be created would be that of "a living shell" responding to the natural surroundings, climate and environment. The four courts of the mall will all bear themes associated with nature - Earth, Water, Fire and Air.

A range of material that was being used in the construction including marble, stones, glass, aluminium and wood will blend harmoniously with the interior and exterior designs. There will be more than 40 water features in four forms - simple, sophisticated, interactive and intelligent - to create a fresh, natural atmosphere at all levels of the mall.

Two levels have been exclusively designed for shopping while the third level will be a huge air-conditioned open-air style setting containing a mix of retail stores and the Pavilion Gardens featuring a large food court serving a variety of international cuisine.

Additionally, a roof-top level with plenty of greenery and walkways will give families the opportunity to experience an entirely new form of outdoor comfort after completing their shopping chores. The top level will also have international restaurants for fine dining.

The modern Post Tension construction system that was being used to build the mega shopping mall would make BurJuman one of the lightest reinforced concrete structures in spite of its huge size. In the first phase of construction, workers dug a 60-metre deep hole, the biggest ever excavation of its kind made in Dubai, to set up the foundations and the four levels of basement parking that can accommodate upto 3,200 cars.

A uniformed, integrated and intelligent communications and security system that will create a seamless link throughout the entire project, the latest air-conditioning system and state-of-the-art elevators and escalators will make the project exceptional, and beyond what has been achieved in this sector anywhere in the region.

With the expansion entering its final construction phase, preparations are underway to open the new retail section in mid-December this year. On the retail side, space will almost treble to 800,000 sq ft from the current 300,000 sq ft with the number of stores increasing from 190 at present to approximately 300 including a. 80,000 square feet store of SAKS Fifth Avenue in the Middle East, which will anchor the re-developed BurJuman.

The expansion project, which is the largest ever undertaken in the retail sector in the region, will elevate BurJuman from its present position as the region's premier shopping complex to a total destination.

Mr. Ibrahim, General Manager of the mall, said: "The new-look BurJuman will become a major attraction, offering the region's finest tenant mix featuring the world's top most designer brands together with extensive entertainment and recreational facilities including a family leisure arcade. It will be the one place to be for discerning shoppers of luxury brands. By creating a total destination, we want BurJuman to become a truly unique experience for the entire family, and in the process further enhancing Dubai's image as an international shopping and leisure destination".