Excitement as Sahara Centre opens with a host of world-class retailers

The landmark shopping and entertainment mall at the entrance to Sharjah opens to the public today in time for Eid Al-Adha. With over 90 per cent of the retail space already leased, and 70 per cent of the mall ready to open, key anchor stores include Debenhams, Toys 'R' Us, Adventureland and Century Cinemas. Additional anchors, Marks & Spencer and THE One will open in the second quarter this year.

The VIP Grand Opening programme, held under the patronage of HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah will feature a record-breaking ribbon-cutting event set to enter the Guinness World of Records together with an exclusive performance 'The Moon Child', direct from London's acclaimed Millennium Dome entertainers.

"The opening date of February 20 was chosen to coincide with the launch of our many fashion retailers' spring and summer collections," said Abdulrahman Bukhatir, Co-owner of Sahara Centre, at a launch press conference today.

"Sahara Centre is one of the most eagerly-anticipated retail developments in the UAE, with all the attributes to be hugely successful. We'll be celebrating this evening with a unique grand opening programme, highlighting the mall's excellent family entertainment offering."

The 120-store mall will feature a stunning range of fashion stores for women, men and children. Two European womenswear brands, Stefanel and Tally Weijl, are both brought to the UAE marketplace by Liwa Trading Enterprises, and will be a strong feature at the mall. Meanwhile the Alshaya Company will unveil Next and River Island, two of the UK's leading fashion retailers offering stylish clothing for men and women.

A first for the UAE is Casa Mia, the interiors shop that is Jashanmal's latest concept in home accessories. The concept has already been launched with huge success in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Sahara Centre provides a wealth of fast food outlets to cater for every taste, including global brands such as McDonalds, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins, Cinnabon and Dunkin Donuts, as well as more ethnic cuisine such as Shish Kebabs. In addition, opening shortly, the mall will feature three major sit-down restaurants and three cafes including THE One Café and Restaurant, Chilli's and Shakespeare & Co.

"With a strategic location between the two large consumer markets of Sharjah and Dubai, its strong tenant mix, outstanding entertainment attractions and stunning interior design, we are confident the mall will emerge as one of the UAE's premier shopping destinations," said Raymond J. Casey, Managing Director, Sahara Centre.