Moving forward into the past - following the course of Ibn Battuta at Gardens Shopping Mall

A globetrotter and a man of great vision, Ibn Battuta travelled in search of knowledge and excitement. His 75,000 mile voyage led him on many dangerous and thrilling adventures as he journeyed through North Africa, Persia, Andalusia, Egypt, India and China.

The main geographical themes of these six regions will be reflected in the architecture and the general ambience of Gardens Shopping Mall's six separate courts.

"Our efforts are aimed at offering something novel and interesting to our customers, enabling their visit to become a more interesting and memorable experience," said Andrew Chambers, general manager of Gardens Shopping Mall.

Represented in the main court are the strong values that Ibn Battuta espoused during his travels. An ethical man with constant Islamic values, he was as much a philosopher as he was an adventurer. As his reputation spread he was acknowledged as a scholar and a man of great wisdom.

Gardens Shopping Mall will be the first shopping complex inspired by an individual's life nearly six centuries after he embarked on his renowned journey. All the courts will strongly project the historical and cultural richness of this Arabian icon's life, serving as inspiration to all those who visit. Due to its unique atmosphere, we predict that each court will invoke a sense of Middle Eastern and international pride within the Mall's customers.

Furthermore, retail zoning has been adapted into the planning of Gardens Shopping Mall. In doing so, a consumer can comparatively shop with ease rather than rush around a mall in search of a particular product or service, offering consumers a trouble-free shopping experience. The zones will be divided into four sections: Family Convenience, Major Department Stores, Up-Market Brands & Lifestyles and finally Entertainment World & a Themed Family Hotel.

Mr. Chambers continues by saying that, "The concept offers a multi-cultural element to shopping and is especially attractive to families. We have carefully designed the zones and courts in order to create a certain harmony, while still allowing each one to maintain its regional identity. Even the shopping arcades will celebrate the life of this incredible man, and we believe that giving history a form is a very important element in what we do within the Mall."

All generations alike will find it a pleasurable visit, and the one-stop shop and entertainment concept should be a great draw. Research shows that customers enjoy shopping in thematic environments and simply taking in the atmosphere as they do errands, sample culinary delights and relax in general. The themes therefore, will be of interest to residents and visitors from abroad who want to combine selective shopping with the unique option of turning the pages of history.

The architecture of the Mall is not only impressive, but awe inspiring as well; design and its sheer size will have a dramatic effect on its visitors. "We had no intention of creating a mall with just size in mind. Being the largest themed mall in the world was a complete accident," adds Andrew.

Gardens Shopping Mall will be unlike any other shopping destination the region has ever encountered. It will transport its visitors to another world taking them to places they have only ever dreamed of. The mall was created for the entire family to enjoy, a celebration and fusion of Islamic belief, history and culture.