Dubai Outlet City at Dubailand to be developed by 100 per cent UAE national owned Al Ahli Group

An agreement to this effect was signed in Dubai yesterday. Dubailand was represented by, Salem bin Dasmal, Chief Executive Officer, Dubailand. Naser Ali Khammas, chairman of The Al Ahli Group, signed the agreement on behalf of the project developer. Mohammed Khammas, Al Ahli Group Managing Director, was also present at the signing ceremony.

Dubai Outlet City, the latest in the unique line-up of iconic developments from Dubailand, will be a regional phenomenon. It builds on Dubai's global reputation as the region's trading and retail hub by creating a first-off and innovative retail environment at Dubailand.

"We believe we have found the right partner in the Al Ahli Group to develop the Dubai Outlet City. As with other Dubailand projects, this too needed a leading developer who has the vision and the drive to be the best," said Salem bin Dasmal.

"Dubai Outlet City is a major development within the ambitious Dubailand. It creates a facet of Dubailand, which will provide visitors with yet another major set of experiences that combine business, shopping pleasure and lifestyle. Dubai Outlet City is a critical element in our overall aim to build the region's - if not the world's - finest and the best tourism, entertainment, leisure and lifestyle development at the 2 billion square feet Dubailand," bin Dasmal added.

One-stop shop
Naser Ali Khammas, chairman of The Al Ahli Group, said that: "What we plan to create at Dubai Outlet City is a unique complex that will be designed to supply all the needs of shoppers, tourists and business people in one 'Big City' environment. We thank the Government of Dubai for presenting such wonderful opportunities for 100 per cent UAE national-owned private sector groups like ours, to maximise."

Mohammed Khammas, Al Ahli Group Managing Director, pointed out that the group was formed in early 1970s and since has evolved into a multi-disciplinary corporation that covers a wide spread of activities ranging from retail to industry, to construction. There are 15 major companies within the Al Ahli Group.

Dubailand has set aside a massive 10 million square feet of prime land within the AED 35 billion Dubailand for the Dubai Outlet City. Plans have been drawn up to segment the development into five separate phased projects. These are Dubai Outlet Mall, Business Park & Web Marketing Centre, Oasis Beach & Promenade and the Samoa Hotel.

Dubai Outlet Mall
The Dubai Outlet Mall is designed to take retailing and shopping centre experience to a new level. It will be the only shopping complex within the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent - home to 1.8 billion people - that will have sufficient space for all of the world's factory outlets and discounted premium outlets.

Business Park & Web Marketing Centre
This modern office block will accommodate administration requirements of companies located in the Dubai Outlet Mall. A full-time Exhibition Centre and Web Marketing Centre will offer regular exhibitions for launching new products and will be a provider of performance-based sales and Internet advertising services. All airlines, travel offices and visa issuance centres will be invited to locate themselves here.

Oasis Beach & Promenade
A large portion of the Dubai Outlet City project will be transformed into an enchanting water resort with an artificial beach in the middle of the desert. There is a promenade planned with fine dinning, shopping and entertainment choices.

Samoa Hotel
The Samoa Hotel will be developed in a French Polynesian style with all rooms on the water designed to give guests a refreshing and invigorating experience. Additional facilities will include a full spa, wide choice of international cuisines, swimming pools, sports facilities and games and amusement centres.