Ibn Battuta Mall ready to 'mall' competition with region's first Megaplex

More than 500 VIPs and members of the press were in attendance at the lavish cocktail reception as Nakheel Executive Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem (pictured), cut the ribbon to the newest and by far the largest addition to the Grand Cinema chain.

Grand Megaplex 21 Screens features cutting-edge technology with automated cinemas, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seats with extra leg room, full digital sound, and an ultra stylish lobby. The cinema currently seats more than 3,000 people, but will host an additional 350 when the IMAX theatre opens next month.

Since the launch of Ibn Battuta in April, the mall has exceeded all expectations and the addition of the state-of-the art cinema is expected to draw even more visitors from all over the region.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: 'Nakheel took great care when designing Ibn Battuta Mall so that it would provide shoppers with an exciting and varied shopping experience, but also a wealth of entertainment and leisure facilities. A Fitness First gym will open over the summer months and now this stunning 21 screen cinema gives visitors a focal point for leisure activity at Ibn Battuta Mall in addition to the diverse offering of restaurants and eclectic range of shopping.'

Guests to the launch, which featured a spectacular laser light show, welcomed the arrival of Grand Megaplex 21 Screens to the already impressive mall, praising its cutting-edge facilities.

Speaking after the screening, one VIP said: 'The new cinema is stunning; I've already visited Ibn Battuta Mall several times, obviously because of the shopping, but also because of the stunning architecture which is a draw in itself. Now I have this amazing cinema on my doorstep - I feel very lucky!'

Another visitor added: 'Ibn Battuta Mall keeps on getting better and better. I live at The Gardens so it is really convenient to have all these facilities nearby. I can't wait for the gym to open!'

Gulf Film took the decision to locate their largest cinema to date at Ibn Battuta Mall because of its strategic location and proximity to key residential and retail projects such as The Palm, Jumeirah; The Palm, Jebel Ali; Jumeirah Lake Towers; Jumeirah Islands; Discovery Gardens; The Gardens; and other surrounding developments.

By the end of 2004, the population within a 5-minute driving vicinity from Ibn Battuta Mall was around 150,000 and this is expected to reach 275,000 by 2008. More significantly, by 2008, more than 880,000 people will be living within a 15-minute drive from the mall. Additionally, some 600,000 tourists per annum, who stay in hotels within a 15-minute radius, will visit the Mall as a recreational complex.

A spokesperson from Gulf Film LLC said: 'Grand Megaplex 21 Screens is our most ambitious project to date and we are geared to make it one of the most outstanding cinema experiences in the Middle East. Our partnership with Nakheel is driven by our commitment to the highest standards, matching the vision of Nakheel as the developers of Ibn Battuta Mall.'