Mall of the Emirates wins twice at prestigious Retail and Leisure Awards in London

The Majid Al Futtaim Group walked away with two trophies at the inaugural Global Retail & Leisure International (RLI) Awards, held in London last week at the Natural History Museum. It was named the Most Innovative International Retail & Leisure Concept of the Year' and 'International Retail & Leisure Destination of the Year'. The RLI Global Awards 2006 celebrated and rewarded the success and creativity of the industry's most impressive developments, leading retailers, leisure operators and affiliated business partners. Nominees for the awards were judged by a panel of industry experts that included Michael Green, Chairman of the British Council of Shopping Centres.

Meanwhile in Dubai, Mall of the Emirates was awarded Retail City's 'Mall of the Year' title. The mall was judged for originality in mall concept, location, supporting services, customer relations, transport links and its marketing and sales initiatives.

These awards reinforce the vision of the mall as a seamless blend of outstanding international retail brands with compelling and unique family entertainment offerings. The Innovation award in particular acknowledges the impact of the mall's groundbreaking leisure options such as Ski Dubai and a completely re-packaged Magic Planet entertainment zone. Accepting the awards on behalf of the group, Graham Dreverman, CEO, MAF Shopping Malls said: "We believe this is due recognition from our industry peers for the standards of excellence we have pioneered at the Mall of the Emirates.

"We are delighted to be recognized not only for the quality and scale of the mall but also for being able to lead the way in developing fresh ideas and setting new benchmarks not only in Dubai but also on a global stage. It is especially pleasing to be nominated by two leading retailers, Debenhams and Harvey Nichols, both of whom have a significant presence in the mall and who have witnessed at first hand the commercial success of the scheme.