Dewan architect's team on course to complete mega project: Garden Mall

The Mega-Mall being developed between Interchange No. 5 and 6 on Sheikh Zayed Road, boasts of various interesting and unique features based on the regional flavors of the life and travels of legendary Arab explorer, Ibn Battuta.

Established in 1976, Dewan Al-Emara Architects and Engineers have grown into a leading architectural and engineering consultancy firm in the UAE and the region. The firm has designed numerous landmarks involving the construction of commercial, residential and industrial property, landscaping, urban planning and other activities. Through consistent performance, Dewan has repeatedly displayed its architectural and engineering brilliance in various projects, which has resulted in numerous design awards and recognition. Currently, Dewan is working on several prestigious projects such as the 30-storey Thuraya office tower at the Dubai Media City, the Green Community, Dubai Sports City, and the Fairmont Hotel & Resort in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to the design stage of this project, Dewan has a 16-strong full-time team of on-site architects and engineers who are responsible for the supervision of the construction of the Gardens Mall which is fast becoming a unique visible mega development Sheikh Zayed Road. Dewan's on-site team are supervising the advanced stages of development in the Garden Mall project and aim to complete the Garden Shopping Mall by early 2005.

Touted to be one of the largest themed malls in the world and certainly with largest façade of over 1.2 km, the Garden Shopping Mall is being architecturally designed and constructed to resemble the lands visited by the 14th century traveler. The design will provide a unique retail experience through literally allowing shoppers to follow the path taken by Ibn Battuta as he traveled through the lands of Spain and Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The architecture of these six regions is to be reflected through the construction of five courts comprising of the Tunisian Court, the Egyptian Court, the Persian Court, the Indian Court and the Chinese Court. The mall will also house the Grand Gardens Megaplex with 21 cinemas and one IMAX Theater.

"The unique architectural design of the Garden Shopping Mall is going to be a major attraction for shoppers throughout the world. Dewan is working hard to give shoppers from all parts of the world, a historical view of 14th century architecture with 21st century features." Said Mr. Mohammed Al- Assam, Founder and Managing Director of Dewan Architects and Engineers.

Mr. Falah Al- Salman, Regional Director of Dewan's Dubai office and the Project Director of the Gardens Mall added: "Soon, people can witness unique historical architectural wonders, wile comfortably shopping and enjoying at the mall. With a capacity to hold over 5,000 cars and over 300 retail outlets, some of them mega-size retail outlets, the themed mall is expected to soon become an important landmark in Dubai and the region."