As the shopper’s appetite doesn’t seem to wane amid the inflation storm, the Middle Eastern developers are taking cues, gearing up to launch more malls as these shopping hubs, part and parcel of the Middle East culture, are still alive and kicking despite some fears triggered among retailers that, with lockdowns, it might fizzle out. This year is going to be replete with dazzling shopping destinations as retail developers are bound to jazz up the retail landscapes. Here are the top three destinations in the pipeline:
Al Khiran, Kuwait
Developers are cottoning on to the country’s zest for the digital as the time is ripe to capitalise on the phygital phenomenon, combining the best of both worlds — digital and physical. The region’s first hybrid outlet mall —Al Khiran —which will open later this year in Ahmadi, Kuwait, will showcase the concept on a grand scale. The mall will offer a combination of high value and dynamic experiences, incorporating a fusion of premium outlet shopping, dining options, entertainment and recreational leisure experiences like Kuwait’s largest marina with 900 berths, a 70,000 square metres boardwalk and outdoor gardens with an amphitheatre for year-long events.
Commissioned by Tamdeen, the upcoming outlet mall is expected to become the main commercial centre in the South of Kuwait, serving as the Central Business District of the area.
Souq7, Jeddah
The second shopping hub on course to launch this year is Souq7 developed by Azad Properties. Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it will strive to embody the innovation spirit, promoted by Vision 2030 and to cater to growing population in the Southeastern region. Souq7 will be divided into seven main areas: a food zone, the family entertainment zone, an electronics zone, a furniture & home supplies zone, a building material zone, an automotive zone and a multi-use zone. Spanning an area of 728,000 square metres of space, Souq7 will house 4,000 shops, 108 buildings and five mosques.
Town Square, Abu Dhabi
Town Square is another retail project developed by Abu Dhabi mall owner Aldar Properties that will see light sometime this year. Located at Saadiyat Grove, on Al Saadiyat Island, the project will play a vital role in shaping the island retail landscape, accommodating 70 retail stores, a gym, a cinema, offices and 50,000 square metres of dining space.
DAMAC Ventura, Dubai
DAMAC Properties are set to open the doors of its flagship community mall called DAMAC Ventura. The shopping destination, located at DAMAC Hills 1 in Dubai, will be home to 36 retail stores, which include 10 F&B outlets and a supermarket. Noteworthy, this will be the second Spinneys in the DAMAC Hills community and will be much bigger, spread over 28,600 square feet. The mall will also have health and recreation features such as its very own medical centre, as well as a spa and a gym. The mall will be inaugurated in the upcoming months.
