UAE: Closure of Safeer Mall Sharjah marks end of an era, say shoppers, traders

Sharjah: The closure of Safeer Mall in Sharjah, following the sale of its building to a new management, marks the end of an era, according to longtime shoppers and the remaining shop owners in the two-decade-old mall.

Residents have shared nostalgic memories about spending time in the once-popular mall on Al Ittihad Road, which connects Dubai and Sharjah, while the few retailers still in operation have expressed concerns that they have been literally left in the dark about their future.

As reported by Gulf News on Thursday, Sharjah residents will no longer be shopping at Safeer Mall, as Western International Group, which acquired the property, will soon rename it and open its hypermarket brand, Mark and Save.

However, the mall now has a deserted look after the majority of shops closed and its iconic name boards were removed during the transition period.

Nostalgic memories

Gulf News readers shared nostalgic memories of their shopping experiences. Mohammad Zareef said it marked the end of an era. “I have some memories of Safeer Mall from 2008 onwards. It was a good place for Sharjah families (with) kids’ activities, a food court, and so many options. End of an era,” he posted.

Nandini Chakravarty said that her family used to drive down all the way from Ras Al Khaimah for the snacks and meals from some shops there, and continued to visit the mall even after moving to Dubai.

New innings, more jobs

Komal Uppal added: “It was first place I used to shop for A to Z, since I landed in the UAE almost 18 years ago. My go to place for almost a decade. Will wait for the new innings.”

Meanwhile, Roy George, property manager of a residential building near the mall, said: “Old is gold. We will always cherish the good old memories of shopping and dining in Safeer Mall. But, the footfall to the mall had come down in the past especially after flood last year. It is a strategic location as more residential complexes are coming up in the surrounding industrial areas. We hope the new management will cater to the requirements of all residents and there will be more job opportunities as new shops open.”

What about retailers?

However, some of the handful of retailers who have chosen to continue operating in the mall after the previous management, Al Safeer Group of Companies, handed the building back to the landlord, have sought clarification about their future.

Currently, the mall largely remains in the dark at night and its parking areas are closed.Remaining retailers express concerns about being left in the dark about their future.

When Gulf News visited on Friday, retailers said only nine shops, including a few restaurants, clothing stores, and a cake shop, remain in business.

They said just a couple of days ago, they received an eviction notice asking them to vacate the premises within 15 days from the date of the letter, dated March 29.

“We are checking the validity of such a notice that was given without any company letterhead or the designation of the signatory,” said Sufiya Noufal, who runs a namesake sweets shop.

“Moreover, we have already renewed our tenancy contract through Sharjah Municipality, which has told us that we have the right to continue in the same premises at the same rent as per the existing rules. We are managing the business with our loyal base of customers and online orders. We need clarity on how to proceed as we are promptly making all payments,” she added.

Ashfaq Mohammad Khan, the owner of Wahat Al Amani store, said: “The mall has been handed over to another management, but it looks closed from the outside. The security also tells people it is closed, and the parking is also closed. Now, both our shoppers and we have to use paid parking outside the mall or park far away in sandy areas.”

“It is great news that they are going to renovate the mall. But, we have been given a letter to vacate the mall with no details about our future. We are looking forward to a meeting with them to get clarification about our future. We had already suffered huge losses in the floods. We need support to run our business so we can earn and pay our rent and bills,” he added.

Need clarity

Abdul Wahid of Home Town Restaurant, said the restaurant was managing business with its loyal customers even after the mall’s operations changed.

“But, when the news spread that the mall is closed, even our regular customers stopped coming, and we lost some party orders. Now, we are busy securing our orders and letting people know we are still working here. We need clarity from the new management on what will happen to our business if we get evicted.”

Nawas Basheer KP, Director of Western International Group, had told Gulf News on Thursday that the company was working with consultants to determine the best course of action.

“It will take some time. We are in discussions with each tenant to find a solution during the renovation period. The logistics of renovating and rejuvenating the mall are being carefully planned… Our goal is to revamp the mall and transform it into the next shopping destination in Sharjah,” he had said.

Gulf News has approached the new management again for a comment about the eviction notice and is awaiting their response.