City Centre Muscat to open in autumn

The stage is set for the opening of City Centre Muscat later this year, the first venture in Oman by Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), one of UAE's leading business houses, it was announced here yesterday.

The shopping complex, to be inaugurated in October, is being constructed in Seeb. Jeff Rossely, overseeing the development on behalf of MAF said: "City Centre Muscat will change the face of the retailing landscape in Oman, meeting the total need of family shopping, entertainment and leisure under one roof, in an attractive high quality environment, while remaining sympathetic to the traditional Omani shopper.

"At the heart of the exciting mall is Carrefour, the world's second largest hypermarket. Its ability to draw more than three million customers a year is a result of its diversity of product and value for money pricing."

Rossley said extensive research into the retail environment in Muscat has been undertaken in the wake of the success of Deira City Centre in Dubai — widely acknowledged as one of the region's most innovative shopping destinations.

The new centre will also reflect Oman's age-old proud heritage. "With the rapid development of Oman, its young and fast growing population and the increasing sophistication of customers, it is believed by all those involved in the new development that the timing is right to provide a new, high quality experience."