Sharjah's biggest mall to open new era in retailing

Shoppers here will strike it lucky when the Dh400 million Sahara Centre opens in September, as several top international brands will anchor the emirate's biggest shopping mall and one of the largest indoor entertainment facilities in the Middle East.

"It is my pleasure to convey to you on this occasion, the greetings of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has pledged to provide full support to encourage the establishment of such advanced shopping centres," said Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Economic Development Department, at a press conference yesterday.

Sheikh Tariq said he hoped that the Sahara Centre will play a key role in "developing the shopping scene". "We the government of Sharjah will be very supportive in cooperating with these shopping centres," Sheikh Tariq said.

Abdulrahman Bukhatir, co-owner of the Sahara Centre along with Saeed Ghobash, said that the centre reflects the evolution of local shopping and entertainment. "Our goal is to create a unique and exciting atmosphere where shoppers can find exactly what they want and have fun at the same time, all under one roof."

Bukhatir said that seeing more shopping malls coming up here and in neighbouring emirates causes him no worries as an investor. "On the contrary, we have a feeling that there are not enough shopping malls in the emirate or in the country in general," Bukhatir said. Mall Managing Director Jean Pierre Nammour said that areas in the centre had been themed to offer "a tranquil natural setting in the midst of a modern light-infused complex".

Nammour said the Sahara Centre's innovative architecture features a wooden beam and tent ceiling, an impressive 50-metre high glass entrance, and a unique food court with suspended seating over the mezzanine landing. "The interior of the centre was creatively designed to integrate four distinct themes: Falcon, Dune, Mirage, and Palm Grove," Nammour said.

International brands located in the Sahara Centre include Century Cinemas and Adventureland, Makae International and Debenhams whose famous names include Liz Claiborne, Laura Ashley, Oasis, Evans, Next, Mothercare, Starbucks and MAC Cosmetics. "Century Cinemas has leased 67,000 square feet for their new 12-screen cinema complex, offering the largest variety of Hollywood movies in the UAE.

"Adventureland, with its 70,000-square-foot indoor entertainment park, will offer, for the first time in the country, a two-storey indoor roller coaster, water park, and a list of other thriller rides and games. The part will also include an Internet coffee shop," Nammour said.

Nammour pointed out that 80 per cent of the 500,000 square feet of leasable area had been rented. The retail units comprise four major anchor stores, 150 stores and services, ten food courts and four restaurants.