Indeed, shopping centres are propping up across the region entailing overall entertainment appeal.
Among the most anticipated arrivals is Mall of Qatar, a shopping and entertainment destination spread over a total built-up area of 500,000m2, slated to open in August.
The establishment is expected to host an estimated 20 million visitors in its first year of operation, boasting international luxury and high-street fashion.
footwear, food, health and beauty, pharmacy, optics and home furnishing brands.
Rony Mourani, general manager, Mall of Qatar, enthused, “We have not seen any slowdown in the retail community. The Mall of Qatar reflects the commitment of the developers to Qatar’s economic diversification as well as human and social development through the opportunities and jobs that the development will create during construction and upon completion.”
Hailed as the first outlet concept shopping destination in the region, Dubai Outlet Mall’s marketing efforts has helped build consistent awareness and brand recall through interactive events and promotions targeting both residents as well as international tourists, stressed Vishal Mahajan, director, Dubai Outlet Mall.
The venue has witnessed consistent growth in footfall from within MENA, and in 2015, 17 percent of its visitors hailed from the Indian subcontinent, 11 percent from Iran, eight percent from China and seven percent from Russia.
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Over and above the direct contribution shopping centres have on the economic development of destinations, they also have the power to drive hospitality business.
Among the key features accommodation establishments in the region tend to emphasise is their close proximity to shopping districts.
Samir Arora, general manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai, stated that the hotel, which is a 15-minute walking distance from The Dubai Mall, witnessed robust demand during the emirate’s two popular annual shopping events – Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises.
The property was also completely booked during both Eid holidays, as its convenient location attracted shopping tourists predominantly from the GCC and the Indian subcontinent.
Another noteworthy mention is Dubai’s Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates which is directly attached to one of the region’s biggest shopping and entertainment destinations, Mall of the Emirates.
“We have seen a steady increase in the number of guests who visit mainly for shopping,” highlighted Alexander Suski, director of sales and marketing, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, who also noted that clients of the hotel spend the majority of their day in the mall and return to the hotel in the evening to utilise the spa and swimming pool, ensuring a holistic experience.
