Al Hamra lauds 2018 milestones at Manar Mall
Waterfront promenade including floating cinema slated for completion in summer 2019
Ras Al Khaimah-based real estate developer Al Hamra says it passed several milestones for the newly expanded and upgraded Manar Mall development in 2018, including the signing up of several key retail brands at the development.
Manar Mall first opened in September 2000 and partly overlooks the corniche and is close to the RAK city centre. A $100 million investment by Al Hamra has seen the mall’s gross leasable area (gla) increase from 27,000 sqm to 55,000 sqm and added 80 new retail outlets, taking the tally to over 120 plus a further 30 F&B outlets.
According to the developer, marquee signings in 2018 included Landmark Group’s Ecco, Steve Madden, Carpisa, Koton and Pablosky stores while the leisure division, Landmark Leisure, opened Tridom, the first indoor adventure park of its kind in the Northern Emirates – and has the tallest indoor drop tower in the Middle East.
Home improvement and lifestyle store Al-Futtaim ACE, chose Manar Mall to open its very first store in the Northern Emirates, while UAE-based Al Khayyat Investments opened its first Superdry store in the emirate, added Al Hamra.
“We are committed to delivering the ultimate must visit, must return entertainment complex by attracting leading international brands and a diverse range of F&B outlets,” said Benoy Kurien, group CEO, Al Hamra. “Our vision has always been to be the largest and most visited mall in the Northern Emirates, further underscoring our position as the leading developer and investment company in the region.”
Looking ahead, Al Shaya Group has confirmed the opening of two new retail brands, Muji and American Eagle in 2019, the group will also introduce Shake Shack to the Northern Emirates, joining other F&B outlets which opened in 2018 including Mado, 971 Emirates Gourmet, Coffee Club, Al Kateam, Caliburger, Icons Coffee, Yummy Waffles and Dunkin Donuts, amongst others.
Novo Cinemas is furthermore undertaking a renovation programme in 2019, introducing the first IMAX theatre to RAK, and Manar Mall’s unique waterfront promenade is slated for completion in summer 2019. The development will boast a cinema on water, a range of food trucks, light shows, paddle boats and a play area for kids including water fountains, swings and trampolines, said Al Hamra.
Kurien added: “These are exciting times for Manar Mall, Al Hamra and for Ras Al Khaimah. The tourism, hospitality and entertainment industry are growing incredibly quickly, and we’re delighted to play our role in attracting an even greater number of visitors on an annual basis.”
