Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Shopping Malls says the completion of two major infrastructure milestones at the Mall of Oman will ensure that the fifth and biggest lifestyle destination in the Sultanate of Oman can open in March 2021 as planned.
In a statement, MAF confirmed the delivery of new roads and flyovers, connecting the mall to Interchange No 6 on the Muscat Expressway, and the completion of the Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) Primary Substation.
The Mall of Oman will comprise 145,000sqm of retail space, a variety of dining outlets and a range of exciting lifestyle experiences.
The mall will also include Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a 12,200sqm Carrefour Hypermarket and the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate.
“The tourism and retail sectors are integral to Oman’s economy and are poised to drive economic growth and contribute to diversification in the country,” ,” said Ghaith Shocair, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls. “These objectives are aligned with Vision 2040 and we are privileged to be able to contribute to this vision as long-term partners and investors. By developing Mall of Oman, we continue to contribute to the growth of the local tourism industry and enable job creation for residents both during and post construction. A development project of this size and scope is beneficial to Oman’s citizens and residents and will positively contribute to economic and social development in the Sultanate.”
An extensive roads upgrade to interchange number 6 on the Muscat Expressway has been completed, along with four new bridges and an underpass serving the mall.
Extensive retaining walls and utility divisions were completed to facilitate the works with the developer noting that the new access will directly lead to the 5,200 dedicated parking bays. More than a kilometre of the 12-metre-high retaining walls are now in place, as well as the initial road directional signage, it explained.
Additionally, the recently built MEDC Primary Substation will allow the nine distribution substations in the mall to be progressively energised, which will allow the completion of the Central Cooling Plant and introduction of wild air into the mall.