Work has commenced on the expansion of the 360 Mall in Kuwait, the shopping centre’s owner has announced.
Owned by a subsidiary of Tamdeen Shopping Centres Company, one of the Tamdeen Holding Group of Companies, the expansion of the 360 Mall will see added offerings in sport, entertainment, hospitality and retail.
Work has begun on the development of a new state-of-the-art tennis complex, marking the first phase of the expansion. The Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex aims to put Kuwait on the international tennis map. The newly expanded mall, with the tennis complex, is expected to open its doors by 2019.
“This will be the first time in the world that retail, sports and entertainment come together under one roof and on this scale. When the expansion work is complete, 360 MALL will be further enhanced and together with the tennis complex will become a landmark in Kuwait,” said Mohammad Jassim Al Marzouq, chairman of the Tamdeen Group, during a press conference to announce the expansion.
“We aim to promote the very best brands from around the world under one roof whilst simultaneously encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle for Kuwait residents.”
Also present at the press conference, which was held at the Tamdeen Group headquarters in Kuwait, was: Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, President of Kuwait Tennis Federation, President of Arab Tennis Federation and Chairman of Asian Tennis Federation; and Anil Khanna, President, Asian Tennis Federation and Vice-President, International Tennis Federation.
The mall extension is expected to increase the footfall by at least 30% to over 18 million visitors. It will bring new retail brands to Kuwait, along with a five star hotel, restaurants, a ballroom and health club.
The tennis complex will have a combined stadium seating for over 7,600 people across two main arenas, each with the capacity to hold 4,000 and 1,600 people respectively, eight indoor courts with over 500 seats and eight outdoor courts with 1,500 seats.
“The Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex will become one of the world’s best tennis facilities in line with ITF and ATP* standards, thus putting Kuwait on the world’s tennis map. We are drawing the best of designs from similar tennis facilities globally and will provide Kuwaitis with playing conditions that will match the world’s best,” said Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah.
“We are committed to Kuwait and to the development of tennis in Kuwait which we believe is a sport where the country excels. Through this project we will provide world class tennis facilities for the country,” added Al Marzouq.
Spectators will have direct access to the tennis arena from 360 MALL, the 2,000-car multi-storey parking, and from the 6th Ring Road.
“The main tennis arena when not being utilised for tournaments will serve as an entertainment anchor for 360 MALL and provide a venue for leisure and recreation with a yearlong calendar of events and activities,” said Al Marzouq.