New level for Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates as $272m extension opens
‘Evolution 2015’ extension houses 24-screen Vox Cinemas
Majid Al Futtaim on Monday delivered its AED1 billion ($272m) multi-stage extension of the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.
The so-called ‘Evolution 2015’ project has added 36,000 sqm of retail, dining and entertainment space, developed over 18 months by a 3000-member team.
The extension includes two new domes, three major glass-barrel roof lights and nine new bridges. Most of the new space is on an entirely new third floor, connected by escalator to the existing mall. It has also added 1,300 shaded parking spaces with a dedicated entrance.
The new area offers space for 40 retail outlets including more than 20 fashion retailers, some of which are entering the region for the first time, and 12 dining outlets.
Another element of Evolution 2015 is a 24-screen Vox Cinemas covering an area of 100,000 sq ft. This makes it the largest cinema complex in the Middle East, and the only one in the region to house a IMAX with Laser screen.
Michael Cesarz, Chief Executive Officer of Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said the company plans to look at further extensions of the malls in its portfolio, as it focuses on doubling in size, as well as evaluating new markets.
“The UAE is important and is our core market so we will see some more projects coming here and also in markets like Egypt,” he said. “Mall of Egypt will come up next year and other projects are about to start.”
