Ajman’s largest shopping centre expects to open 200 outlets

Construction of the largest shopping mall in Ajman is half completed and is on schedule for March 2009 opening, said general manager Sultan bin Ghedayer.

Dana Mall will launch the Dh400 million shopping centre next year, said Sultan, whose company Bin Ghedayer Group is also the developer, but expansion work will continue for the next five years. The Dh200m expansion plan will include a hotel and entertainment area.

“Our wish to invest in Ajman is driven by our firm conviction that the emirate has a promising future. This is crystallised by development initiatives launched by the wise leadership. The private sector has participated in these initiatives and launched construction of various projects, which will improve the economic and social landscape of the emirate,” said Sultan. Dana Mall has signed deals with top companies, such as Axiom Telecom, Phono and Beirut Restaurants, to open outlets in the mall. Talks with a large number of other retailers are at final stages, he added.

The mall took part in the Middle East Shopping Malls Show, which was recently held in Dubai, and Sultan said many expressed interest after the company participated in the show.

While Ajman has seen increased interest in shopping malls over the past three years, Sultan said the emirate’s residents still need to travel long distances to reach malls that meet their families’ requirement.

“This was one of the main incentives that pushed us to invest in a top shopping mall. Dana Mall will fulfil all their needs plus it will have play areas for children, where they can come and have fun.”

Dana Mall is being built on a 150,000 square foot area at Khalifa bin Zayed Road in the middle of Ajman. It is the Bin Ghedayer Group’s first foray into retail and mall sector. The company started to receive applications in April

Once finished, the mall will offer a distinctive experience, Sultan said, focusing on intimate family shopping experience. Stores are being selected to represent the varied interests of all members of the family and socialising will be encouraged in the centre’s cafes.

The mega mall will consist of three floors in addition to the ground floor. It will offer shoppers more than 200 stores, selling clothes, perfumes, accessories, leather products, cosmetics and furniture.

It also includes a supermarket, food court, which will have all major international restaurants, as well as an area for children, which will provide not only recreation but also a safe environment.

Accommodations have also been made for guests with special needs and will have car parks for 1,500 vehicles.