Qatar-based Ali Bin Ali Group has announced plans for the Katara Plaza project, the first open-air airconditioned commercial mall to be developed on an area of over 38,000 sq m at the Katara Cultural Village in Doha.

The unique commercial project, which will be home to the Middle East region’s first evian spa, is set to open its door in September next year.

The facility, which has Galeries Lafayette as the anchor tenant, will also boast a dedicated children’s mall, said the developers.

The project is aimed at providing a unique and distinct experience as it blends a classical architectural experience with traditional heritage, thus reflecting the vision and objectives of the Cultural Village Foundation.

It will also offer a complementary and integrated experience, rich and vibrant, right from its landscapes and sandstone buildings, to its interlocking passages, arches and breezy walkways, they stated.

Katara is one of the most important and unique creations in Qatar, thanks to its identity as a cultural edifice that combines both the Qatari national identity and global arts, said a senior official.

‘Katara Plaza’ project will offer a relaxed atmosphere and designated spaces for shoppers, including some of the most famous brands in the world.

This project will also offer recreational experiences, in line with culture and entertainment. It will exemplify innovation.

The project will have a pioneering, air-conditioned and open space that provides year-round comfort utilising a state-of-the-art system that uses the latest ground cooling technology, thereby presenting a perfect blend of artistic architecture, innovation and maximum comfort.

On the new venture, Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, the vice chairman and executive vice president, said: "Katara Plaza would unlock a unique world-class shopping experience offering the Qatari market many first-of-its-kind experiences that can be valued and enjoyed as never before."
 
"Among the deals inked already, is the arrival of Galeries Lafayette to Qatar," he stated.

The Ali Bin Ali Group has succeeded in attracting the well-known French department store, which is the undisputed leader in department store retailing in France and other global locations in the areas of fashion, luxury goods, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, leisure, gastronomy and home interiors.

Work on Galeries Lafayette has already commenced with the world-famous architect Bruno Moinard taking on the creation of the stores. Moinard has crafted a name for himself as an architect who intrinsically blends luxury and art, said Bin Ali.

Another renowned tenant is the French natural mineral water brand evian. Through this confirmed tenancy at Katara Village, Qatar will welcome one of the very few exclusive evian spas in the world.

"evian, as a well-being ambassador, has developed a full exclusive spa concept based on evian’s core values of purity, health, and youthfulness," explained Bin Ali.

Another innovative concept is the dedicated children's mall, which will be a unique experience in the region and will be an example of innovation and architectural design, he stated.

"Its design portrays the form of two big gifts wrapped in red and gold. The uniqueness of the design reflects Qatar’s inclination towards developing landmarks of modern architecture. The commercial complex, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East, seeks to surprise visitors and draw a smile on their faces, within an overwhelming atmosphere of joy and fun," he added.
 
The project will a boon to the residents of  the Katara Hills project, who will enjoy close proximity to this outstanding environment.

"What distinguishes this project is the integration of visual aesthetics, entertainment, hospitality, trademarks, leisure, art and culture all in one outstanding area," remarked Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, the general manager of Katara.

The cultural district offers a unique and unprecedented model, in investment-based cultural projects,. he noted.

"It is a gigantic architectural masterpiece that raises awareness of the importance of every culture and civilisation, through the hosting of local, Arab and international events, workshops, exhibitions and festivals in various art, thought and culture to form a meeting place for all cultures in the world," added Dr Al Sulaiti.-TradeArabia News Service