Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, said construction work on the second phase of its City Centre Muscat redevelopment project is progressing well following the successful completion of the first phase.

City Centre Muscat is the first and largest lifestyle shopping destination in Oman, which is owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim.

Its RO27-million ($70 million) redevelopment project will offer customers a range of expanded dining and shopping options, with exclusive brands making their debut in the sultanate, said a statement from Majid Al Futtaim.

The newly-transformed lifestyle destination will have capacity to welcome an increased number of guests with more accessible navigation through the mall and a premium finish in line with Majid Al Futtaim’s standards, it added.  

With the completion of Phase One, the regional retail pioneer has seen the launch of a 10-screen Vox Cinemas, the renovation of Magic Planet, the mall’s food court dining area, and the addition of 700 car-park spaces.

In the second phase of its 10,000-sq-m retail expansion, the mall will welcome 60 additional new shopping outlets featuring a diverse collection of lifestyle-oriented brands, including 12 new high-profile international retailers making their debut in the Omani market for the first time.

Some of the highlights of the revamped destination include a new state-of-the-art, ecologically sustainable LED (light emitting diode) lighting system; elegantly designed flooring; and updated ceiling structures that allow better acoustics as well as more natural light throughout the mall, said the company statement.

City Centre Muscat has achieved significant infrastructure milestones such as the modification of the existing ground floor car park for improved accessibility, and the installation of a new network of drainage, storm water, electrical circuits, partitions, and waterproofing systems, it added.

Project contractor Douglas Construction & Engineering said as of now, more than 450,000 hours of work had been logged in for the construction site.

"City Centre Muscat’s redevelopment will tremendously enhance our visitors’ shopping and dining experience through a range of new brands as well as upgraded interiors and access to the mall," remarked Husam Al Mandhari, the senior mall manager.

"The investment underlines Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to both residents and tourists in the sultanate, bringing great moments for everyone, everyday now and in the years to come," he added.

New high-profile international brands headed to the mall include Virgin Megastore, Bershka, American Eagle, Koton, fashion accessories F&F, New Look, Guess Accessories, Lovisa, Pandora jewellery, and handmade cosmetics Lush, all coming to Oman for the first time.

An expanded dining zone will host five new casual-dining restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines include Kosibasi Turkish restaurant, Ahwak Arabic restaurant, Pizza Express, Paul restaurant from France, and Shake Shack, the burger specialist.-TradeArabia News Service