Mirdif City Centre is being designed in such a way that customers can consider the mall an extension of their homes, leaving them at ease and comfort, said an official.

The latest City Centre offering, spread over 196,000 sq/m, will provide a powerful destination for those looking for a well integrated shopping, leisure and entertainment destination within easy reach of their community, he added.

“Mirdif City Centre has been designed to project a natural ambience, almost like a breath of fresh air, and quite different from what you have seen in Dubai so far. There will be a sense of community in its environments that you don't typically find in a mall,” stated Richard Reid, senior vice-president, MAF Developments.

The two-level centre is being designed by the internationally renowned architecture firms, RTKL and Holfords Associates, who have given it a simple rectangular, racetrack layout with nodes at the intersections to act as areas for the mall’s eight anchor stores.

The mall’s most dramatic feature, the main central galleria, is designed as an active urban street and town square that progresses from the landscaped entrance through the heart of the scheme, forming a series of themed interconnecting rooms, with roof structures spanning up to 20 metres high.

A number of water features and tall palms are included in the internal landscape, lending it the feel of an indoor ‘oasis’ and making it a relaxing environment to meet both family and friends. Provisions have been made for these public spaces to be adaptable for a variety of events throughout the year.

The garden area outside the mall’s main entrance will be a popular destination during the cooler months, he added.

Mirdif City Centre will comprise of two food court areas, both very unique in their design and feel. While one will boast a Victorian décor, the other will reflect a variety of environments inspired by Alhambra, the Middle Eastern courtyards and traditional souk corridors.

Mirdif City Centre is Majid Al Futtaim Group’s first project to embrace sustainable and environment friendly construction and design form its inception.

The Centre will adopt Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (Leed) standards; a rating system developed by the US Green Building Council and adopted by the Emirates Environmental Group as the methodology for measuring and certifying ‘sustainability’.

It will be home to over 430 retail outlets and some of the most unique entertainment concepts in the region.-TradeArabia News Service