Cityland Group, the inventors of key attractions - Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, has announced plans to build Cityland Mall, a 2.2 million sq ft nature-inspired mall, said to be the world's first to feature botanical wonders.

Scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2018 with a connected access to Global Village, the single-level shopping complex will have 1.13 million sq ft of leasable space with a colossal green reserve at the mall’s core.

A Dh1.1 billion ($299 million) property, the mall will boast of major leisure attractions such as an amphitheater, mini water park and a mini Miracle Garden, which will blend retail with recreation and wellness.

The well-rounded shopping ‘destination’ pioneers a new trend in family entertainment where superior retail experience meets ecological preservation, sustainable design, and interaction with nature, said the statement from the Cityland Group.

Cityland Mall is expecting an annual footfall of up to 12 million visitors and will tap into the year-on-year rising tourist visits to the city, it added.

Unveiling the details of the dream project, Fahimuddin, the chief executive and board member, Cityland Group, said the new retail project will carve a niche in the country’s bustling leisure and shopping sector.

"The mall guarantees an immersive experience for all members of the family, led by a strong selection of renowned fashion retailers, convenience store, cinema theatre and dining options of both international repute and local popularity. What sets Cityland Mall apart is an open-air botanical garden, that forms the nucleus – both literally in mall architecture and symbolically as this will be the hallmark attraction," remarked the official.

"Families, children and environment enthusiasts will be treated to an awe-inspiring assortment of floral specimens," said  Fahimuddin.  

"The expansive, 200,000 sq ft open-air garden, labelled ‘Central Park’, will be a breathing testament to nature’s rich biodiversity showcased through unique attractions, such as: mini version of the famed Miracle Garden, a mini water park, 300-year old ancient tree garden, Japanese garden, 360-degree rooftop garden, and a cluster of restaurants and al fresco cafés overlooking its scenic beauty," he added.

According to him, a 3,000-seat amphitheater and a miniature amphitheater for children will provide a dynamic platform for performing arts throughout the year, and foster a culture of community and learning amongst children in an inspired atmosphere.

A walking track along this open-air garden will position Cityland Mall as a one-of-its-kind destination where retail satisfaction seamlessly blends with health and wellness, he stated.

The green space will be strengthened by Cityland’s proven success in maintaining the Dubai Miracle Garden, where cutting-edge engineering and technology keeps lush floras blooming across seasons, he added.

Abdel Naser Rahhal, the vice chairman, Cityland Group, believes that the garden highlights the group’s commitment to making Dubai a greener city.

"This property furthers our legacy in championing green spaces that deliver meaningful entertainment and a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," remarked Rahhal.

"A central attraction within the mall, access to the park will be free of charge, and will ensure repeat visits owing to its invigorating environment that is carefully planned to cultivate a soulful experience. We are bucking the trend of visitors leaving the mall premises with only shopping bags. With Cityland Mall, they will also take home a part of nature and start the next day with rejuvenated spirit," he added.

Cityland Mall’s unique interior will consist of six thematic pavilions; each displaying a distinct global culture and design style that represents the cultural diversity and eclecticism in the UAE - a home to people of various nationalities.

The 1.13 million-sq-ft retail area will be dedicated to trendy home furnishing stores, electronic outlets, cosmetic shops as well as personal and banking services - present through more than 350 retail stores.

A hypermarket will fill 100,000 sq ft of space - the largest in Dubailand area.

The largest share of retail space will reside with popular fashion outlets, covering 48 per cent of the total leasable area. Twenty seven per cent of mall space is assigned for a wide variety of retail and service outlets and 10 per cent for entertainment spots.

With 15 per cent dedicated to restaurants and cafés, the share occupied by a mall’s F&B offerings, which will serve up more than 75 global dining options, is the largest in the region.

A dining area enveloped by an arch structure with wooden interiors will form the outer-perimeter of the botanical garden, giving way to a memorable experience with many restaurants getting uninterrupted view of the mall’s botanical wonders.

On the leisure side, the developer said 14 to 16 cinema screens, including a dedicated kid’s screen, will play the latest movies at the box office and incorporate the latest film technologies such as the 4DX format.

The mall will also feature shaded parking space for over 6,000 cars and multiple entry and exit points.

Part of Cityland Group’s vision for the future is constructing three hotels of three to four star variants surrounding the mall property, revealed Rahhal.

It is also drawing up plans to replicate the mall concept in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain after the much-awaited inauguration in Dubai, it added.

According to him, Cityland Mall will be launched at an exciting time for Dubai. "The city is building a robust canvas for projects that provide a holistic sensory experience, setting off a ripple effect of commercial activity in the area," remarked Rahhal.

"With this mall, communities surrounding Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road, or E 311, will be turned into a mega destination with new theme parks and Global Village in close proximity," he added.-TradeArabia News Service