Thousands of visitors flocked  to the Doha Festival City as the largest entertainment, retail and hospitality destination in Qatar opened its doors to the public yesterday (April 5).

The mall is managed and operated by Al-Futtaim.

With something for everyone, visitors enjoyed the country’s biggest Marks & Spencer, the market’s first West Elm, the much anticipated Muji and the new flagship stores from H&M and Centerpoint. Over the next few weeks visitors will also be able to enjoy brands including the first VOX Cinemas in Qatar and the world’s largest Monoprix Hypermarket amongst many others.
 
Trevor Hill, general manager of Doha Festival City Mall, said: “We currently have an extensive number of new-concept and first-to-market stores opened and are looking forward to many more over the coming weeks and months including Harvey Nichols, Mama’s & Papa’s, All Saints, Hanna Andersson and four unique theme parks. The first Angry Birds World globally, indoor snow park Snow Dunes, ‘edutainment’ park Juniverse and digital experience Virtuocity, will all be open by the end of the summer. We have also opened our purpose built Outdoor Leisure Trail, a 3 km track designed with fun and fitness in mind – with this element free for our customers to enjoy.”
 
Nick Batey, general manager, Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim, Mena, said: “As the biggest store opening for Marks & Spencer in Qatar this year, we are proud to be launching our world renowned chilled food for the first time in Qatar, as well as our table service M&S Café, which offers our customers a more leisurely experience. After much anticipation M&S in Doha Festival City has received a very positive reaction from our first customers today.”
 
In order to further enhance its customer’s journey, Doha Festival City has partnered with 12 hotels across Doha to offer their guests complementary trips to and from the Mall – with shuttle services running throughout the day seven days a week.
 
As a ‘Smart Mall’, Doha Festival City has incorporated a number of innovative concepts that combines with unique technology, enhancing its visitors’ experience at every part of their journey within the destination. From digital wayfinding, smart car parking and free high-speed wifi to its extensive digital media network – every ‘Smart’ aspect has been considered throughout.
 
Hill continued: “After many months of anticipation, we are tremendously proud to finally welcome the public to our world-class destination and are already enjoying the positive feedback. We invite visitors to come and celebrate with us time and again, as we have a number of surprises in store at Doha Festival City to ensure ongoing one-of-a-kind experiences for all.”   
 
The QR6.5 billion ($1.785 billion) Doha Festival City has a gross building area of 433,000 sq m and a gross leasable area of 244,000 sq m. - TradeArabia News Service