More than 150,000 visitors flocked to witness the grand opening of the Mall of Qatar yesterday (April 8), which featured over 200 talented artists performing in over 20 mall-wide shows.

HH Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the super mall, the celebration of which presented vocals and lyrical prowess of multi-national awarded classical crossover vocal group - Il Divo.

Visitors celebrated the unforgettable day with a variety of exciting activities. In addition to a memorable performance by Il Divo, stage shows included Shaolin Warriors – a showcase of the remarkable skills of over 10 kung fu masters who demonstrated over a thousand years of Chinese martial-arts culture, as well as the Dinosaur Zoo live performance with amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures performed on stage.

The mall-wide shows included tree walkers, balloon dragons and flower walking parades for all visitors to enjoy. Families also experienced thrilling kiddy balloon rides inside the mall. Furthermore, MOQLIVE amazed audiences with its mesmerising live performances.

“It was a day filled with magnificent experiences, laughter and great times that truly set the tone for what is yet to come. We are really looking forward to welcoming more guests from near and far, and showing them our Mall of Qatar hospitality and a truly unique experience – where a new surprise will be waiting with every visit,” Rony Mourani, general manager, Mall of Qatar said.

A destination for all ages

Mall of Qatar combines shopping and entertainment opportunities to ensure all customers have a physical and emotional experience while shopping. It captivates visitors and allows them to escape and indulge in an adventure.

When it comes to incredible entrainment options, Mall of Qatar still maintains the traditional elements with its 19-screen Megaplex operated by NOVO, which includes VIP screens and in-gourmet food services, as well as a bowling alley. However, it pushes the boundaries of the imagination by introducing IMAX’s revolutionary laser projection and immersive sound system on the largest screen in the Middle East region, in addition to the latest 4D projection technology screen offering an immersive experience with special effects and seats that move in synchronization with the movie.

Mall of Qatar opens the doors to children’s imagination with leading concepts that will delight, entertain and educate young minds, while giving parents the opportunity to shop, relax and spend time with each other. KidzMondo features more than 70 scaled-down businesses including a central plaza, fire station, clock tower, police station and hospital theatre. And for the more adventurous, Xtremeland introduces exclusive rides and real-life battlefield action on the latest cutting-edge video gaming machines.

The Mall also stays true to offering an incredible retail mix of over 500 brands including over 100 food and beverage options. Collectively the brands at Mall of Qatar will ensure an exciting collection of well-loved international luxury and high street fashion, footwear, food, health and beauty, pharmacy, optics and home furnishing brands.

World of entertainment at the Oasis

The Oasis takes spectators to another world, with transformative lighting and sound capabilities to dazzle viewers from every angle. Its 360-degree revolving theatrical stage is home to MOQLIVE, giving visitors an incredible experience of the first 360 degree professional theatre in the world inside a mall, with custom shows, on a scale like never before, featuring a proprietary resident performing troupe. Up to 25 dancers, singers, actors and acrobats can be seen live on stage at any given performance.

Its extensive lighting, sound, and water features come together to create awe-inspiring shows that transform the venue from a mall to a world-class theatre. At the Oasis, the mall’s bustling corridors will convene and fall silent, giving way to a visual and audible spectacle like no other.

Transforming the indoor experience

Shopping malls around the world are generally known for their artificial lighting – Mall of Qatar pushes the boundaries by bringing the outdoors in. Featuring over 10,500 sq m of extensive natural sky lighting including the breath-taking 28-meter high skylight in the luxurious court, and 26 relaxing water features both inside and outside the mall, visitors can take in the fresh air and enjoy 48,000 sq m of landscaped greenery and the colourful, and dynamic façade from one of two signature restaurants with terraces and balcony seating. – TradeArabia News Service