Cityland Group, developer of Cityland Mall, the UAE’s first nature-inspired mall scheduled for launch in 2018, has announced the appointment of Dubai-based McArthur + Company as operators of the 1.2-million-sq-ft GLA (gross leasable area) mall project.

The property that is currently under construction is located adjacent to Global Village and will be in close proximity to residential communities in Arabian Ranches, Majan, Al Barari, Layan, and Falcon City among many others.

McArthur + Company, one of the world’s leading shopping centre specialists, will look to ensure a great guest experience for mall visitors, a statement said.

The team will also work closely with retailers and restaurateurs to promote the mall with energetic and innovative footfall-generating activities. In addition, there will be a strong focus on environmental sustainability and efficiency in managing the operating costs of the property. Focus will also be on leveraging the mall’s ‘nature’ aspect that is present in the form of Central Park.

McArthur + Company and its partners have successfully developed, managed and leased many large mall projects in the UAE and the wider region for over 20 years, such as Deira City Centre, Citystars in Cairo as well as Dubai Festival City.

Fahimuddin Sharfuddin, chief executive officer and board member, Cityland Group, said: “We have been working with the McArthur + Company team for the last two years on planning, designing and leasing the mall.  They have demonstrated a great deal of passion for the project and a sharp understanding of the competitive dynamics in Dubai’s retail and mall landscape. We are delighted to have the McArthur + Company management team on board to ensure our guests receive a world-class experience.”

Phil McArthur, founder and managing director, McArthur + Company, said: “Consumers in Dubai have many options for a shopping destination, and we recognize that we will be opening and running Cityland Mall in a highly competitive environment. This is something our team takes seriously, but we also know that providing the residents of Dubailand a convenient large-format mall that offers a nature-inspired proposition will be a welcome addition to this rapidly growing area of Dubai’s new residential corridor.”

“Our research shows that over 225,000 residents in Dubailand have to travel over 30-45 minutes to reach a sizable mall.  Our planning culture has been heavily influenced on how can we cater to and delight this market for their day-to-day shopping requirements as well as dining and entertainment needs,” he added.

Cityland Mall will be the only mega shopping destination to be unveiled in 2018 and is poised to become a key attraction for both residents and visitors. It will feature over 350 retail outlets, unique dining options, a variety of entertainment offerings and an expansive ‘Central Park’ – a 200,000-sq-ft botanical garden that will form the nucleus of the single-storey circular-shaped mall.

Cityland Mall has signed up ‘Carrefour’ as the hypermarket operator with a 100,000-sq-ft presence, making it the largest hypermarket in the Dubailand area. It also got on board VOX Cinemas that will feature 10 screens and ‘Fabyland’ for an all-immersive kids and family entertainment offering. – TradeArabia News Service