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Abu Dhabi will add 778,000 sq. m. of retail space over the next three years, which represents 8 percent of the total new shopping space (9.8 million sq. m.) opened in 2013 in 180 cities globally.
The figures were revealed by Bassam Saleh, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall, the 5 year old hugest shopping mall in Al Ain, based on a global study conducted by property adviser CBRE.
The study also says that a total of 39 million sq. m. of shopping centre retail space is currently under construction in the world’s biggest cities, with Abu Dhabi having more retail space under development than anywhere in the Gulf.
Saleh says: “It does not come as a surprise to many that Abu Dhabi has the largest retail space under development in the GCC, because the capital of the UAE has been taking firm steps in becoming a world class city. Malls in the Emirate have standards that are on par with leading shopping destinations in the world, such as Paris, London and New York. Visitors feel they are in a five-star shopping arcade, in terms of services, ambience, promotions, outreach programmes and staff in stores and management.”
“Bawadi Mall has adopted the ‘edutainment’ concept that has converted the shopping service into an experience enjoyed by all members of the family,” emphasised Saleh.
He added: “We adopt global best practices to make the visitors welcome and comfortable. One of the main reasons for the stupendous success of our approach is that we consider the visitor a tourist rather than a customer coming to shop. We greet them with entertainment and social activities that address the diversity of cultures living in the UAE.”
Saleh added that Abu Dhabi in general and Al Ain in particular offers superior shopping ambience, driven by strong collaboration between mall management, tenants representing international, regional and local brands as well as visitors who remain the central part of any shopping experience.
He said: “These visitors with high purchasing power, a strong shopping culture and appreciation of classy brands are energizing the shopping industry, as supply keeps pace with the huge demand, translating into high footfall.”
Bawadi Mall has a strong line-up of entertainment activities for the remaining of 2014. Moreover, the ideal shopping environment provided by the mall and the numerous promotions offered at all retail outlets including fashion, hospitality and entertainment are reinforcing the mall’s position on the regional map of shopping malls as Al Ain city’s footprint on the region’s tourism map is getting bigger.
In addition, Bawadi Mall hosts several educational, health, social, and art shows organised by government and private entities in Al Ain city. “These events, held largely during peak periods, are widely welcomed by visitors and tourists alike,” added Saleh.
Bawadi Mall has 400 food & beverage, fashion, entertainment outlets, and it is one of the leading destinations for UAE residents and tourists.
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