Dubai – Masaader News
Leading UAE developer, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah’s largest real estate developer and investment company, has announced the completion of phase one of the revamped Manar Mall, reaffirming its position as the emirate’s premier retail and leisure destination with a total of 164 international and local retailers, food outlets and entertainment options.
The main construction work is now finished with fit-out work for individual units taking place in stages, some vendors have already started to fit out their branded units. Phase one of the refurbishment project is expected to be complete by Q3 2018 when landscaping and infrastructure work for phase two is carried out.
Benoy Kurien, general manager of Al Hamra Group, said: “The design team have been working tirelessly to get the right look and feel. We’re now ready to move to the second phase of development where our focus will be on securing even more top range brands.
“We are creating something exceptional for Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the Northern Emirates with a diverse retail, F&B and entertainment complex, helping us to realise our corporate vision as the largest and most visited mall in the Northern Emirates,” he added.
Once fully completed the Gross Leasable Area (GLA) will increase from just over 300,000sqft to nearly 600,000sqft, adding an additional 80 retail destinations, including those from the Lals Group, with brands including Homes r US; leading American children’s brand, Carter’s; the unique lifestyle brand, Daiso Japan; Italian multi-brand store, Miriade; and American sports brand, US Polo Assn.
Lals Group chief executive, Jayant Ganwani, said: “Expanding in to Ras Al Khaimah has been an integral part of our business strategy. RAK has seen strong and steady retail growth throughout the last few years thanks to a burgeoning tourism market and real estate developments such as Al Hamra Village. Manar Mall is a key shopping destination in the UAE retail scene, thus making good business sense to have Homes r Us and our other brands present in this location.”
The mall enjoys a consistently strong footfall, welcoming over 300,000 people every month with residents and tourists both taking advantage of the extensive F&B outlets, the relaxed atmosphere and a wealth of shopping.
Opened in September 2000, Manar Mall is central to the local community; partly overlooking the corniche, where shoppers and families can relax with a spectacular waterfront retail promenade overlooking the local mangroves. A fountain display is also being developed, further adding to the draw of RAK’s oldest and most established mall.
Located close to RAK city centre, the mall is already home to renowned brands such as Carrefour, Marks & Spencer, H&M, Sephora, M&Co, New Look, Next, Mothercare, Boots Pharmacy, Bath & Body Works, Chili’s, McDonald’s and KFC, together with some of the UAE’s most iconic homegrown retail brands, including Paris Gallery, Sun & Sand Sport, Damas and E-Max, with a Fun City and a seven-screen NOVO cinema.