Dubai: Ibn Battuta Mall opens

Published April 14th, 2005 - 06:02 GMT

Ibn Battuta Mall, the Middle East region's largest themed shopping experience,
was opened, forming the latest addition to Nakheel's portfolio of unique real estate developments.  

 

Ibn Battuta Mall has been uniquely designed to accommodate the best of retail, entertainment and eateries, and is set to emerge as Dubai's leading shopping destination. The architectural inspiration behind the unique design of the mall comes from the travels of the legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, through Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The mall traces the route that had the most impact on the life of Ibn Battuta, with its elaborately themed sections, designed to take visitors back in time.

 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel said, "Dubai is known across the world as a shopping paradise. Nakheel has designed the Ibn Battuta Mall to offer shoppers an exciting themed shopping experience that is unique in every way. Like all Nakheel's projects, the mall bears the trademark features of our quality and exclusiveness. Ibn Battuta Mall is more than a shopping mall, it is a landmark in itself, depicting the richness of Arabian culture and history."

 

"The mall symbolises Dubai with its distinctive design that embodies a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Ibn Battuta Mall is certain to be the new landmark in Dubai not only for shopping but also for entertainment. The mall presents a whole new concept for shoppers in the region, and we expect tourists coming into Dubai from all parts of the world, to visit the themed mall and enjoy their time shopping, while involving themselves in a host of other value added offerings," added Bin Sulayem.


The mall houses a 21 screen Megaplex and the region's first IMAX experience- which will open shortly- all built to international standards with cutting edge entertainment technology, including automated cinema, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seats, full digital surround sound and an ultra stylish lobby.

"The strategic location of the mall in the new Dubai area will further contribute to the success of this venture. There is a stamp of quality in everything associated with Ibn Battuta Mall, starting from the architecture and general theme, to the tenancy mix and the entertainment options," remarked Murray Scanlan, Mall Manager, Ibn Battuta Mall. "Customers will be amazed at the variety they will find under one roof and we look forward to exceeding their expectations by high quality service."

 

Ibn Battuta Mall, which is segmented into six distinct zones, spreads across an area of 5.4 million square feet, including a parking lot that can accommodate more than 5000 cars. The retail area at the mall covers 67,500 square meters with 275 retail outlets, while the well-planned Food Court spans 3,800 square meters.

 

Several leading brands like Geant, the French retailing chain have already set up operations at the mall. G?ant covers a floor space of 200,000 square feet, including service areas where consumers will be able to find a variety of products and services.


Customers will have easy access to the mall as Nakheel has built its own interchange, situated between Interchange 5 and 6 on Sheikh Zayed Road, which will allow direct access to the mall.