Mall of the Emirates, the world’s first shopping resort is truly the ultimate destination for tourists visiting Dubai. The mall is home to over 450 international retail brands as well as a unique family entertainment offer ranging from the chance to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai or riding rollercoasters in Magic Planet to enjoying theatre performances at the community theatre or relaxing at the hotel spa.
“The malls unique multifaceted offering has firmly established it as an iconic landmark and must-see feature for visitors to the region. In the past year the mall has seen over 4 million tourist visits which has encouraged the mall to firmly focus on the booming tourist market. Tourists visit from all over the world but we get particularly strong representation from the GCC, UK, Germany, Russia and emerging Asian markets such as China. On average a tourist will spend 50% more than a resident and will contribute approximately 30% of sales in 2007.” said Fuad Mansour Sharaf, General Manager Mall of the Emirates.
“At Mall of the Emirates we aim to provide a 5-star shopping and leisure experience to all of our customers. The introduction of a luggage service ensures tourists can shop in comfort and a DHL courier service allows them to send bulkier items straight back home. The availability of Thrifty car hire means that they can use the mall as a base to explore other attractions in Dubai”.
A free shuttle bus facility has been added to the malls list of tourist-orientated services. The two shuttle buses conveniently pick-up and drop-off tourists from selected hotels along Jumeirah beach and Sheikh Zayed Road every day. In addition to the mall’s own shuttle, the centre has facilities to welcome over 600 coaches and hotel cars each week.
Additional tourist friendly services include post boxes for post cards, mobile charging and multi-lingual staff. Based on feedback the mall is planning even more initiatives to come to ensure access to the mall is easier and the stay more enjoyable.
At Mall of the Emirates visitors can shop, play and even stay. The 5 star Kempinski hotel adjoining the mall adds an air of sophistication whereby tourists can relax in luxury on-site. Work is underway on a second hotel at the other end of the centre to meet the high level of demand for rooms.
The mall’s growing international reputation has been recognised in a number of awards. The centre won ‘Best International Retail and Leisure Destination’ and ‘Most Innovative International Retail & Leisure Concept at the RLI awards in London last year and recently was voted Mall of the Year by Retail Middle-East. The mall is also nominated for Best Retail Destination at the World Retail Congress, an awards ceremony being held in Madrid in March.
“This is a reflection on the mall’s international reputation and popularity of its diverse offerings around the region”, concluded Fuad.
