Bawadi Mall has attracted 2 million visitors just after four months of opening, boosted by its "Around the World in 80 Days" summer shopping festival that concluded on Friday (28th of August 2009).
Tenants and major brands were pleased with the footfall, and the majority of them said that are optimistic about the UAE’s retail industry which will not be severely hit by the recessionary trends, especially in Al Ain.
Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall, said: “Tenants are thrilled by the turnout and the mall’s positioning as a leisure landmark for the UAE market as well as GCC visitors specially from Oman. The actual sales are within their expectations; a reflection of the success of the mall management’s marketing campaign that promotes every retail tenant because we believe in long-term partnerships.”
Mall visitors expressed their satisfaction over the activities of the festival that presented entertainment programs from 11 countries, including Lebanon, Sudan, Egypt, India, Ireland, Russia, Philippines, USA, Colombia, Syria and the UAE. These troupes celebrate the cultures of their countries. This festival reflected Al Ain’s aspiration to position itself more prominently on the world map.
Shraim added: “A series of round the year innovative activities are in the pipeline to add a unique flavor to our customers’ experience at the mall.
Hussein Al Atat, Manager, Zein Al Atat renowned Arab brand added: “Bawadi Mall proved to be a preferred destination to visitors and tourists alike from all over the world. The mall has attracted renowned retail brands and it offers a rich cultural experience to its visitors. The summer festival was designed to provide our customers with something innovative and beautiful”.
Shraim added: “We believe every shopping mall has the responsibility to contribute to the tourism industry by developing integrated shopping programs that help in promoting the destination. We are dedicated to promoting Al Ain as a meeting place for all cultures of the world”.
Bawadi Mall houses a mix of international as well as regional retail brands of fashion, food, jewellery and much more, all in a bright, spacious and inviting environment, distinguished by a wide curved vaulted skylight that soars above the main corridor and its main three spacious courts.
Bawadi Mall has opened at a time where Al Ain city is expanding dramatically. Bawadi Mall provides an ideal shopping experience for people of the UAE and beyond. New brands have made their debut in the Al Ain city through the mall, such as Zara, Mango, MAX , Marks & Spencer, Kotton, New look, H&M, ACE amongst others.
Developed by Nael & Bin Harmal Inv. Co. L.L.C, the 140,000 square metre Bawadi Mall, with a gross leasable area of 110,000 square metres, positioned as Al Ain’s ultimate shopping, dining and leisure destination, is located just 5 minutes from the town center on “Mezyad Road”, which can be conveniently accessed, avoiding the congested city roads.
Engineer Khalil Dalleh, a visitor to the mall said: “The activities we enjoyed represent the diversity of the cultures in the world. Our visit provided an enjoyable and enriching experience to the whole family.”
