Mall of the Emirates, the flagship property of MAF Shopping Malls was judged the ‘Retail Destination of the Year’ at the inaugural World Retail Awards.
Thirty-three companies from fifteen different countries competed in ten different categories at the awards held on Friday, 29th March, 2007 at the Palau Nacional in the centre of Barcelona. Over 700 people from the international retail and property industries attended the awards.
Mall of the Emirates faced stiff competition from Galeries Lafayette – France, Bluewater – UK, SM Mall of Asia – Phillipines, Barcelona Shopping Line – Spain and El Corte Ingles – Sanchinarro Shopping Centre – Spain to win this trophy.
Responding to the win, a jubilant Graham Dreverman, CEO, MAF Shopping Malls said, “We are proud to accept this trophy for our flagship property, Mall of the Emirates. The mall is less than two years old but has managed to compete with established properties across the globe and win the prestigious ‘Retail Destination of the Year’ trophy.”
“This is global recognition for a mall that has become an iconic landmark and must-see destination for residents and tourists alike. The world’s first shopping resort is home to over 450 international retail brands as well as a unique range of family entertainment and it was MAF Shopping Malls’ desire to be truly innovative in the development of this mall combined with the centres excellent commercial performance that has impressed the judges so much.”
The mall attracted over 23.5 million visitors in 2006 and has regularly exceeded expectations in regard to sales. In addition the mall has won seven major awards in 2006 recognising excellence in such disciplines as construction, marketing, retailing and leisure.
“This award is testament to the huge efforts of both MAF employees and our retail and service partners in delivering and operating Mall of the Emirates and I would like to thank everyone involved for their contribution and continued commitment”, added Dreverman.
Closer to home, Mall of the Emirates was awarded ‘Mall of the Year’ by Retail ME and GMR Gulf Excellence in Marketing Award for ‘New Brand Launch’.
Mall of the Emirates was judged winner of GMR Gulf Excellence in Marketing Award’s ‘New Brand Launch’ category based on its ability to demonstrate growth in sales and traffic from its promotions and events. The mall fought off stiff competition from high profile brands including Masafi Fruit drinks, du and Damas. Noted for the quality of submissions based on the entries received, Mall of the Emirates was also awarded the Silver Grand Prix award by GMR.
Mall of the Emirates was judged ‘Mall of the Year’ at the second edition of the annual Retail ME Awards. Considered among the most coveted events in the region, the Retail ME Awards were held under the patronage of Shaikha Lubna bint Khaled Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Economy. The Retail ME awards recognise excellence in the retail industry.
“Middle East retail is poised for great growth in the years ahead and this positions the mall at the forefront of this exciting industry sector. Receiving local, regional and international recognition from the industry and our peers firmly establishes MAF Shopping Malls as a dominant player in the field and has set the benchmark for malls and retail practices in the region.” added Dreverman.
About Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates, the world’s first shopping resort, is located in Dubai at interchange four on Sheikh Zayed Road. The two-level shopping centre features over 450 international brands including 220,000 sqm of department stores, fashion, lifestyle, sports, electronics and home furnishing outlets, the largest Carrefour in the city and over 60 stores that are unique to the centre. The compelling family leisure offer includes a Magic Planet family entertainment area, a 14-screen multiplex cinema, the world-renowned Ski Dubai - the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park - a five star Kempinski hotel and 70 coffee shops and restaurants. Recently, the mall’s 500 seat community theatre and accompanying arts centre – DUCTAC - opened its doors to the public.
There is a dedicated overpass offering easy access to the mall and 7,000 public parking spaces. This landmark development within the MAF Shopping Mall portfolio has welcomed over 23 million visitors in the calendar year of 2006 and expects substantial growth in footfall and sales in 2007 thanks to its burgeoning reputation amongst residents and tourists alike.
World Retail Congress
Created in direct response to the demands of retailers in both developed and emerging markets, and supported by major international players including Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Carrefour, Ikea, AlShaya, AS Watson and Best Buy, the World Retail Congress will bring together the world’s retail leaders for high-level debate with international policy makers. The aim is to drive growth in the global retail economy, promote the benefits of global retail excellence and gain sustainable, competitive edge in domestic and international markets. With thousands of key retail professionals and politicians expected to attend, the focus will be on discussing and influencing the issues for change. Further details at www.worldretailcongress.com
