Dubai’s Meraas launches Italian themed outlet mall

Dubai-based holding company Meraas unveiled its latest retail development, the Italian-themed Outlet Village, on Tuesday.

The upscale outlet mall, located opposite the company’s theme park venture Dubai Parks and Resorts to the south of the city, will offer discounted high-end brand merchandise.

It is due for completion in the third quarter of 2016 and will feature 25,000 square metres of gross leasable retail space.

The indoor mall has been inspired by Tuscan hilltop town and UNESCO World Heritage site San Gimignano and is planned to host 100 retail brands.

Architectural highlights will include medieval-style towers, arched walkways, bridges, stone foundations, courtyards and a stone wishing well.

“The Outlet Village brings together striking aesthetics inspired by a rich past with contemporary lifestyle, inviting visitors to explore the contrast between old and new,” said Meraas director for project management leisure and entertainment Omar Ghalib Al-Bustami.

“We have spared no effort to evoke the charm of San Gimignano and ensure that this distinctive shopping experience includes much-loved and prestigious brands to perfectly match the needs of today’s sophisticated customer.”

On top of fashion brands, the mall will retail popular sportswear, furniture and household goods at “attractive” prices. It will also feature a variety of food and beverage outlets.

Meraas has been on something of a launch spree of late. Announcements from the company this year have included a video game theme park and a rainforest biodome.