Dubai’s Revamped Al Ghurair Centre To Open On Oct 1

Dubai-based Al Ghurair Centre will open its new expanded retail space on October 1, featuring over 130 new stores.

The revamp is part of a Dhs2 billion overhaul of the Deira-based mall, the oldest in Dubai.

New offerings include retail brands such as Marks & Spencer, Mango, Iconic, Omega, Cortefiel and Aeropostale and newcomers to the market such as George, Crazy 8, Calzedonia and I Am.

The expansion also features an 18-outlet international food court and Sparky’s – a family entertainment centre featuring an ice rink, indoor rollercoaster and other rides.

Overall, the mall will now offer more than 850,000 square feet of retail, food and beverage and entertainment options across 350 outlets.

David Thurling, vice president Malls for Al Ghurair Properties, said: “The new retail offering appeals to a broad customer base being primarily mid- to upper-mid income consumers.”

The company is also undertaking a complete re-packaging of the mall’s branding. It is planning a new marketing strategy as part of which it will move away from the traditional seasonal promotions.

“We intend to create a very special district in and around our mall that will come alive throughout the entire year as a place for street theatre, art and music,” said Thurling.

“In many ways, the centre will build on the inherent vibrancy of the surrounding streets to create a bustling experience similar to places like Greenwich Village in New York or Covent Garden in London.”

The new-look mall will also feature two atriums and two indoor fountains with choreographed effects.

Al Ghurair Centre said it will kick off the new opening with three months of international and local entertainment including performances by Colombian urban circus troupe Circolombia, British magician James More, and the Voca People.