Al Hamra, the Ras Al Khaimah-based real estate developer and investment company is celebrating several milestones for the newly expanded and upgraded Manar Mall development.
The US$100m investment has seen the mall’s gross leasable area increase from 27,000m² to 55,000m2, which includes the addition of 80 new retail outlets, taking the tally to over 120 plus a further 30 F&B outlets.
Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said: “We are committed to delivering the ultimate must visit, must return entertainment complex by attracting leading international brands and a diverse range of F&B outlets. Our vision has always been to be the largest and most visited mall in the Northern Emirates, further underscoring our position as the leading developer and investment company in the region.”
Marquee signings in 2018 included Landmark Group’s Ecco, Steve Madden, Carpisa, Koton and Pablosky stores while the leisure division, Landmark Leisure, one of the UAE’s leading multi-faceted leisure and entertainment firms, opened Tridom, the first indoor adventure park of its kind in the Northern Emirates, which has the tallest indoor drop tower in the Middle East.
Home improvement and lifestyle store Al-Futtaim ACE, chose Manar Mall to open its very first store in the Northern Emirates, while UAE-based Al Khayyat Investments, a leading Dubai holding company representing several leading international brands, opened its first Superdry store in the emirate.
Lals Group expanded into the region with the opening of stores including Homes r Us; leading American children’s brand, Carter’s and the unique lifestyle brand, Daiso Japan.
Al Shaya Group confirmed the opening of two new retail brands, Muji and American Eagle in 2019, the group will also introduce Shake Shack to the Northern Emirates, joining other F&B outlets which opened earlier this year including Mado, 971 Emirates Gourmet, Coffee Club, Al Kateam, Caliburger, Icons Coffee, Yummy Waffles and Dunkin Donuts, amongst others.
Novo Cinemas will undertake a renovation program in 2019, introducing the first IMAX theatre to RAK.
Rounding out activity will be Manar Mall’s unique waterfront promenade, slated for completion in summer 2019. The development will boast a cinema on water, a range of food trucks, light shows, paddle boats and a play area for kids including water fountains, swings and trampolines.
“These are exciting times for Manar Mall, Al Hamra and for Ras Al Khaimah. The tourism, hospitality and entertainment industry are growing incredibly quickly, and we’re delighted to play our role in attracting an even greater number of visitors on an annual basis,” added Kurien.