AL AIN'S landmark Al Ain Mall will open the first phase of a massive expansion project next month.

Set to be an authentic lifestyle oasis in Al Ain, the mixed-use and fully integrated project by Al Ain Mall’s owner, Al Farida Investments Company, was planned in two phases.

Phase One involves expansion of the retail area adding elegant multi-level, upscale retail and catering zones, while Phase Two is set to complement it with even more retail space as well as a deluxe five-star hotel to be managed by Jumeirah International Group, one of the world’s leading luxury hotel chains.

Al Ain Mall general manager Morhaf Kishi said Phase One will add 300,000 sq ft of retail space to the existing 500,000 sq ft of the mall. With the completion of Phase Two, the mall will have above one million sq ft of retail space making it Al Ain’s first super-regional mall with 423 retail outlets.

Having leased out 80 per cent of the Phase One space and with a long waiting list of major retailers and international groups for the remaining, more than 130 new retail outlets will be opened in the first phase of the project.

Several leading fashion and luxury brands, internationally acclaimed fine dining and casual dining outlets, and exclusive play areas are added to the retail offering of the mall.

With the opening of the Phase One extension, Al Ain Mall will become the only mall in Al Ain City with basement car-parking for 3,000 vehicles.

Phase Two will add little more than 250,000 sq ft of retail space, refurbishing the current mall ground level and parking; which will bring more retail outlets. Besides, Phase Two will see the opening of Jumeirah Al Ain Hotel and an outdoor shopping pavilion. 

There will be a dedicated area of more than 100,000 sq ft on the ground floor level hosting the hypermarket and leading department stores. Completion of Phase Two is scheduled for the end of 2012.