EMAAR Properties, the global developer of iconic projects, has strengthened its international project portfolio with two major projects in Egypt – Emaar Square, a ‘city within a city’ development, within its flagship Uptown Cairo project; and the $819-million Cairo Gate project that will be developed in a joint venture with the Al Futtaim Group.

Emaar Square will be a spectacular addition to the Dh7.7-billion ($2.1 billion) Uptown Cairo, a mixed-use development located at the highest point of downtown Cairo, featuring a five-star premium Address Hotel and serviced residences, with panoramic views of the city, set along a spectacular boulevard, reminiscent of global landmarks such as Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Beverley Hills’ Rodeo Drive and Champs-Élysées in Paris.

It will feature Egypt’s largest open mall, with a retail investment value of Dh1.8 billion ($.5 billion), and will draw on Emaar’s credentials as a developer of the iconic Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

The open mall in Emaar Square will feature The Main Boulevard, The Fashion Walk and Entertainment Avenue offering wide retail and lifestyle choices for visitors and residents. The five-star premium Address Hotel, with 250 luxurious rooms and serviced residences, will adjoin the Fashion Avenue, and offer excellent service and exceptional views of Emaar Square, the majestic city and beyond.

Through Emaar Drive and the square’s unique central location, visitors will be in close proximity to the city’s iconic global landmarks – The Pyramids, the majestic Khan El Khalili Souk and Saladin Citadel.

The residential neighbourhood, nestled on the outskirts of the square, will feature 1,200 luxurious new homes.

A new business park, forming an integral part of Emaar Square, is set to redefine business in the heart of the city.

Emaar Square will build on Uptown Cairo’s status as a much sought-after community, spread over 4.5 million sq m and offering a wide array of facilities including sports and leisure facilities, a world-class golf course and a variety of luxurious residential villages.

Meanwhile, Emaar and UAE-based Al Futtaim Group have announced plans to enter into a EGP5-billion ($819 million) joint venture to develop ‘Cairo Gate’, the largest lifestyle and entertainment development on a 160-acre Emaar property on the Cairo-Alexandria desert highway.

While the mega shopping mall will be the centerpiece of the development, Cairo Gate will be complemented by an office park with world-class facilities including a luxury hotel, schools, medical facilities and residences ranging from townhouses to villas and apartments.

The first phase of Cairo Gate development will comprise a mall with a gross leasable area of 120,000 sq m, and will be anchored by Al-Futtaim’s retail brands such as Ikea, Marks & Spencer, Toys “R” Us, ACE, Intersport, Guess, Esprit as well as a multitude of additional world-class shopping brands apart from restaurants, cafés and leisure outlets with a strong outdoor theme.