The massive Dh1.4 billion ($381 million) BurJuman expansion project has entered its final construction phase with the extensive retail, commercial, leisure and residential development set to bring about a dramatic transformation to the landscape of Bur Dubai.

The project, which is the largest of its kind ever undertaken in the region, will elevate this premier shopping complex to a total destination. The retail section of the mall will be opened by mid-December this year.

Majid Saif Al Ghurair, president of BurJuman Centre, announced early last month that 66 per cent of construction of the retail development had been completed.

When completed, the entire project will have an area of 4.4 million sq ft - four times the space taken by the existing mall. It includes a 22-storey office tower, the tallest of its kind on this stretch of Dubai, and a residential complex.

Al Ghurair said: "When BurJuman was first launched in 1992, it pioneered the mall culture in Bur Dubai and set the trend for landmark property development in this area in line with Dubai's growing economy.

"As the demand grew for more world-class infrastructure, facilities and services, BurJuman launched this expansion programme to support the Dubai government's ambitious drive to further enhance the city's image as a year-round international shopping and leisure destination. Once the landmark project is completed, BurJuman will become the most significant development in the retail, leisure and entertainment industries in the Middle East."

On the retail side, space will almost treble to 800,000 sq ft from the current 300,000 sq ft. BurJuman, which caters largely to middle-upper income customers, is already home to several prestigious brands.

Currently, BurJuman has more than 190 stores and cafes and, with the expansion, the number will increase to approximately 300 including the flagship store of SAKS Fifth Avenue in the Middle East that will anchor the re-developed BurJuman. SAKS Fifth Avenue will occupy 80,000 sq ft.

BurJuman will house not only retail fashion giants but also introduce new concepts in various categories of retail, including fashion and accessories, jewellery and watches, perfumes and cosmetics, footwear, leather goods and accessories. This is supported by home furnishings, lifestyle, electronics, department stores and personal and professional services.

Elsa Adam Ibrahim, general manager of BurJuman, says: "The sheer quality of infrastructure and the additional range of facilities and services that will be introduced as part of the expansion, together with the arrival of more international anchor and premium brands, will set new standards of quality and excellence in the regional shopping industry. This expansion project will re-define BurJuman's luxury offering and transform it into a total destination."

When the expansion is completed, BurJuman will offer the region's finest tenant mix featuring the world's top most designer brands together with extensive entertainment and recreational facilities, including a multiscreen cineplex and a family leisure arcade.

The 22-storey commercial office block will feature state-of-the-art offices, a hi-tech business centre, a 20,000 sq ft exclusive conference hall, Internet facilities, cafes, a fully-equipped gymnasium and other sports facilities. On the residential side, BurJuman will also comprise 163 furnished and semi-furnished condominiums in addition to a block of fully-furnished luxury apartments.

The entire BurJuman project will maintain the core elements of Arabic heritage and tradition while introducing the latest international architectural concepts.

The four courts of the mall will bear themes associated with nature - Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Natural light, extensive landscaping - both indoor and outdoor - and up to 46 water features will enhance the luxurious appeal of BurJuman. Four basement levels of car-parking that can accommodate up to 3,200 cars, specialty restaurants and other amenities will strongly support the overall offer.

The project is partly financed by BurJuman Centre, and is secured by the region's leading financial institutions. Three leading UAE banks, Emirates Bank International, National Bank of Dubai and MashreqBank are financing half of the project through a combined loan package worth Dh600 million, the longest corporate-term loan facility ever placed in the UAE.

The expansion work is being designed and supervised by more than 40 renowned specialists and consultants who have successfully created global retail and corporate landmarks including Bluewater Mall in Kent in the UK, said to be Europe's largest retail and leisure development, the AIG Europe headquarters in London and Sydney's Darling Park. Kohn Pederson Fox Associates is the architect and lead consultant while Eric Kuhne and Associates is the retail architect for the project.