The met had warned yesterday of heavy rain and thunder as the country will experience surface low pressure, causing rainfall over the next few days
The new centre — whose total size is equivalent to 73 football pitches — will house over 400 retailers, 65 restaurants, a huge indoor ski slope called Ski Dubai, a 14-screen Cinestar cinema, Magic Planet, which will be the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Dubai, a community theatre and arts centre, and a 5-star Kempinski Hotel.
The mall, which is situated off Shaikh Zayed Road, is owned by Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAF) and has been built in just under two years at a cost of Dh3 billion. It will be the fourth mall, including the Deira City Centre, owned by MAF in the UAE and the seventh in the region.
Francois de Montaudouin, CEO of MAF, who spoke to Khaleej Times yesterday, commented: "The mall is located in what we call the new Dubai. Today we have the largest mall outside North America. It will be different because it will cater for every age group and social class."
The official opening of the mall will not take place until it is completely finished, which is scheduled to be April and will be the fruits of the labour of around 10,000 workmen.
"It is going to work in phases. We are now going to open about 70 per cent of the space. During October every week more stores will open with the idea that by the end of Ramadan all the stores will be open. The last piece will be in April with a theatre and arts centre," de Montaudouin added. Though parts of the area surrounding the mall still resemble a building site, the inside presents a different picture, with many stores ready to open their doors to the public.
The architecture in the three-storey complex combines Arabic and Mediterranean influences, with each level linked to a car park.
The met had warned yesterday of heavy rain and thunder as the country will experience surface low pressure, causing rainfall over the next few days
The former president lashes out at his political opponents, calling them the 'enemy within'
The rescue team stabilised the patient before initiating the evacuation process
Cardinals rank second only to the pope in the Church hierarchy and serve as his closest advisers
Norwegian doctor Gilbert, who had treated patients during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Beirut and later in Palestinian territories, speaks about his new mission
The Zadna Rating app will provide information about food establishments across 9,000 venues in the capital city
Competing at Japan's prestigious Taiheiyo Club in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) has ignited the 17-year-old's determination for a breakthrough year ahead
Wait times can vary significantly based on the applicant's passport and the country from which they are applying