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THE development of the Gulf’s first “super mall” in Bahrain will be a trendsetter for several other projects in the region, a top Dubai-based official has said.
The Bahrain City Centre (BCC) will be the country’s biggest retail complex, spread over 1.5 million square feet and an architectural landmark, said Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) vice-president Fareed Abdulrahman.
The BCC is part of the City Centre family across the region which have been developed and managed by MAF Shopping Malls, which is part of Majid Al Futtaim Group.
“There is huge anticipation about the BCC, one of the largest in the Middle East, and its success will mean several other such projects coming up in Bahrain,” said Mr Abdulrahman, who is also regional property developer in charge of the Deira City centre in Dubai.
“The BCC includes the region’s largest 20-screen Cineco cinema, and more than 350 stores.
“It will also feature a 54,000sqft family entertainment centre, and two hotels with 700 rooms combined, which will directly link to the mall.”
He said one of the major attractions would be the largest indoor water park in the Middle East, covering 135,000sqft and providing a temperature controlled aquatic experience to visitors all year round.
“Bahrain is a very exciting market and a natural progression for the regional expansion of the City Centre brand name,” said Mr Abdulrahman.
“The response so far has been very enthusiastic and we are sure it will get better as we come closer to its official opening.
“Both in terms of its sheer size and scope as well as its unique offering of a fully integrated shopping and leisure destination, the BCC will prove to be a distinctive mix of international and local brands which are set to not only transform the retail environment in Bahrain but also establish a benchmark for the regional market.”
He said Bahrain was living up to its reputation as a trendsetter in several fields.
“It is no surprise, then, that we have chosen Bahrain as the first place to set up a ‘super mall’,” said Mr Abdulrahman.
