BD52m mall plans unveiled

Construction on a massive ‘family-centric’ mall is underway and its developers promise an array of new retailers currently not available in the kingdom amid a range of interactive entertainment facilities for the entire family to enjoy.

The 125,000sqm BD52m Mall of Dilmunia in Muharraq is scheduled to be completed with 220 stores and open for business and pleasure by October 2019.

Shaikh Mohammed Bin Duaij Al-Khalifa, CEO of Dilmunia Mall Development Company, said: 'We promise to include a variety of retailers that are yet to enter the Bahraini market and to develop a quality entertainment, leisure and retail destination which adds value to the mall’s tenants and guests.'

One of the main family entertainment features includes a spectacular 7m wide and16m high cylindrical aquarium with aquatic life that will mesmerise visitors from each level of the mall. Families can pet and feed the fish and learn about the different species.

There will also be a state-of- the-art large indoor ice rink built on the first floor and three more entertainment concepts yet to be revealed.

Details of the project were unveiled at a launch conference at the Capital Club on Sunday where Shaikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, chairman of Dilmunia Mall Development Company, welcomed dignitaries, invited guests and members of the media.

The shopping complex will also feature rooftop cafes, food and beverage outlets, two atriums. The Mall of Dilmunia’s open-air sky terrace will also allow visitors to take in the ‘breathtaking view of the island of Muharraq’. 'The terrace is to also include a beautiful mosque, which further emotes a balanced representation of Islamic family values, culture and lifestyle,' added Shaikh Mohammed.

The larger part of the crescent-shaped mall will be overlooking the grand canal of the island and the promenade will feature other food and beverage outlets spilling out directly to the canal side.

The ground floor of the West side of the mall will have a 70m long stretch called the boulevard which will imitate a European old town with cafes and boutiques.

A multi-level car park will have space for more than 1,200 vehicles.

The main contractor for the project is Cyprus Cybarco Tabet JV and the international architectural design is by DP Architects. The contractors have begun mobilising resources on site. The company has also appointed PDA, one of the world’s leading architectural firms in designing shopping malls. Mazen Al Umran Engineering Consulting has been selected as project consultants and DG Jones as project managers and cost consultants.

The mall will be situated in the 1,250,000sqm man-made island of Dilmunia which is managed by Ithmaar Development Company.