Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, has officially opened its newest lifestyle and retail experience in the Northern Emirates: City Centre Al Zahia. Placing a strong emphasis on learning, connection and the arts, City Centre Al Zahia aims to bring the Sharjah and wider UAE community together.

Featuring distinct architecture and offering exceptional hospitality options, City Centre Al Zahiais expected to become a popular destination within the Emirate, with art and culture at the heart of the unique experiences it offers.

The Mall has partnered with the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, with students from both institutions and faculty members offering lectures and workshops on architecture, photography, filmmaking and art. These classes and seminars will be held in a new and modern in-mall art centre, The Studio, and will cement the partnership, exhibiting award-winning projects and engagements all year round.

Crucially, the mall will also connect seamlessly to Majid Al Futtaim’s one-million-square-metre residential community, Al Zahia. A short walk away from the new mall, Al Zahia has been envisioned as Sharjah’s premier lifestyle destination and is part of the strategic partnership between Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Sharjah Asset Management.

Shireen El Khatib, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim — Shopping Malls, said:“The only new super-regional mall to be launched in the Middle East and North Africa in the wake of COVID-19, City Centre Al Zahia is a testament to the resolve, commitment and optimistic spirit of Sharjah and the wider Northern Emirates. An immersive destination designed to bring people together, the Mall is an achievement of hope and innovation in the face of adversity. In spite of the global challenges that have beset so many people, communities and businesses, we have remained as focused and diligent as ever to deliver yet another world-class offering – one that speaks to the confidence of consumers in the regional retail industry and our ability to create even more great moments for families to enjoy.”

Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, commented: “Sharjah is home to over 18-plus museums and hosts an inspiring range of illustrious events and gatherings — including the Sharjah Biennial, the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. With the arts being so vital to life and culture in the Emirate, it is only fitting that City Centre Al Zahia reflects this vision, becoming a focal point and pillar of the community, while offering people a platform to entertain and educate themselves in equal measure. This focus on the community is especially important to us.Whether catering to our visitors’ needs, contributing to the local economy or supporting our tenants to deliver the quality of service they are renowned for, we aim to be a positive force for the entire Northern Emirates, further distinguishing it as one of the most gratifying places to live, visit and work.”

In addition to featuring artistic, social, theatrical and sporting hubs, the Mallwill feature professional and educational workspaces; as well as a grand plaza offering access to kids’ play areas, and an art zone. Visitors to the Mall will also be treated to a range of unique experiences; such as the livelyTom & Jerry Cheese Town: a thrilling experience fit for the whole family.

VOX Cinemas, the Middle East’s most innovative and customer-focused exhibitor, also has a significant presence within the new Mall with a state-of-the-art 16-screen multiplex, which will be the largest cinema in Sharjah. Cinemagoers from the Northern Emirates and beyond can look forward to a wide range of signature concepts and world-class experiences including three GOLD auditoriums, two MAX screens, a KIDS auditorium and a new cinema offering, which features comfortable double couches for a shared experience and also allows for gaming and alternative uses. Guests can also indulge in their favourite cinema snacks from home-grown F&B brands Nutella Bar and Candy Bar. The opening marks the second VOX Cinemas in Sharjah, following the launch of VOX Cinemas City Centre Sharjah in 2018.

To keep the whole family entertained, the mall also features Magic Planet, which spans over two floors and is integrated with a selection of F&B outlets. Downstairs, a new adult family concept can be found; complete with an eight-lane bowling alley and the UAE’s first digital putting concept — sure to appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike. Upstairs, younger guests can immerse themselves in a world of fun and excitement enlivened by the latest games, rides and attractions.

With a curated selection of existing and new brands making their retail debut in Sharjah, alongside anchors such as a sprawling Carrefour Hypermarket and VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia promises to become a favourite one-stop shopping and leisure destination for the residents of Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. The mall will feature familiar names and popular retailers ranging from the footwear and fashion accessory store, Steve Madden; to Pandora, Centrepoint, and the regionally-beloved Ajmal and Damas. The destination will house and become an incubator for home-grown, regional and international brands; including nine retailers — such as Lululemon, Crate and Barrel, and Lego — new to the Sharjah market.

At City Centre Al Zahia, mall visitors, as well as customers from the surrounding communities, will be given access to Carrefour’s range of quality products. Shoppers will be able to enjoy the value, quality and choice the brand is renowned for; with their shopping experiences enhanced by the new branch’s array of retail innovations; including the introduction of Scan and Go Mobile, Tally, and a brand new customer support initiative. This initiative will enable shoppers – with the simple push of a conveniently placed button — to request immediate assistance from Carrefour colleagues, who will be dispatched to shoppers’ specific location within the store to offer them all the help they need. This service — new to the UAE — is designed to make shopping trips even more straightforward and convenient.

Additionally, the mall will feature familiar names and popular retailers ranging from the footwear and fashion accessory store, Steve Madden; to Pandora, Centrepoint, and the regionally-beloved Ajmal and Damas. The destination will become an incubator for home-grown, regional and international brands; including nine retailers — such as Lululemon, Crate and Barrel, and Lego — new to the Sharjah market.

To celebrate the launch of the Mall and reward members of the Sharjah community for their ongoing support, City Centre Al Zahia is also inviting mall visitors to take part in a Shop and Win activation. Customers simply have to spend 200 AED in order to enter the draw and get in the running to win AED 5,000 SHARE points daily.

City Centre Al Zahia has the proud distinction of being Majid Al Futtaim’s 28^th shopping mall in the region.