DUBAI // Mall of the Emirates has announced its second-phase expansion plan, further fuelling rumours the Middle East's first official Apple Store may be opening its doors in Dubai.
The project has been dubbed “Evolution 2015” and owners Majid Al Futtaim say it will provide gross leasable area of 25,000 square metres.
The plans include a new Vox Cinema, retail anchor stores, new lifestyle stores, at least 12 new restaurants and the “expansion of existing luxury and lifestyle shopping brands”.
According to the official announcement, Evolution 2015, which aims to be completed by the middle of next year, will attract estimated investment of more than Dh1 billion.
Parking will also be built for an extra 1,300 vehicles.
“In embarking on phase two of Evolution 2015 at Mall of the Emirates, we have surveyed the needs of our two key audiences – guests and retailers – to see how we can best meet their changing needs,” said Dimitri Vazelakis, executive managing director of Shopping Malls for Majid Al Futtaim Properties. According to the announcement, Evolution 2015 will introduce new brands to its store – and many will wonder if this includes the much talked about Apple Store.
“Mall of the Emirates is one of the most trusted and premium retail destinations in the region, and Evolution 2015 enables us to expand and enhance the experience that we offer to our guests and retail partners by innovating, maximizing our offer and delivering a consistently superlative experience,” Mr Vazelakis said.
Last week, there was speculation online that Apple was to open a store in Mall of the Emirates. At the same time, the tech giant announced a raft of retail vacancies specifically for the UAE.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
