Another Dubai first: A mall featuring botanical wonders

Dubai - Cityland Group, creators of the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, is behind what promises to be the new global visitor hotspot.

Dubai is once again in the limelight for yet another unique world feat - home to world's first nature-inspired mall featuring botanical wonders. The iconic Dh1.1 billion Cityland Mall, the latest addition to Dubai's seemingly endless list of world-firsts, is scheduled for launch in the second quarter 2018.
Cityland Group, creators of the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, is behind what promises to be the new global visitor hotspot. The nature-inspired mall with a connected access to Global Village will be a single-level shopping complex covering 1.13 million sqft of leasable space with a colossal green reserve at the mall's core.
Attractions of the mall include an amphitheatre, mini water park and a Mini Miracle Garden will blend retail with recreation and wellness. Shaikh Theyab bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Cityland Group, said the well-rounded shopping "destination" pioneers a new trend in family entertainment where superior retail experience meets ecological preservation, sustainable design, and interaction with nature. Cityland Mall expects an annual footfall of up to 12 million visitors and will tap into the growing influx of tourists in the city.
Fahimuddin, chief executive officer and board member at Cityland Group, said the mall would carve a niche in the country's bustling leisure and shopping sector. "What sets Cityland Mall apart is an open-air botanical garden that forms the nucleus of the mall - both literally within the mall architecture and symbolically, since it will be its hallmark attraction," he said.
"The mall guarantees an immersive experience for all members of the family, led by a strong selection of renowned fashion retailers, convenience store, cinema theatre and dining options that are both internationally reputed and locally popular. Families, children and environment enthusiasts will be treated to an awe-inspiring assortment of floral specimens."
The expansive, 200,000 sqft open-air garden, labelled "Central Park", will be a testament to nature's rich biodiversity showcased through unique attractions, such as mini version of the famed Miracle Garden, a mini water park, 300-year-old ancient tree garden, Japanese garden, 360-degree rooftop garden, and a cluster of restaurants and al fresco cafés overlooking its scenic beauty. A 3,000-seat amphitheatre and a miniature amphitheatre for children will provide a dynamic platform for performing arts throughout the year, and foster a culture of community and learning amongst children in an inspired atmosphere.
A walking track along this open-air garden will position Cityland Mall as a one-of-its-kind destination where retail satisfaction seamlessly blends with health and wellness.
The mall will serve up more than 75 global dining options through renowned international and regional restaurants and cafés. The green space will be strengthened by Cityland's proven success in maintaining the Dubai Miracle Garden, where cutting-edge engineering and technology keep lush floras blooming across seasons.
Abdel Naser Rahhal, vice-chairman of Cityland Group, said the garden highlights the group's commitment to making Dubai a greener city. "This property furthers our legacy in championing green spaces that deliver meaningful entertainment and a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," said Rahhal.
Access to the park will be free of charge, and will ensure repeat visits owing to its invigorating environment that is carefully planned to cultivate a soulful experience. "We are bucking the trend of visitors leaving the mall premises with only shopping bags. With Cityland Mall, they will also take home a part of nature and start the next day with rejuvenated spirit," said Rahhal.
The mall's interior will consist of six thematic pavilions - each displaying a distinct global culture and design style that represents the cultural diversity and eclecticism of the UAE, which is home to people of over 200 nationalities.
The 1.13 million sqft retail area will be dedicated to trendy home furnishing stores, electronic outlets, cosmetic shops as well as personal and banking services - present through more than 350 retail stores.
- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com