Slew of entertainment spots to open in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Al Othaim Holdings evaluating UAE market, targeting different sectors to invest in

Riyadh-based Al Othaim Holdings is looking at major expansion of its operations in the UAE.
The group, through its entertainment arm Al Othaim Leisure and Tourism, opened a 30,000-square foot family-entertainment destination, Xtreme Zone, at Abu Dhabi Mall. There are at least three more such facilities planned in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Othaim Holdings vice-chairman Fahad Al Othaim said.
Al Othaim Group's primary focus is on real estate investment and development. It operates many malls, 150 hypermarkets and retail franchises in Saudi Arabia. Al Othaim Leisure and Tourism operates 25 family-entertainment centres throughout the GCC and Egypt.
In the UAE, the group has a presence through entertainment destination Faby Land in Dubai Festival City, Dragon Mart 2 in Dubai and Deerfields Mall in the Shahama area of Abu Dhabi, where it also runs Xtreme Zone.
In the coming months, the group will open a Faby Land in Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah. Yet another Xtreme Zone will come up at long-awaited Al Maryah Central and Faby Land in Galleria Mall of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi.
Al Othaim said the group was evaluating the UAE market and is targeting different sectors to invest in.
"We are in talks with different developers and looking at more locations in the UAE and the GCC. We are looking at opportunities into different businesses like F&B. We are looking to bring our Saudi businesses here like real estate. We have our own malls in Saudi Arabia but here we are starting with leisure and entertainment. We can grow across different verticals. We are looking at the UAE market. We are looking at many options be it a government or private developer," he added.
Al Othaim is satisfied with revenue generated from entertainment destinations since first UAE venture started off in 2015.
"Dubai Festival City is our flagship store and rest all are doing well. We have spent around Dh15 million into Xtreme Zone here at Abu Dhabi Mall."
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com