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The Israel-linked cargo ship MSC Aries was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals onboard
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Opening of The Dubai Mall postponed to October 30
DUBAI - The opening of The Dubai Mall has been postponed to October 30 from August 28 as some retail and leisure attractions are still being finalised in the 12-million-sq-ft shoppers' paradise, an integral part of the Downtown Burj Dubai development by Emaar Properties.
"This is beneficial for retailers as this allows for more time for fit-out as well as for training their staff and streamlining the operational aspects," said Yousif Al Ali, the mall's general manager. "The new opening date will give our valued retailers more time and opportunity to be part of the launch of The Dubai Mall, from day one."
The new date coincides with the extended retail season in the Gulf region marked by the UAE National Day, Eid Al Adha, New Year and the Dubai Shopping Festival, according to Emaar Malls Group, a subsidiary of the Middle East's biggest real-estate developer Emaar Properties, in a statement yesterday.
Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the chairman of Emaar Properties, said the mall expects some 30 million customers on the first year of business. The installation of adequate service infrastructure is therefore needed for the smooth flow of customer traffic.
He added that the mall would have 14,000 car park spaces and a dedicated bridge from Shaikh Zayed Road for direct access. Work on the Dubai metro is also fast progressing while other access roads are being prepared for the influx in the number of shoppers.
"By opening on October 30, we are not only offering customers the option of several added attractions but also better public amenities such as more parking spaces and smoother roads access," Alabbar stressed.
He said The Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre, the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink, the world's largest indoor gold souk as well as hundreds of retailers in the mall would also open shop on October 30.
"The Dubai Mall is already in global spotlight and it is important that it opens with maximum shopping and leisure attractions," said Jim Badour, the CEO of Emaar Malls Group. "At the same time, it is also crucial to have a strong supporting infrastructure, which will make access in and out of the mall a smooth and stress-free experience."
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