Dilmunia to build $137m family-centric mall in Bahrain
Bahrain-based Dilmunia Mall Development Company is set to develop a unique family-centric mall concept over a 26,754 sq m area in the heart of Dilmunia Island, within the Muharraq Governorate, at an estimated cost of BD52 million ($137 million). A first-of-its-kind retail destination in the kingdom, Mall of Dilmunia will boast more than 200 retail outlets on a total built-up area of 125,000 sq m (with a spacious underground car park) besides the kingdom's first state-of-the-art indoor ice-rink. With a gross leasable area of 47,300 sq m, the family-centric destination will feature excitingly unique entertainment centres, spectacular new retail outlets besides a wide range of F&B (Food and Beverages) concepts from across the Middle East and North Africa region and a layout unlike any other mall in the country, said the developers. The main contractor of the project is Bahrain-based Cyprus Cybarco Tabet JV, while the international architectural design has been readied by Singapore-based DP Architects.
The Crescent-shaped mall will overlook a beautiful canal and a lush green landscape that is also complemented by the greenery within the mall.
Announcing the project on Sunday at a press conference in Manama, Dilmunia Mall Development Company chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said: "The Mall of Dilmunia is purely a Bahrain-branded project with a balanced representation of modernistic and futuristic architecture and promotes an exciting family-oriented ambience within it." "A key entertainment feature is a spectacular 16-m high cylindrical acquarium with acquatic life that will mesmerize visitors from each level of the mall and hitech indoor ice-rink built on the first floor," stated Shaikh Khalid. He was joined by Mohammed Kahlil Al Sayed, the CEO of Ithmaar Development Company (the developers of the Dilmunia island project) and Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, the CEO of Dilmunia Mall Development Company at the press conference. "We aim to develop a quality entertainment, leisure and retail family destination that caters to all age groups and genders. The new mall will offer children and young adults fun and educational entertainment facilities," he added. Shaikh Khalid pointed out that the hitech mall has been conceptualised with a vision to bring families together and allow them bond through a comprehensive solution thus making it a family destination.
"Under the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier; Bahrain is historically and culturally rooted in family values and therefore is to be developed as an island for family tourism this year forward," remarked Shaikh Khalid. "The retail destination will be redefining the shopping experience in Bahrain by adding urabity to retail experience through the development of a Boulevard," explained Shaikh Khalid. "The open-air sky terrace allows visitors to take in the spectacular view of the island of Muharraq and indulge in finest eateries. The terrace will also include a beautiful mosque, which further emotes a balanced representation of Islamic family values, culture and lifestyle," he added.
Shaikh Mohammed said it has roped in Mazen Al Umran Engineering Consulting as the project consultant, while DG Jones will be the project manager and the cost consultant.
Work has already started on the project and is scheduled for completion in October 2019. The retail units will be handed over six months prior to the opening date
