RAK’s $100mn Manar Mall unit fit-outs begin as phase one expansion completes

Ras Al Khaimah’s largest real estate developer and investment company, Al Hamra, says it has compled phase one of its revamped Manar Mall, taking its international and local retailers, food outlets and entertainment units to 164.

In a statement, Al Hamra reported that rhe main construction work is now finished with fit-out work for individual units taking place in stages with some vendors have already starting to fit out their branded units. Phase one of the refurbishment project is expected to be complete by Q3 2018 when landscaping and infrastructure work for phase two is carried out.

The announcement comes after it was revealed that Rove Hotels has signed a management agreement with Al Hamra to operate a new hotel that will be directly linked to the developer’s mall.

“The design team have been working tirelessly to get the right look and feel. We’re now ready to move to the second phase of development where our focus will be on securing even more top range brands,” said Benoy Kurien, general manager of Al Hamra Group. “We are creating something exceptional for Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the Northern Emirates with a diverse retail, F&B and entertainment complex, helping us to realise our corporate vision as the largest and most visited mall in the Northern Emirates.”

Manar Mall first opened in September 2000 and partly overlooks the corniche and is close to the RAK city centre. Once fully completed the Gross Leasable Area (GLA) will increase from close to 28,000sqm to approximately 56,000sqm, adding an additional 80 retail destinations, including those from the Lals Group, with brands including Homes r US; leading American children’s brand, Carter’s; the unique lifestyle brand, Daiso Japan; Italian multi-brand store, Miriade; and American sports brand, US Polo Assn.

“Expanding in to Ras Al Khaimah has been an integral part of our business strategy,” said Lals Group chief executive, Jayant Ganwani. “RAK has seen strong and steady retail growth throughout the last few years thanks to a burgeoning tourism market and real estate developments such as Al Hamra Village. Manar Mall is a key shopping destination in the UAE retail scene, thus making good business sense to have Homes r Us and our other brands present in this location.”