Members' Press Releases

Tilal Al Naseem is an iconic development in 10 Km distance from the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al Mukarramah

The shopping district at Tilal Al- Naseem includes both indoor and outdoor shopping venues to create a fully integrated, wide ranging Welcome to our June 2018 Newsletter shopping experience only steps away from the property’s 5,393 hotel rooms, over 800 apartments and 1. The MECSC's 25th-Anniversary book titled Souks to Malls - Entertainment in the Gulf is shaping up to multiple offices. be amazing in every way. Thank you to our first Sponsor - Al Hokair Group, the largest retail entertainment Read more… company in . Souks to Malls: Retail Entertainment in the Gulf will showcase the entertainment areas and restaurants in the shopping Centres as well as the retail theme parks and water parks. This book highlights the importance of entertainment in the new era of experiential retail. We are able to offer the opportunity to feature your Reem Mall foundation stone laying ceremony projects and have custom covers printed to your own company branding. Please contact our team at +971 4 359 7909 l [email protected] l [email protected] to have custom printing and branding organized for these books. Click here to see the brochure.

Reem Mall, Al Farwaniya Property Developments celebrated laying the foundation at a prestigious ceremony in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, as well as a number of senior Abu Dhabi government officials and industry leaders. Read more…

V-count has a new office in London! 2. A huge thank you to all our 2018 RECon MENA Sponsors: PLATINUM: Arabian Oud , CELS Group; V-count continues to deliver best GOLD: Dalma Mall , UAPM , Line Investments & Property LLC , Gulf Related ; SILVER: Oud Elite, V- possible visitor analytics technology Count, Kinan ; BRONZE: Yardi, Blachere Illumination. Downloads: Latest Brochure l Exhibition Floor to their clients world wide. As part of Plan l Sponsorship Packages l Awards Rules and Guidelines . Please contact Lea Venezuela ( [email protected] ) / +971 their exponential growth and 4 359 7909 for further information or clarifications. continuous effort to cater our customers’ needs, V-Count’s expansion goes on with their new office in London, UK. Read more…

Tir Prince Fun Park, UK Adopts Semnox’s Cashless with Thermal RFID Wristbands

Semnox Solutions recently implemented its Parafait cashless system at Tir Prince Fun Park, a premier family entertainment park in Towyn, North Wales. The implementation includes unique RFID thermal wristbands for unlimited daily or weekly packages with various details printed on the band for quick reference. Read more…

Centro Mall Company will soon start the construction of the 70,000 square meters shopping center 3. New Networking Event! We are incredibly pleased to announce that as part of the MECSC rebranding strategy, our networking event has now officially changed from Next Generation to Spring Board Networking Event. The MECSC Networking event brand name has undergone a significant transformation. The new identity ensures satisfying all the existing expectations of what our original mark stands for while simultaneously moving the brand forward. The new identity emphasizes the strength and ongoing commitment of the organization to the retail industry.

Centro Mall will be providing the Palestinian society a unique experience of shopping and entertainment. Centro Mall will bring tens of international brands to the Palestinian market, along with many successful local brands in Palestine. Read more… We’re excited to announce that we will be releasing 4. Access MECSC Members database from your mobile device. ALEF Group’s Landmark ZERO 6 the MECSC Personal Mobile Application for all MECSC active members soon. The MECSC Mobile Application is a Mall now open in Sharjah portable version of the MECSC Web Application. MECSC Mobile Application Features will include:

Quick Look/Search of Members without login in every time Add a Member to Contact / Call a member and send an instant email Adding Upcoming events to your phone’s calendar to remind users of upcoming events and a quick preview of upcoming events Shopping Centres and Retail newsfeed MECSC Job Board Advertising banners

Inspired by Sharjah’s telephone code, the newly launched project by Alef Group is the first of its kind in the emirate and brings an exciting range of sought-after brands and leisure experiences to the community. Read more… Elections of new directors at ESAE AGM on 15 June 2018

(MECSC is a member of European Society of Association Executives) On 15th June 2018 the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) held its Annual General Assembly Meeting in Brussels. ESAE President, Florence Bindelle (European Issuers), presented the report of activities 2017 and the priorities for 2018. She expressed her deepest thank to the fellow Board 5. The Retail People Magazine is the up-to-date source for news and updates in the Retail Industry. We recently members for their commitment and featured Majed Al Hokair, the Group Vice Chairman of Al Hokair Group, who is the leader in the world of Hospitality and support during the year. Entertainment in the 2nd Quarter issue of the magazine. Gearing up in the 3rd Quarter of this year, watch out for the new Read More... and fresh topics as we launch the Digital Retail Transformation in the next issue. In addition, we will be featuring a new segment in the 4th Quarter issue of the magazine called “iCONQUER (‘Sleeves Up’)”. Calling our members to share your SUCCESS story with US and be featured in the magazine. Shopping Centre & Retail News 6. Education continues to be a primary focus within the MECSC. Our leadership role in the retail industry makes the MECSC the first choice in curriculum development and delivery. We are the leading organization to be approached when 's hospitality on upward creating new education programs. When your organization considers training programs, please contact us as we would investment growth be pleased to assist you in your training needs.

7. Share News or articles on MECSC monthly newsletter! If you wish to include news or articles about your organization on our Monthly Newsletter, please email Ian at [email protected]. We aim to circulate the Newsletter on the last week of each month - please submit before the 23rd of the month to ensure that it is included, otherwise it will be posted on the next following month.

8. The MECSC is currently active in Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram please jump in and check the latest happenings in the industry. We truly appreciate the time you as members invest in following our organization and the new members within the social media programs.

The role of the MECSC is to facilitate your business and to raise your personal profile in the retail industry. Our team is Hotelier looks at ready to assist your companies’ business growth and personal careers to flourish. Successful business is all about Bahrain's upward investment growth successful relationships and we want to build these relationships with you, all you need to do is ask and participate. in the hospitality sector, but also its ~David Macadam potential problem of oversupply. Chief Executive Officer June 25 l Hotelier Middle East

How restaurants with large outdoor spaces can maximize profits in the summer

Most restaurants can depend on fairly Membership at a Glance! predictable sales fluctuations throughout the year with higher traffic Featured Member on some days, lower on others. In the summer, the game changes — especially for restaurants with big patios and outdoor spaces. It's no surprise that as soon as the temperature warms up people flock to the open-air sections of a restaurant, but it's also hard for restaurants to best prepare for this influx of customers in a single section of the restaurant. June 25 l Fast Casual Aldar teases new Viceroy project for Abu Dhabi

Aldar has issued a statement declaring that it is planning to work with Viceroy Hotel Group on an as- yet unnamed project. June 25 l ME Construction

Atlas 's Ramachandran vows to revive firm amid share surge

We are always excited to share with our community the back story of our members who are successful with their careers in the retail industry.

Our featured member for this month is BHUPINDER SINGH, General Manager and CFO of Dalma Mall, a proud member of MECSC for 16 years where he connects and engage with his industry colleagues. Ramachandran plans to open a store

in the UAE as a first step toward Bhupi has spent the last over 20 years in the UAE and where he served in some of the biggest retail names in the rebuilding his company and scale region such as MAF investments, Emaar Malls Group, Meraas Holdings. He is presently working with the Developers these up to at least 10 outlets by Holding in the capacity of General Manager and CFO of Dalma Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, 2020 UAE. June 25 l Arabian Business Bhupi strongly believes in one motto – to be loyal to your asset. Whenever you take a decision, think like you own the Middle East hotel construction asset and your decisions then would always be right. Always believe in yourselves, your team and the Almighty. We’re pipeline on an upward curve glad to have such a dedicated and determined retail professional with us this past years.

Know more about Bhupi

RETAILER SHOWCASE SARAYDAN THE TURKISH "CAFE-DELI-BAKERY" is seeking investors and locations for For more information, please contact: Banu Tas at E: [email protected] or call +971 50 812 5391

The construction pipeline in the Middle East and Africa is continuing to grow, according to a report by analysts at Lodging Econometrics. The continued growth has resulted in 875 Projects or 216,045 rooms combined, according to the recent Trend Report. June 24 l Hotelier Middle East

Nespresso rolls out new boutique concept across the UAE with first opening in Dubai Marina Mall

The award-winning concept will take guests on an immersive journey that tells the Nespresso story of coffee June 24 l Zawya

Construction of Abu Dhabi's US$1.2bn Reem Mall gathers momentum Abu Dhabi, UAE: Al Farwaniya Property Developments, the developer behind Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s up and coming retail, dining and leisure destination, today showcased the construction progress RECon Middle East & North Africa of the US$ 1.2bn project. June 24 l Zawya Conference l Exhibition l MENA Awards l Deal-Making l Networking Dubai Investments' $125mln October 28, 29 and 30 2018 l Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai, UAE Fujairah project on fast track

Dubai Investments, a leading, diversified investments company said work is progressing at a steady pace on its Dh460 million ($125 million) Fujairah Business Centre project, and RECon Middle East & North Africa will provide all retail industry participants with a great opportunity to understand is likely to be completed by the fourth what they need to know now, and the future, to operate successful businesses. Whether shopping centre owners, quarter of 2020, ahead of schedule. management teams, retailers, service providers, or retail industry professionals, this event will provide you with the June 24 l Zawya platform to facilitate your business and raise your profile in the retail industry locally, regionally, and globally. View Brochure → Al Araimi Boulevard opening to redefine Oman’s retail landscape Keynote Speaker David Meerman Scott

AL Araimi Boulevard (ABLVD), Oman’s largest shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destination, and one of Al Raid Group venture, is getting ready to redefine the fast growing and expanding retail landscape of Oman. Al Raid Group announced that the construction of this futuristic mall is well underway and will be complete in time for a September opening. June 23 l Saudi Gazette

Danube Properties announces Lawnz residential project in International City

David Meerman Scott is an internationally acclaimed sales and marketing strategist who has spoken on all 7 continents and in 40 countries, including Tony Robbins’ Business Mastery events. Students in the past have requested for a wider scope of instructors who can relate directly to leasing markets today.

Register Now!

Call for Entries!!! 2018 Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards Deadline of Submission: 13 September 2018 Danube Properties has announced Lawnz, a $150m gated residentialcomplex consisting of 1,064 units. The new project will be built in International City Phase 1 in Dubai and will bring the developer’s total number of units in the city to 4,744. June 21 l Me Construction

Coming Soon: New $300mln exhibition and conference centre in Bahrain

Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards are designed to honour outstanding achievements in retail, marketing, NOI enhancement, design and development of retail properties and retail excellence. The MECSC Middle East and North Shopping Centre and Retailers Awards will be presented on 30 October at RECon Middle East and North Africa in Dubai, . Gold Winners of the Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre and Retailer Awards will be automatically submitted Bahrain’s Ministry of Works, for the ICSC Best-of-the-Best Global “VIVA” (Vision, Innovation, Value, Achievement) Awards. Municipalities Affairs and Urban View Awards Guidelines → Planning is planning to issue a tender for the main construction work for a new $300 million exhibition and Submit an Entry conference centre in the third quarter of this year, a source told Thomson Exhibition and Deal Making Session Reuters Projects (TRP). June 21 l Zawya Showcase your products/services in the RECon MENA exhibition area featuring leading service providers, brands and shopping centres. Magic Planet opens its third View Floor Layout→ location in Bahrain at The Avenues mall Deal Making is a platform that provides networking and right connection for decision makers in the Shopping Center Industry to make and nail those important deals. It is a gathering under one roof of developers, owners, leasing agents, retailers, franchise operators and product and service providers to do a year’s worth of work in just 2 days of deal making activities.

As a Developer/Shopping Mall Owner, it is important that you already have a list of potential Retailers and Franchise Operators that you would like to meet at the event. Concurrently, as a Retailer/Franchise operator, a planned meeting with a Developer/Mall Owner should already be in placed prior to the event.

We, at the MECSC, will be the bridge to connect you or help you get the right connection to get those deals done!!

For further inquiries please contact, LEA VENEZUELA, Director Manama, Bahrain: Majid Al Futtaim, E: [email protected] the leading shopping mall, T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 2186 communities, retail and leisure M: +971 56 708 9235 pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia announced the opening of Magic Planet’s new location in The Avenues mall in Bahrain. June 20 l Zawya

UAE giant ALEC's Kez Taylor discusses the future of construction

ALEC’s portfolio includes some of the MECSC Talent Hub region’s most high-profile projects, such as Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Employment Opportunities and Concourses A and D of Dubai International Airport in the UAE, and MECSC Job Board can help facilitate your employment requirements whether you’re a student looking for an internship, the Jabal Al Akhdar Anantara Hotel a job seeker looking to post a resume or search for jobs, or an employer wanting to post a job or search for resumes. Resort and Spa in Oman. Should your company require job or internship placements, please reach out to us and we will be more than happy to June 19 l Construction Week assist you with your requirements. City Centre Ajman continues JOB POSTINGS expansion with new international POSITION COMPANY LOCATION LINK brands and more convenience- based services Retail Account Manager Huawei Technologies United Arab Emirates Apply here Finance Manager, Retail Middle East Consulting Center Saudi Arabia Apply here Manager, Vendor Management - Leisure Amazon Egypt Apply here Sales Engineer Al Futtaim Oman Apply here Executive Manager - Products & Segments Gulf Bank Apply here Marketing Development Manager Philip Morris International Algeria Apply here Software Development Engineer Amazon Jordan Apply here Retail Business Analyst Polytextile Lebanon Apply here

Post Jobs View Resumes Shops, F&B concepts, parking zone and a new entrance next to Carrefour are a part of the mall's AED 643m revamp, providing greater convenience and choice. June 18 l Zawya

Azizi Developments delivers progress update on its second largest project in Al Furjan- Azizi Plaza

Welcome to our 1st batch of Corporate Members

Red Sea Mall joined us this month as our 1st Platinum Corporate Member. We have Alef Group and Hero Motors as Gold Corporate Members. Al Mana Mall and Dina Group joined as Silver Corporate Members and then for Bronze Corporate Membership, we have Centro Mall and Abdullah Al Othaim. Expect to hear and see more of these corporate members in our Retail People Magazine, Website, Social Media accounts and Newsletters. Azizi Developments, a leading private real estate developer operating in the UAE for over a decade, is on track to deliver its second largest project sprawling at 508,195 sq. feet in the upcoming development of Al Furjan - Azizi Plaza, in the second half of 2018. June 18 l Zawya

Join as Corporate Members now and enjoy these awesome benefits. Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe marks 'Year of Zayed' at the opening of its latest outlet at the Department of Land & Real Estate Regulation Ajman

The new Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe is the 24th outlet of the brand, in line with its global strategic expansion plans of establishing 100 outlets worldwide by 2022 June 18 l Zawya

Inside ADNOC Distribution's turbo- charged growth plans

Become a Member now! View who recently joined MECSC

Questions regarding membership? JC GAYOMA, Membership Manager E: [email protected] T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 0686 M: +971 56 477 6536 ADNOC Distribution has had a good start to the year. In May, it announced a 12 percent rise in Q1 net profits to $147.6m year-on-year, with revenues also growing 13 percent to $1.4bn. The results were a clear vindication of the decision to sell a 10 percent stake in the company in an initial public offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange last December. June 17 l Arabian Business

Laura Ashley said to eye Saudi Arabia for hotel expansion

The Retail People Magazine Global Trends on Food, Entertainment, Media and Technology Laura Ashley, the UK-based brand “We treasure our market, we believe in the value of exposure to our business famous for its fabrics, designs and community and Retail People Magazine excels at providing this. It is a great way homeware, is targeting Saudi Arabia to hear and be heard by the relevant audience.” – Alessandro Gaffuri, Founder & as part of an expansion plan for its CEO of CELS Group. fledgling hotels business.

At the MECSC and Retail People Magazine, we value our members and we June 16 l Arabian Business continue to live within our vision and that is to help members raise their personal Zara looks to technology to keep profile and facilitate their business. Founded in 2014 - The Retail People Magazine up with fast fashion is the up-to-date source for news and updates in the Retail Industry. Our mission is to connect readers with the latest retail stories, interviews with experts, mall developments, project launches and updates from MENA’s diverse retail industry.

Read in over 45 Countries Delivered to 10,000 + industry professionals Available in printed and online version

Inditex, the world's largest clothing retailer and owner of the Zara chain, faces growing competition from younger, online-only players like Boohoo.com and Missguided. Its rivals are churning out clothes at higher speeds - as little as one week from design to point of sale - refreshing their sites daily with hundreds of new items. June 15 l The National

Why augmented reality is becoming more accessible to restaurant brands

As we pave the way for the 4th Quarter issue, we will be featuring a new segment in the magazine called “iCONQUER (‘Sleeves Up’)” Each one of us have a story that maps the path of our success which can be an inspiration for others. Inviting all of you to Share your SUCCESS story with US and be featured in the magazine. You can be the one to say - "My Choice. My Success. My Story." Most restaurant brands recognize the need to engage with customers more For any advertising opportunities, promotion or press releases you need such as cover stories, editorial or advertorial, powerfully, and one technology that inserts and bound-in inserts, customized bookmark, featured mall, featured retail brand or service providers, please has been on the horizon for a few contact: years but remains shrouded in mystery to many is augmented MARIZ MATOCDO, Marketing Officer reality. E: [email protected] / W: www.mecsc.org June 14 l Fast Casual T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 1852

M: +971 55 551 7605 Ikea set to adapt as it opens first store Click here to read the full content Ikea is set to open its first store in India next month, and the world's biggest furniture retailer is localising its offering - from the food menu to its "do-it-yourself" (DIY) assembly model - to ensure success in the country. Spring Board Networking Events June 14 l The National

The Spring Board Networking Event brings Retail Industry professionals together in an environment to facilitate business Nakheel assesses construction development, knowledge-sharing and networking. Middle East Council of Shopping Centres’ (MECSC) primary goal is to proposals for Dragon City bring together regional leaders and professionals under one roof to network with key players in the retail sector and residential towers enable to meet and build relationships.

Spring Board Networking Event - Kuwait Spring Board Networking Event - Oman

September 25, 2018 l Venue to be confirmed December 3, 2018 l Venue to be confirmed

Dubai: Master developer Nakheel is assessing 11 proposals, with the lowest bid at just under AED650 million, for the construction of Dragon Click here to register Click here to register Towers, its twin-building residential complex at the rapidly-expanding SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Dragon City community in Dubai. June 13 l Zawya Download packages or contact,

LEA VENEZUELA, Director Palm Jumeirah is getting its own

E: [email protected] dancing fountain T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 2186 M: +971 56 708 9235

Developer Nakheel has signed a contract worth Dhs66 million for the new choreographed fountain, and has hired one of China’s largest fountain specialists, Beijing Water Design, to create the attraction. June 12 l What's On

Marriott signs three expansion project deals in Saudi Arabia

The MECSC Directory 2018 Testimonials

“The 2018 MECSC Directory is your complete guide to the Retail and Shopping Centre Industry, if you’re a stakeholder in this sector, this book is a must have for you.

– “Younus Al Mulla, Chairman MAF Retail” JEDDAH – As part of its ongoing “The MECSC is a great reference and resource tool for the industry. commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi As a Global retailer, we also look at developments in existing and Arabia, Marriott International new markets to expand our business. The MECSC Directory announced three deal signings in provides us with the information required” Jeddah with the Al Murjan Group. The projects will add over 500 rooms – “Ishwar Chugani, Managing Directory Giordano ME FZE” in the country and will feature the “Being a member of MECSC has a lot of benefits and one of the Middle East’s first Delta Hotel by most important advantages is to have the MECSC Directory, which I Marriott along with Jeddah’s first consider as a bible for the industry in the region where it gives you Marriott Executive Apartments and Four Points by Sheraton. June 11 l Saudi Gazette access to the information of all Mall and Retailers, Service Providers in the region. If you are operating Retail in MENA ABC sal Awarded at London's then you must have this book” Prestigious Retail Design Expo for Exceptional Work in Visual – “Kamel Shaban, General Manager CAPACITA” Merchandizing

The MECSC Directory is a detailed compilation of data concerning Shopping Centres, Retailers and Service Providers presented in a format usable and convenient for all stakeholders in the Middle East and North African region. The 2018 Issue, had for its first 40 days since its release last April 17, 2018 – 33,033 reads online, with around 1,000 books in print distributed to MECSC members (The numbers is expected to spike on the 4th Quarter of the year, particularly during and after multiple networking events and RECON scheduled at Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan etc.)

MECSC is now accepting entries and submission of data for the next issue of 2019 MECSC Directory. Submit now to make sure your updates will be processed. Sponsorship and advertisement are also available.

For any inquiries regarding the directory publication please contact: JUSTIN ESPIRITU, Publishing and Database Manager E: [email protected] ABC sal is proud to announce that its T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 2046 Christmas decoration in the domain M: +971 54 3208 359 of visual merchandizing has been awarded at the Retail Design Expo (RDE), held this month at London’s famous Olympia. An achievement on its own right, ABC’s celebrated work was showcased alongside a number of other concepts chosen from all over the world to be part of Europe’s leading event in the field of retail design. June 11 l Zawya

Nakheel awards Dh448 million contract for Deira Islands bridge

MECSC Custom Education Our team at MECSC are able to custom create education programs for you! Property developer Nakheel has A large component of what our team does at the awarded a Dh447 million contract to MECSC is to create unique opportunities for business Wade Adams Contracting to build a development and career enhancement for our 12-lane bridge linking mainland Dubai members and the retail industry at large. to Deira Islands. June 11 l The National Custom Education - Education continues to be a primary focus within the MECSC. Our leadership role Magic Planet Riyadh is now open in the retail industry makes the MECSC the first choice in curriculum development and delivery. Our team appreciates your support in sourcing new educational opportunities. When your organization or affiliated companies consider retail industry training programs, please contact us as we would be pleased to assist you with your training needs.

For any inquiry please contact:

KHAYE COMANDA, Associate Director E: [email protected] T: +971 04 359 7909 / D: +971 04 359 2107 MAJID Al Futtaim, the leading M: +971 56 682 1634 shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, opened Magic Planet –the family favorite gaming destination – in Saudi Arabia yesterday (June 10). Located in the capital’s newest shopping hub, Riyadh Park, the venue is set to be the Magic Planet’s biggest opening to date and the very first to open in Saudi Arabia. June 10 l Saudi Gazette

Dubai Hills Mall construction on- schedule Dubai Hills Mall, the new retail and lifestyle destination in Dubai Hills Estate, is slowly coming to life, with about 60 per cent of the mall's structure having been completed. June 3 l Khaleej Times

Lululemon sales pick up amid search for new chief executive

Lululemon Athletica's sales growth accelerated last quarter, giving investors confidence that the retailer can maintain its trajectory while it looks for a new top executive. June 2 l The National

A new Dhs1.3 billion residential development has been unveiled for JLT

As well as more than 2,500 apartments there will be shops, restaurants, a roof garden, nursery and a gym. UAE-based developer Seven Tides has announced that it is launching a new residential development, SE7EN CITY JLT, due for completion by 2021. Spread over 3.5 million square feet, the new Dhs1.3 billion project will be located in JLT’s Cluster Z, opposite the Montgomery and Emirates’ golf courses and the Emirates Hills community . June 2 l What's On

Disclaimer : The views expressed in this document are those of the contributor(s) and no liability can be accepted for any Share on social network: omissions, errors of fact or opinion.

Our mailing address is:

The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres Unit 507, Arenco Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Media City, PO Box 43972, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 359 7909 E: [email protected]

Copyright 2018 MECSC, All rights reserved.