Emaar creates 1,600 new jobs in shopping malls and hospitality businesses in Dubai

Dubai, UAE; May 11, 2009: Emaar Properties is creating over 1,600 new jobs in its shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure businesses. With the new addition, Emaar will have nearly 4,000 employees on its rolls in Dubai.

The new team-members, to be recruited in the next three months, will be trained for the launch of KidZania®, SEGA Republic and the 22-screen REEL Cinemas – three new leisure attractions in The Dubai Mall – and The Address, Dubai Mall and The Address, Dubai Marina hotels.

The recruitment highlights the job creation potential of Emaar’s diversified business interests, including shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure, and its key role in adding vitality to the Dubai economy. Skilled professionals are being hired locally, from several countries in the region and internationally for the new jobs.

Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: “Our strategy for 2009 is to push for growth in existing subsidiary businesses while the core property business recovers from the global economic challenges. Emaar’s projects have traditionally created several thousand jobs in all markets including in hospitality, shopping malls and education businesses. The new hospitality & leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall will further enable us to identify and nurture talented professionals, and in turn, support the Government’s commitment to strengthen market confidence.”

He added: “The unique concept of the leisure attractions and hospitality services at our malls and hotels demands that we have the right human resources for ensuring seamless operation. The current recruitment strategy, coming at a critical time for the global economy, marks our commitment to deliver a quality experience for visitors.”

The Dubai Mall, formally opened on May 8, 2009, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has already created a new dimension in retailing and family entertainment with overwhelming visitor response to The Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and The Dubai Ice Rink. The mall will soon add KidZania® and SEGA Republic, two totally new leisure concepts to the region, and the 22-screen REEL Cinemas.

KidZania® is an award-winning children’s ‘edu-tainment’ concept that will be introduced to the region for the first time at The Dubai Mall. It is an 80,000 sq ft interactive mini-city that combines play with learning in a fun and innovative approach. Children can choose from 70 ‘roles’ ranging from doctors, engineers, teachers, construction workers, artists and mechanics, among others.

SEGA Republic is a high-adrenaline ride, adventure and gaming zone spread over 76,000 sq ft across two levels. An indoor roller-coaster, thrilling rides and motion simulators, many of which are bespoke attractions for Dubai, are its highlights. It is being developed by Emaar Retail in partnership with SEGA Corporation, Japan’s leading indoor theme park developer.

The 22-screen REEL Cinemas will be the city’s largest cinema complex with a total capacity of 2,800 seats. The highlight of The Dubai Mall Cineplex is the introduction of the Hollywood Chic design concept, which assures a modern cinema experience.

The Address, Dubai Mall, the 5 star premium hotel to be operated by The Address Hotels + Resorts, the hotel management division of Emaar Hospitality Group, is nearing completion and will offer 245 signature rooms, 450 serviced apartments and modern lifestyle amenities. The Address, Dubai Marina, with 200 guestrooms and 442 serviced residences, is part of the Dubai Marina Mall complex, located centrally in the one of the most sought-after waterfront projects in the region.

The Address Hotels + Resorts already operates its flagship hotel – The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai – offering 196 guestrooms including 25 suites, and 626 serviced residences. The Palace – The Old Town, with 242 luxurious guestrooms including 81 suites, is another upmarket 5 star property managed by The Address Hotels + Resorts.