EXCITING CHANGES IN-STORE AT DEIRA CITY CENTRE

More reasons to love Dubai’s popular retail destination with

55 new stores coming in 2011

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 March, 2011 – Shoppers will have yet more reasons to love one of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations in 2011 as the Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ flagship mall Deira City Centre, has exciting updates ‘in-store,’ this year.  Redevelopment enhancements include an expansion initiative which will recreate an additional 30,000 square feet of new retail space, renovation and addition of 55 new stores.  Special features and brands being added to the mall include Marks & Spencer, Toys ‘R’Us and a new fitness facility.

Additional elements of Deira City Centre’s enhancement include a new entrance from the Metro Station, new prayer room, redevelopment of the current Jewellery and Textile Courts, and the introduction of a new bridge link to enhance the traffic circulation in the mall and offer new lifestyle services and amenities.  The year-long initiative will see the pioneering Deira City Centre welcome flagship brands from Al Futtaim including Marks & Spencer and Toys ‘R’ Us along with other international retailers such as Aeropostale and American Eagle, while extending the size and scope of a number of existing retail partners with up to 55 new stores and retail offerings.

“Al Futtaim Retail is excited by the opportunity to introduce two of our key brands to a flagship centre such as Deira City Centre, one of Dubai’s longest standing and hugely popular mall.   We feel this will offer our strong loyal customer base a convenient, central destination in Dubai.” said Jonathan Price, Managing Director Marks & Spencer, Al Futtaim Retail.

 A key aim of Deira City Centre’s enhancement initiative is to make more efficient use of the mall’s well-lit and convenient layout, while adding new retail space.  Majid Al Futtaim Properties is very excited about the new plans for Deira City Centre this year. “Research has demonstrated that Deira City Centre retains a loyal following among a significant proportion of Dubai residents and visitors, and our 2011 enhancement is an opportunity to welcome new destinational brands, while improving ease of access and traffic flow in and around the centre, as well as introducing new services and amenity upgrades for our shoppers.  Over the last 15 years, Deira City Centre has continued to retain its strong position in the market despite new competition and one of the main reasons for its success is its continual evolution to meet changing market demands” said Fuad Al Najjar, Vice President Deira City Centre.

About Deira City Centre:

Deira City Centre is the original flagship mall in the Majid Al Futtaim Properties portfolio.  Launched in 1995, it pioneered the concept of combining shopping and entertainment in the region.  It remains one of the region’s most visited destinations, attracting over 19 million visitors a year.

The Centre has over 370 stores including its anchors – Carrefour, Debenhams, Iconic, Sharaf DG, Virgin Megastore and Paris Gallery.  It prides itself with its wide range of mid-market popular brands such as Zara, New Look, Forever 21, H&M, Gap and Splash, as well as a host of electronic stores.

In addition to offering a great and convenient shopping experience, the Centre also features City Centre Hotel and Residence, managed by Pullman; CineStar Cinemas, an 11-screen multiplex cinema, Magic Planet family entertainment centre, as well as a food court and several international restaurants and cafes; dedicated tourist services; and a Metro Station at its doorstep.