Majid Al Futtaim unveils the first green wall in Sharjah
Majid Al Futtaim Communities, part of “Majid Al Futtaim Properties”, continues to drive more sustainable and eco-friendly buildings, leading into a new era of innovation, adaptation, and solution. Following their ambition to develop thriving and sustainable communities, underpinned by placemaking environments derived from the principles of well-being, Al Zahia, Sharjah’s premier lifestyle destination, recently announced the completion of their living wall, the first vertical garden across the Emirate of Sharjah.
Presenting a lush work of art in the community spaces, the vertical garden at Al Zahia is home to over 15,000 plants of different species and spans across 160sqm. As part of the highly anticipated community clubhouse, Majid Al Futtaim Communities continues to lead the way in innovative and customer-centric destinations, reinforcing Al Zahia’s position as Sharjah’s most sought-after destination.
Earning global recognition due to their distinct economic and ecological advantages and rising environmental awareness, green walls have emerged as an essential component of sustainable urban development. Contributing to healthy communities, living walls can serve as a means of expression, creating a unique space for people to express themselves in various ways. Naturally infusing the air with oxygen, plants take in more CO2 than they release, removing traces of toxic chemicals and contributing towards cleaner, more oxygenated air. Absorbing approximately 41% more noise than traditional walls, the vertical gardens are not only beautiful and healthy; they equally reduce noise from external surroundings and activities.
“At Majid Al Futtaim our communities are about embedding local culture, creating more sustainable environments, capturing the beauty of nature while recognising the potential for healthy living. Studies show that living in a green environment brings people together and that small-scale greenery, has a positive effect on social cohesion in neighbourhoods. Driven by our placemaking principles and commitment to break boundaries, Al Zahia is underway in redefining Sharjah’s living experience.,” said Hawazen Esber, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Communities.
Designed to provide a welcoming environment ideally suited for families, Al Zahia offers homeowners contemporary and well-designed homes, surrounded by green spaces and a range of upscale amenities.
Located within walking distance of the recently opened City Centre Al Zahia, the most exciting and innovative shopping and dining destination in Sharjah, the one-million-square-metre residential community, owned by Sharjah Holding – a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Sharjah Asset Management.
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Majid Al Futtaim appoints AECOM to deliver consultancy services for Mall of Saudi project
Majid Al Futtaim has awarded a four-year contract to global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM to provide lead consultancy services for its flagship Mall of Saudi development.
With the project set to break ground in Q4 this year, the announcement marks an important step in further delivering Majid Al Futtaim’s master-planned landmark mixed-use development, Riyadh North. The development is situated in the fastest growing zone in the city and provides an unparalleled gateway to brands and partners who are seeking to access a dynamic young population with a high appreciation of best in class retail, leisure and F&B.
AECOM’s contract will see the firm deliver lead design consultancy for pre-contract and post contract construction supervision for Mall of Saudi which is expected to house over 600 stores across 300,000sqm gross leasable area. Mall of Saudi is envisaged as an integrated lifestyle destination that will host the largest ski slope and snow park in the Middle East, luxury hotels and branded residences covering approximately 2,000 keys and spanning 214,000 square meters of built-up area.
The mall will feature a flagship Carrefour hypermarket and 31 VOX Cinema screens, including the world’s largest IMAX, and a Magic Planet. To date, leasing progress for the flagship retail space stands at approximately 50% of the gross leasable area for both issued and signed proposals, excluding Ski Saudi.
Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, said: “The contract appointment with AECOM marks a major milestone for the Riyadh North development and is a meaningful step in the progression of Majid Al Futtaim’s anchor development, Mall of Saudi. As a long-term private sector partner, Majid Al Futtaim is fully committed to investing in the Kingdom and ensuring that its retail, leisure and real estate projects play a meaningful role in contributing to Vision 2030. We look forward to breaking ground on this exciting project in Q4 this year, bringing us closer to ensuring Riyadh takes its position on the global map as a top 10 city destination and to unlocking future foreign direct investment by acting as a landmark global development.”
Hamed Zaghw, Chief Executive, AECOM Middle East & Africa, commented: “We are delighted that Majid Al Futtaim has chosen AECOM to deliver its flagship retail destination in Saudi Arabia. The award is testament to our strong relationship with Majid Al Futtaim and their trust in our integrated offer, global reach, and local knowledge. The win reaffirms our commitment to supporting Vision 2030 through the delivery of large-scale, transformational projects that create long-lasting impact in the communities they serve.”
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Majid Al Futtaim opens its first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre in the UAE
Majid Al Futtaim has opened its first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre (FEC) in the UAE at Wafi City. The state-of-the-art entertainment hub spans two floors and comprises VOX Cinemas, the Middle East’s most innovative and fastest-growing exhibitor, integrated with Magic Planet, the regionally award-winning family entertainment centre.
VOX Cinemas Wafi City offers movie-goers an exceptional cinematic experience and boasts the first Samsung Onyx screen in the UAE. Backed by brilliant LED picture quality and an infinite contrast ratio, Samsung Onyx delivers a powerful, captivating and memorable experience through HDR (High Dynamic Range) graphics and clear sounds. The 15-screen multiplex also features cutting-edge audio-visual technology and a variety of VOX Cinemas’ signature concepts including KIDS, a colourful and dedicated auditorium for young movie lovers, MAX, an auditorium with a mega screen and Dolby Atmos surround sound technology as well as a reimagined VIP experience with luxury seating and in-seat dining.
The all-encompassing entertainment destination also features an array of F&B outlets to complement the experience including new concepts Candy Corner, where guests can indulge in a wide variety of sweet treats, and The Spotlight at Wafi City, which serves gourmet cuisine directly to guests’ seats. The décor in the thoughtfully appointed new culinary offering is imaginative and intriguing and truly immerses discerning film fans in a unique atmosphere that redefines luxury and the cinematic experience.
Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment said: “We’re proud to collaborate with Wafi Group, which shares our vision for creating remarkable destinations and passion for excellence, to open our first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre in the United Arab Emirates. Today’s customers are looking for more engaging and immersive ways to spend time with family and friends and, at Majid Al Futtaim, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and finding innovative new ways to exceed evolving expectations. VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet at Wafi City have been designed as a holistic concept seamlessly integrating two recreational functions into one enriched experience and we’re very excited to welcome new guests and create great moments together.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Wafi Group added: “Majid Al Futtaim is synonymous with customer-focused and innovative experiences and, we are excited to partner with them to launch this world-class entertainment destination, which offers an exciting selection of immersive attractions for the whole family to enjoy. VOX Cinemas Wafi City takes the cinematic experience to the next level with a unique offering that goes beyond customers’ expectations and features the ultimate VIP experience.
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Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship Dubai community—Tilal Al Ghaf’s Elan neighbourhood is sold out
Sales of the third phase of the Elan neighbourhood at Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship Dubai community, Tilal Al Ghaf, have successfully closed following unprecedented demand for the premium residential destination. The latest release of 322 homes were snapped up by buyers within just 48 hours, building on the emphatic success of the first and second phases that sold out within seven days.
With infrastructure work underway and handover expected as early as December 2022, the community is fast becoming one of Dubai’s most sought-after destinations with more than 900 units now sold. The volume of interest and pace of investment are testament to Majid Al Futtaim’s strategy of listening and responding to modern buyers’ and investors’ needs to deliver highly sought-after destinations and unique environments.
Tilal Al Ghaf’s Elan comprises three- and four-bedroom homes nestled around a recreational lagoon and white sandy beaches. The community features a selection of signature Majid Al Futtaim retail options and a world-renowned school — perfectly situated within open green spaces, walkable neighbourhoods lined with Ghaf tree trails, 18km of cycling and jogging trails, and nature-inspired outdoor amenities.
Hawazen Esber, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Communities, said, “Tilal Al Ghaf’s bold vision and ambitious promise towards the Dubai and GCC market have been rewarded by an enthusiastic response to Elan, which reiterates the purpose of the entire community – a healthy, socially fulfilling lifestyle that gives people a sense of belonging — and a place where a generation of families can create great memories for a lifetime.”
He continued: “Our focus is firmly placed on offering quality destinations that respond and specifically cater to the needs of modern communities and residents. Our philosophy of placemaking is built on our deep understanding of what homeowners and tenants want. We are attentive to changing behaviours and habits, marrying customer’s preferences with our insights to create emotionally resonant destinations. We recognize that, more so than ever, it is important for us to maintain this commitment to truly unique and exceptional community building. We are determined to keep our buyers and residents top of mind, acting responsibly as developers to prioritise their needs, and dreams of a happy home, above all else. Tilal Al Ghaf is a testament to this commitment.”
Tilal Al Ghaf highlights Majid Al Futtaim’s core belief of human-centric destinations — destinations brought to life through communities that are designed and built with the customer and end-user in mind. Situated in highly sought-after locations, these exceptional and sustainable properties — nestled within holistic environments that offer a full ecosystem of amenities and facilities for people to unwind and socialise.
The success of the phase three launch underlines buyers’ confidence in Dubai’s real estate market and the sustainability of the wider economy. It also demonstrates trust in Majid Al Futtaim’s track record as a lifestyle and leisure conglomerate in the region.
Majid Al Futtaim’s Elan development begins construction
Majid Al Futtaim held a ground-breaking ceremony for their recently launched Elan neighbourhood at Tilal Al Ghaf. The move officially kicks off the construction phase of the development, moving the project one step closer to its planned delivery by December 2022. The milestone follows the sale of 594 total units in phases one and two of Elan, representing a total sales value of AED900mn.
The ground-breaking ceremony demonstrates Majid Al Futtaim’s unwavering commitment to its customers’ investments, the resilience of Dubai’s real estate market, and a period of heightened stability marked by growing confidence among property buyers.
Comprising a mix of premium three- and four-bedroom properties, Elan is an exclusive gated community within Majid Al Futtaim’s flagship Tilal Al Ghaf development. While setting a new benchmark in the townhouse segment in Dubai, Elan properties were offered at attractive price points and with a competitive payment plan. True to the developer’s vision to make every day at Tilal Al Ghaf feel like a weekend, the neighbourhood’s compelling amenities include a recreational lagoon, outdoor cinema, three community centres, a fitness centre, and BBQ stations. Its architecture and construction draw from Majid Al Futtaim’s unique philosophy of placemaking, creating a truly unique residential option that sets an exceptionally high benchmark in the UAE property market.
Hawazen Esber at Majid Al Futtaim — Chief Executive Officer, Communities, said: “Investors have certainly been inspired by our vision for Tilal Al Ghaf, which has translated into an outstanding sell-out of phase one and two of Elan’s neighbourhood. We greatly appreciate our customers’ commitment to this project and will continue working closely with them as we confidently move closer toward delivering the community we’ve promised. The imminent construction of Elan is an important step toward creating a unique lifestyle destination that redefines residential living in Dubai.”
The centrepiece of the community is the recreational lagoon, fringed by white sandy beaches that accommodate a variety of water sports. Further positioning Elan as one of the most desirable communities on the market is an abundance of wellness facilities, including a tennis court, basketball court, cycling and jogging tracks, swimming pool, and an indoor gym. A 24/7 grocery store also elevates the convenience for residents. Additionally, reflecting the wider community name and honouring local UAE heritage, 1,200 indigenous Ghaf trees have been planted so far to create tranquil trails within the highly walkable community.