One of the largest integrated shopping destinations to open in December

MADIHA ASIF

The wait for all shopaholics residing in Oman is over, as Al Araimi Boulevard, a contemporary shopping destination with unique facilities, is opening in December this year.

The mall is set to provide thousands of jobs and support numerous local entrepreneurs, according to the Vice Chairman of Al Raid Group.

“In addition to hosting a unique shopping environment, Al Araimi Boulevard will provide more than 3,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Omanis. We also support Omani entrepreneurs by enabling them to launch their SMEs with competitive rental rates, which are not available in any other project in the Sultanate,” said Sheikh Raid bin Abdullah Al Araimi, Vice Chairman of Al Raid Group.

“We believe it is important to guide them towards self-employment, which will enhance the culture of entrepreneurship which shall benefit everyone,” Al Araimi added.

He said that the completion of this project was clear evidence that Omani companies were able to carry out large projects of international standards. “It is a strategic project that sets the benchmark for the world of shopping and entertainment in the Sultanate and the world. It is a 100 per cent Omani-owned project and Al Raid Group is proud the project has achieved its national objectives by embodying the role of the private sector in the process of comprehensive development,” Al Araimi said.

The estimated cost of the project is OMR62 million, with a built up area of 187,000 square metres. It provides a leasable space of 75,000 square metres and more than 210 stores ranging from 70-160 square metres. It has a family entertainment centre of 6,000 square metres.

“There will be 10 cinema screens, in addition to a Carrefour hypermarket which will occupy an area of 10,000 square metres. It will also be home to 20 casual dining restaurants with an impressive food court that seats up to 1,200 people. There is space for parking 3,000 cars available at the mall,” Al Araimi said.

The mall is built with an exceptionally beautiful modern style that transforms the entire shopping experience. It consists of two floors, providing a space for water features, fountains and other unique features such as green landscaped areas and has the largest glass dome that allows daylight to enter without heat.

Al Araimi Boulevard is strategically located in Maabela, offering easy access from various directions via a modern developed road network connecting to Sultan Qaboos Road, Al Furousiya Intersection and Al Salam Road. —madiha@timesofoman.com