Lulu’s Dh1 billion Silicon Oasis mall to be ready for Expo 2020
dubai — Lulu Group International said on Wednesday that its Dh1 billion mega shopping mall project at Silicon Oasis would be ready for Expo 2020, when the global retail giant hopes to expand its network to 175 in more than 10 countries.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), laid the foundation stone for the new shopping destination that encompasses over 2.3 million square feet and comprise 300 shops and a family entertainment centre.
Also present a the ceremony were Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, vice-chairman and CEO of DSOA; Yusuffali MA, chairman and MD of Lulu Group International, along with senior members of DSOA and the Lulu Group management.
“We have tremendous respect for companies, small and large, that have been instrumental in fostering the momentous growth of Dubai and the UAE,” Dr Alzarooni said.
He said the construction of the mall would be completed by 2020, “an important year when the nation expects to welcome approximately 25 million visitors hoping to enjoy the Dubai Expo 2020 and other unique national experiences and sights.” He hoped that new mall would provide residents and tourists of all ages with a great shopping and entertainment experience. “The new architectural design of the project fits seamlessly with Dubai Silicon Oasis’s objective of driving constant innovation and creativity.” Yusuffali said the Silicon Mall is the group’s most ambitious project in the UAE to date.
“We intend to make it the most interesting and exciting mall in Dubai. Work on the project will be completed in a period of 30 months, just in time for the launch of Dubai EXPO 2020,” said Yusuffali.
Lulu Group, which currently has 133 outlets, including shopping malls, department stories and hypermarkets across the GCC, Egypt, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will be exploring new market forays and consolidate operations in the UAE, India and Saudi Arabia.
“In the next three years, we are on track to opens around 35 new shopping facilities. Entry into Sri Lank and other new markets are also on the group’s radar,” said Nandakumar Vijayan, spokesperson for the group.
The Silicon Mall will feature a futuristic façade. It will comprise sky-lit corridors for natural light harvesting on all floors. The mall will offer covered parking for up to 3,000 cars across two levels. In addition to more than 300 international and local branded stores, and 12 anchor stores, the mall will also house Lulu Hypermarket and Department Store on two levels.
— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com