Majid Al Futtaim adds City Centre Sohar to its Oman portfolio

Majid Al Futtaim is expanding its existing portfolio of shopping malls in Oman with City Centre Sohar. The mall, located in the northern governorate’s historic capital Sohar, is due to open in late 2018.

“As part of Majid Al Futtaim’s growth strategy, we aim to be at the forefront of Oman’s rapid development in the retail industry and bring the best shopping, food & beverage and entertainment experiences to Sohar with this contemporary urban project,” says Ghaith Shocair, CEO – shopping malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

“By introducing our renowned City Centre brand to Sohar, we will be enhancing the city’s retail landscape with more than 130 diverse stores, a 90,417 sqft Carrefour Hypermarket, a nine-screen VOX Cinemas, in addition to an array of dining and entertainment options. Majid Al Futtaim’s investment in the city of Sohar underscores our commitment to creating great moments for everyone, everyday,” he adds.

With an investment of OMR45 million (AED429.17 million), City Centre Sohar, conveniently located on Batinah Highway, will add 430,556 sqft of gross leasable area to the Sultanate’s booming retail sector. Sohar, a port city and major industrial hub, has seen substantial economic growth in recent years, which Majid Al Futtaim is keen to contribute to.

The construction contract for City Centre Sohar has been awarded to the Oman-based company Al Turki Enterprise and the work will commence in November 2017.

City Centre Sohar has set a target to achieve LEED Gold status – the coveted energy-efficient design certification – within three months of opening. This will include implementing sustainable building best practice with enhanced insulation, LED lighting and solar panels that will contribute to the centre’s energy requirements. Furthermore, condensation from air-conditioning and ventilation systems will be used for irrigation.

In addition to City Centre Sohar, Majid Al Futtaim Properties owns and operates the newly upgraded City Centre Qurum as well as City Centre Muscat, which recently underwent an OMR27 million (AED257.50 million) expansion. Community-centred mall My City Centre Sur is also in the pipeline, as is Mall of Oman, set to be the Sultanate’s biggest shopping centre and representing an investment of OMR275 million (AED2,622.73 million).