Tamdeen Group’s Al Kout takes shape

Kuwait-based Tamdeen Group’s Al Kout, a mixed-use project that is reshaping the urban and social landscape of the country, is on schedule to formally open in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“The New Al Kout in southern Kuwait is set to become an Arabian landmark through its fusion of traditional architecture and modern contemporary design and will be a true representation of the growing lifestyle, shopping, leisure and entertainment aspirations of our country,” asserts Tamdeen Group chairman Mohammed Jassim Khalid Al Marzouq.

The development of Al Kout is being carried out by a Tamdeen Group subsidiary company. When completed, the development will include six different experiences, all reflecting the architectural heritage of Kuwait. In its entirety, Al Kout will be a single but multi-faceted destination with diverse offerings for those with a love of retail, lifestyle and leisure experiences. A major component of the project is the replacement of Al Manshar Mall and four residential towers, with the new Al Kout Mall, built at a cost of KD70 million.

The expansion of the mall will reflect additional retail space, making A Kout the largest shopping centre in southern Kuwait with over 10.7 million sqft of retail leasable area. The mall will have multi-storey car parking to accommodate 3,600 cars.

“Construction is well underway and we are building the mall to the highest specifications,” says Ahmed Al Sarawi, CEO, Tamdeen Shopping Centres.

Leasing for the mall is ongoing with huge interest from several leading international and regional players. In fact, it is over 50% leased and committed for by tenants, 1.5 years ahead of the grand opening. The destination will include the popular anchor and key brands including but not limited to Zara, Sephora, GAP, Victoria’s Secret/Pink, Tamdeen Group’s family entertainment centre Infunity and a 12-screen Cinescape cinema. The new retail component will have outlets, restaurants, cafés as well as a food court, gym and spa.

Anchor tenants will move in to the mall in 2017, as they start their fit-out in order to complete the works by the mall opening date. The remaining tenants will move in once the mall is ready. The mall will be managed and operated by GLA, a professional mall-management firm.

The adjacent luxurious 200-suite Rotana Hotel has been a huge success from the day it opened.  The hotel will connect directly to the shops and restaurants within the new Al Kout Mall. Rotana has a huge demand for weddings, conferences and other gala events. To cater to this, a brand new purpose-built ballroom spanning 39,826 sqft is being added to the property. This facility will be unique in Fahaheel and will add value to the entire destination.

The new Al Kout Mall will be linked by a signature bridge to Souq Al Kout, which is significant for its traditional design and serves as the community hub of southern Kuwait. With its landmark fountains and stunning views of the marina, the redeveloped souq will have a new upscale offering, along with Nag’at Al Kout, the traditional fishing wharf where fishermen ply their trade.

Al Kout’s stunning 1.6 km of immaculate seafront across Fahaheel Beach is now being renamed Sahel Al Kout. The beachfront offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and blends seamlessly with the state-of-the-art marina, Marsa Al Kout with its excellent facilities for over 150 boats. In addition, Al Kout includes a traditional market, a supermarket, banks, international entertainment venues, a marina, a fishing port, musical fountains and al fresco dining opportunities.

“Al Kout will transform the Al-Fahaheel area into a vibrant social and economic center that is truly iconic, reflecting the architectural heritage of Kuwait and the region. With projects worth $2 billion in the pipeline, the Tamdeen Group is truly developing significant symbols for Kuwait,” adds Shavak Srivastava, board member of Tamdeen Shopping Centres.

Upon completion of all phases, Al Kout will occupy a massive 32.2 million sqft of area creating Kuwait’s largest waterfront mixed-use destination.