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Construction work on one of the largest malls in the world, Mall of the Emirates, is proceeding on schedule, officials announced. Located off Sheikh Zayed, the mall will feature the region's first snow dome and indoor ski slope. Construction on the mall started three years ago, and is expected to be complete by September 2005. The ski slope is clearly visible from the highway and central atrium. The mall will also feature a resort-style hotel which will be managed by Kempinski Hotels & Resorts.
Formerly known as Souq Al Nakheel, the mall has more than 2.4 million square feet of prime retail and leisure space with around 350 shops. It will be the largest mall outside North America and China. The development combines dramatic contemporary design with traditional Arabic architecture with every section having a distinctive style and a unique atmosphere. Mall of the Emirates will be managed by Majid Al Futtaim Group, which has been behind the successful of Deira City Center. The interior is designed to represent a myriad of arcades. These arcades culminate in a gallery at the central atrium topped with a domed skylight that floods light into the gallery.
Broadway Trading and Landmark Group have reserved 300,000 sq. ft in space that will feature more than 20 international brands. Mall of the Emirates' facilities will include a 400-room hotel, the largest single-level Carrefour hypermarket in the Middle East, two major department stores, a 14-screen multiplex cinema with VIP facilities and numerous food and beverage outlets.
