UAE-based real estate developer Majid Al Futtaim Properties (MAF) built the Mall of Oman in Muscat with an investment of approximately $467.5m.
Construction of the mall began in 2014 and the mall was opened to the public in September 2021.
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The Mall of Oman features 350 stores, including 55 dining options from restaurants to cafes across a gross leasable area of 145,000m². Located at the new Madinat Al Irfan central business hub being developed by Oman near Muscat International Airport, it is the biggest shopping and entertainment complex in the Sultanate of Oman.
Mall of Oman features
The Mall of Oman was developed as part of Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to encourage economic diversification by raising the living standards of the residents of Muscat.
The shopping and entertainment complex includes the largest VOX cinemas in the Sultanate, with 15 screens, the largest Magic Planet family entertainment centre in the country, which features award-winning rides, games and attractions for the whole family, a 3D cinema, KIDS and IMAX experiences.
The mall houses the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate that spans over 14,000m² and also includes a 12,200m² Carrefour Hypermarket and an Abercrombie & Fitch apparel store.
The Mall of Oman is one of the most measurably eco-friendly structures in Oman and MAF secured the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating for the project.
As a premier shopping destination, the mall features world-class brands from leading regional retail companies such as Max Fashion and Centrepoint from the Landmark group; Hollister from Majid Al Futtaim; Marks & Spencer from Al Futtaim Group; LC Waikiki, R&B, and SMYK from the Apparel group; and brands by the Al Shamsi group.
In addition, Mall of Oman includes famous outlets such as Homes R Us, Matalan, Sharaf DG, and exclusive concepts such as Dior Boutique, Under Armour, Decathlon, 2XL Furniture, Lefties, L’Occitane en Provence, and New Yorker.
Construction details
In August 2019, MAF completed the construction of flyovers and roads connecting the complex to Interchange 6 of the Muscat Expressway.
The Muscat Electricity Distribution Company’s (MEDC) primary substation energised the nine distribution substations across the complex, allowing the completion of the central cooling plant and the passage of wild air through the complex during the construction phase.
Extensive road upgrade works were undertaken on Interchange 6 to allow access to the complex. Four new bridges and an underpass were also constructed, in addition to extensive retaining walls and utility divisions. The new access roads lead directly to the dedicated parking bays of the Mall of Oman.
More than 1km of 12m-tall retaining walls were constructed and road directional signage was installed.
Financing
MAF signed a long-term finance agreement with the Bank of Muscat for the Mall of Oman project in September 2017.
Contractors involved in Mall of Oman development
Black & White Engineering (B&W) was contracted to provide MEP load analysis, schematic design, and practical retail solutions to the complex. B&W designed the information and communications technology (ICT), background music (BGM) and security systems for the project.
Tekla was the supplier of Tekla BIMSight and IFC models, while the Arabian International Company for Steel Structures (AIC) was responsible for supplying 8,200t of steel.
The joint venture (JV) of Consolidated Contractors Company (SP-CCC) and Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East was awarded the contract for the construction of the Mall of Oman. The JV subcontracted the Towell Engineering Group to provide a construction power supply connection.
A preliminary enabling works contract, as part of phase one of the project, was awarded to Sarooj Construction. The contractual scope included the construction of road infrastructure and major earthworks, as well as utility diversions.
AECOM provided lead consultancy services, as well as the design for building engineering and architecture.
The JV of Parsons/Infracad was selected as the engineering consultant. It subcontracted Batco Group for enabling and highway works. CML International managed the commissioning, document and asset of the mechanical, electrical and specialist engineering services.
Al Tasnim Group was subcontracted by MAF to supply and install external stone cladding works for the snow park, car park, and VIP entrance.
