Dubai mega mall inspired by nature
CNNEditor’s Note: CNN’s series often carry sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. Cityland Mall, a $400 million development set in the rapidly developing Dubailand neighborhood, is billed as “the world’s first nature-inspired shopping destination.” The complex is built around a 200,000 square-foot botanical garden dubbed “Central Park,” a little smaller than four soccer fields. The green theme extends throughout the complex, says Fahimuddin Sharfuddin, CEO of Cityland Group, with tree-lined interior walkways and living “green walls” positioned in the main thoroughfares. “A large area on the roof of the building accommodates photovoltaic solar panels.” The completed mall will host more than 300 businesses, eateries, and “attraction operators.” The first of these – international supermarket chain Carrefour – opened its doors on May 12 and Cityland is confident the rest of the site will be in business by the end of the year, with full occupancy by 2020. “The expanding organized retail and rising number of international brands has intensified competition resulting in margin pressures,” says Krishna Dhanak, executive director Alpen Capital.
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