Al Futtaim, a leading business group in the region, has announced that ist key development, Dubai Festival City Mall, has begun a major ambience upgrade and retail announcements to deliver on its brand promise of Exceptional Experiences.

Following the completion of its Dh1.5 billion ($408 million) expansion programme in December 2016, the retail giant is now investing again, to deliver across important retail precincts both in ambience and offer.

The plans focus on key precincts such as a full design enhancement of Festival Bay, parking expansion with improved navigation, customer wayfinding and lighting as well as enhanced VIP Valet which will receive renewed finishes and lighting improvements to create a “5 star” drop off experience, said the statement from Al Futtaim.

Major infrastructure works have built new sight lines into the mall interiors created by the removal of redundant and obstructive structures, as well as the introduction of glass railings and shop front enhancements, it stated.

After extensive consumer research into what customers want from their malls, Dubai Festival City Mall has introduced a new furniture aesthetic across the entire destination, providing +50% more seating for customers to relax in during their visit.

The research also highlighted the demand for connectivity, which the new furniture addresses through providing access to the mall Wi-Fi as well as USB ports and chargers.

Following the opening of popular kids’ concepts like Stay n Play, Dubai Festival City Mall’s entertainment offering will continue to expand with first-to-the-region family entertainment offerings from global brands are also set to be announced later this year for opening in Q2 2020.

“At Dubai Festival City Mall, we believe in creating exceptional experiences and social moments for our customers – that is what sets it apart from any other retail destination,” said Timothy Earnest, the group director, Al Futtaim Malls.

"Our offering has grown from strength to strength and we strive to continuously evolve to deliver an enhanced customer experience. Over the coming year we will continue to select the best brands in retail to be part of our development and we will be introducing unique family entertainment concepts that complement our expansive dining and retail mix," noted Earnest.

"These new signings reflect the customer demand we have seen as we continue to deliver on our promise to respond to the changing needs of our customers and deliver a bigger, bolder, better Dubai Festival City Mall," he added.

One unique proposition of the Mall which will be receiving the biggest overhaul is the Imagine show, the two-time record-breaking visual and sensory extravaganza which plays live every night on the iconic Festival Bay, according to Al Futtaim.

The investment will provide enhanced show features and improved sound, laser and lighting features in preparation for the launch of their fourth show in October 2019, set to be biggest and best yet.

The Bay itself will also receive façade enhancements including improved event lighting and LED screens that create a “dwell environment” for bay visitors. For major events, Festival Bay has a capacity for up to 10,000 people, it stated.

The mall enhancements are set to be completed in 2020 in time to welcome guests for Expo 2020, kicking off in October, it added.-TradeArabia News Service