Emaar Malls, the shopping malls and retail business majority-owned by leading Dubai developer Emaar Properties, has recorded a 5 per cent growth in its revenue for 2019 which surged to Dh4.67 billion ($1.27 billion) from the previous year's figure of Dh4.45 billion ($1.21 billion).

Announcing the 2019 FY results, Emaar Malls said the overall net profit for the year amounted to Dh2.286 billion ($622 million), similar to net profit of Dh2.230 billion ($607 million) for 2018.

Revenue grew by 4 per cent to Dh1.26 billion ($343 million) during the last quarter of 2019 (October to December) when compared to same period in 2018, it stated.

On the 2019 highlights, Emaar Malls said Namshi, the regional e-commerce fashion and lifestyle platform was fully acquired by the company last year.

The online retailer reported sales in Q4 2019 of Dh339 million ($92 million), thus registering an increase of 40 per cent compared to the last quarter of 2018.

During 2019, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Emaar Malls recorded sales of Dh1.028 billion ($280 million) increasing 21 per cent compared to the previous year. Namshi’s consistent success is attributed to its popular ‘Black November’ campaign and considerable growth in the Saudi market.

Occupancy levels within Emaar Malls assets – The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Souk Al Bahar and the Community Retail Centres – was consistent at 92 per cent.

In 2019, there were approximately 136 million visitors collectively with The Dubai Mall maintaining its exceptional performance welcoming 84 million visitors in 2019.

Engaging loyalty programmes across Emaar Malls entities are said to have fueled the growth seen in 2019. Strategic partnerships including the Emirates Skywards programs play a vital role in the Emaar Malls customer engagement strategy.  

On the solid performance, Chairman Mohamed Alabbar said: "2019 was a great year for Emaar Malls with occupancy and visitor levels growing steadily. This uptick is a result of our continuous innovation as we refresh the customer journey, diversify our portfolio and invest in opportunities to bring our destinations to life."

"Examples of this include the recently opened Zabeel Extension at The Dubai Mall and the complete acquisition of Namshi, both of which contributed to our achievements in 2019," stated Alabbar.

"We expect to see this success continue through 2020, as we focus on loyalty programs to drive repeat visits and open new destinations to welcome inbound tourism driven by Expo 2020," he added.

In line with the Emaar growth strategy, the developer is set to open Dubai Hills Mall in Dubai Hills Estate in Q4 2020. The two-million-sq-ft retail establishment will feature nearly 550 retail and entertainment destinations including four major family entertainment and leisure centres along with a cineplex, hypermarket, seven anchor retail experience stores, and over 7,000 parking spaces.

Emaar Malls is also redeveloping Meadows Village to increase its GLA by approximately 95,000 sq. ft, and is scheduled for completion in 2020, further enhancing its Community Retail Centres, said Alabbar.

"Emaar Malls has partnered with Time Out Group and is set to open first Time Out Market in the region at Souk Al Bahar, an Arabic-style retail, entertainment and dining destination right at the heart of Downtown Dubai," he stated.

"The unique waterfront location just by The Dubai Fountain and adjacent to The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa is one of the region’s prime destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year," he added.

At Time Out Market Dubai, visitors will get to explore and enjoy food from 16 of Dubai’s top chefs and celebrated restaurateurs with three lounges and cultural experiences.

"The carefully curated lifestyle experience is set to define a new niche for the city and complements the current culinary offering. Emaar Malls is committed to bringing innovative entertainment attractions by working with global partners such as Time Out," noted Alabbar.

With the opening expected in Q4 2020, Time Out Market will occupy 30,000 sq ft, accommodating around 670 seats, he added.-TradeArabia News Service