Shopping malls are an index to a healthy economy

At RECon 2015, a large number of announcements of new shopping malls and expansions are introduced

3 November 2015

New mall projects and expansions are a sign of an economy going in the right direction, an industry expert says.

"When malls decide to expand, add on new sections, renovate, it signifies a positive economical growth and at RECon 2015 we will be seeing many new announcements some for extensions and others for brand new malls that will be coming up in the Mena region," said David Macadam, chief executive officer of MECSC.

"These developments not only influence the retail industry, but hugely influence the tourism sector, hospitality and create many new opportunities and jobs, which has a direct impact on the economy of the city in which the mall is located and therefore it's quite exciting to see so much development at the forefront of the retail industry this year."

At RECon 2015, a large number of announcements of new shopping malls and expansions are introduced. RECon, the longest running and most successful conference for the shopping centres and the retail industry in the Mena region, runs from November 1-3 in Dubai.

New developments of shopping malls in Dubai include The City Centre Me'aisem, which recently opened in the International Media Production Zone, the first addition to the City Centre collection of malls in the country in three years. Some other notable mall projects on the way are The Pointe & Palm Mall on Palm Jumeirah; The Avenues by Meeras; Phoenix Mall at International City; Mall of the World at Mohammed bin Rashid City; Dubai Pearl Mall; Nakheel Community Malls; and Jumeirah Beach Village Mall at JBR.

It's not just the brand-new malls that are making headlines; a list of older malls are now getting facelifts and announcing new extension and expansion projects.

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates just opened the 36,000sqm extension this month with a state-of-the-art VOX cinema and a host of new F&B outlets and retail brands. Some of the other mall extensions to open up soon are at BurJuman, Dubai Outlet Mall, Dragon Mart and The Dubai Mall.

RECon 2015's exhibition area and deal-making sessions run concurrently through out the event; there is more time set aside for the exhibition area and enhanced networking opportunities. A gala dinner and awards ceremony will be held on the final day.

RECon MENA 2015 : "Great to Legendary"

The RECon MENA 2015 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Gala will be held from November 1st to 3rd, 2015 at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, in Dubai. The preeminent educational and networking conference for the shopping centre industry professionals, retailers and owners in the Middle East & North Africa. Shopping centres in the Middle East and North Africa are among some of the most vibrant and successful throughout the world and during the great recession they proved to be resilient by adapting to the changing financial climate and maintained their relevance through hard work and creativity.

Now that economies throughout the world are improving and with consumers opening up their wallets and satisfying their pent up demand for goods and services, everyone wants to know is it back to business as usual or has the consumer's shopping habits, wants and desires forever been altered? While no one can accurately predict the future, it is clear that what made shopping centres successful in the first place, great brands, eclectic mix of f&b offerings, and an array of entertainment options, will never go out of fashion. But to make these components work successfully you need to be up on the latest trends and best practices.

RECon Middle East & North Africa will take participants on a deep dive to what they need to know now, and in the future, to operate successful shopping centres. Jointly organized by the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), RECon Middle East & North Africa 2015 will bring together shopping centre industry professionals, retailers, management and consulting companies, architects and design companies, entertainment and leisure companies, product and service providers to the industry, all under one roof for three days of networking, deal making and exploring new business opportunities.

Our Unique Future

Shopping centres and the pastime of shopping in the Middle East and North Africa are lifestyles held in these recreational retail environments. These shopping centres are some of the most vibrant and successful in the world. While no one can accurately predict the future it is clear that what made shopping centres successful in the first place, great brands, tremendous food choices, an array of entertainment and recreational options, will never go out of fashion. These components to retail success continue to work successfully only with hard work, diligence and by keeping attuned to the latest retail trends and best practices. RECon Middle East North Africa will take participants to a new level of what you need to know now, and in the future, to operate successful shopping centres. As retailers your ability to make great strides into accessing these markets is available in a once yearly conference in Dubai.

2015 Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre Awards and Gala

ICSC in association with MECSC is pleased to announce the 5th edition of these prestigious awards that honors the best in the industry. ICSC Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre Awards will be presented at RECon Middle East and North Africa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for outstanding achievement in marketing, retail and design. Gold Winners of the ICSC Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre Awards will be automatically submitted for the ICSC Best-of-the-Best Global “VIVA” (Vision, Innovation, Value, Achievement) Awards. The Middle East and North Africa Shopping Centre Awards are a prime opportunity for shopping centre owners, retailers, developers, management companies, architects, designers and industry professionals to showcase their efforts in design, development and operation of their unique centres and award winning retail stores. Awards will be announced at a Gala dinner November 3rd, 2015.