$81 million furniture mall a first for Dubai

The construction of Dubai's first shopping mall dedicated to the furniture market is underway and set to be completed by April 2017, its developer has announced.

MMS Gulf has said it has awarded the main construction contract to Airolink for the US$81 million retail project called the Art Centre.

A company statement said the project will be home to more than 100 retail stores and feature medium- to high-end brands across a number of products including lighting, accessories, home-appliances, kitchens, bathrooms, offices, flooring, textiles, decoration materials and furniture.

The mall, which will be based in Dubai’s busy Al Barsha district, close to Mall of the Emirates, will also feature free valet-parking, a cigar lounge, a children's play area, a spa, a gym, plus cafes and restaurants.

"The project will be market-leading in the UAE, particularly as there are no other competitors. The timing is perfect because the real estate and the hospitality markets are witnessing a golden era before Expo 2020," said MMS Gulf CEO and partner Dr Samer Al Omari.

The company revealed it was already in early discussions with possible tenants for the Art Centre mall after receiving hundreds of applications since the launch of the project.