Abu Dhabi – Decypha: More than 90% of Abu Dhabi residents perceive visiting commercial malls as important, with 97% of surveyed shoppers in the emirate report their satisfaction with existing retail malls, according to Al Maryah Central Insights Report 2017.
The survey which included 1,000 shoppers highlighted the major role of commercial malls, stating that over 70% of respondants said they visit malls at least one time every week.
Two thirds of Abu Dhabi consumers think the current array of options have noticeably improved over the past five years, with the same percentage saying they shop in Abu Dhbai and not in any other emirate.
“Across the UAE the retail sector has been increasing in value by over $2 billion per year, with average consumer spending in 2015 estimated at $23,960 per capita, the highest in the region,” said Kevin A. Ryan, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Gulf Related.
Getting to know preferences of mall visitors, 90% of respondents have said they visit restaurants or cafes during their mall visit, while 89% have expressed the significance of entertainment options in the malls.
Gulf Related’s Al Maryah Central, which is being developed in Abu Dhabi over an area of 2.8 million square metre, will have entertainment, sports and dining options to meet consumers’ desire, Daniel Parry, Managing Director and General Counsel of the company said.
Gulf Related was formed though a joint venture forged in 2009 between the Gulf Capital and Related Companies.
By Decypha Editorial Team
