Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, is marking the 25th anniversary of City Centre Muscat and the fifth anniversary of Mall of Oman, celebrating a quarter-century of growth, innovation and community connection in the Sultanate.

When City Centre Muscat opened in October 2001 as Majid Al Futtaim’s first business in Oman, it helped establish the modern shopping mall as a destination. Bringing retail, dining and leisure under one roof, it introduced a new way for families and friends to shop, meet and spend time together.

City Centre Muscat became a familiar part of everyday life. From childhood shopping trips to cinema outings and family gatherings, the mall holds memories spanning generations, having welcomed more than 180 million visitors since opening. Two decades later, Mall of Oman built on that legacy, bringing new possibilities for shopping, leisure and discovery to the Sultanate.

Husam Al Mandhari, Managing Director East Region at Majid Al Futtaim, said: “The anniversaries celebrate the people and shared moments that have shaped our journey in Oman. For 25 years, City Centre Muscat has grown alongside the community, becoming a familiar part of family life, while Mall of Oman has carried that pioneering spirit forward through new experiences.

“We are proud of the colleagues, customers and partners who have brought these destinations to life. As we look ahead, we remain committed to investing in the Sultanate, supporting local talent and creating great moments for generations to come.”

Here’s a look at OERLive’s look at Mall of Oman, with an exclusive interview with Husam Al Mandhari. Video circa 2021.

City Centre Muscat’s first expansion in 2007 nearly doubled its size to approximately 60,500 square metres, adding more than 60 stores. A second redevelopment, announced in 2013, included plans for approximately 4,500 square metres of entertainment and leisure space. In 2014, the mall introduced Oman’s first VOX cinemas, with 10 screens, and added 700 parking spaces.

The OMR 35 million redevelopment, completed in 2015, added 10,000 square metres, 60 stores and approximately 1,350 jobs. The mall has consistently set the benchmark in the country right from introducing Oman’s first VOX Cinemas in 2014 to welcoming a host of international brands entering the Oman market for the first time.

Mall of Oman’s journey began in December 2013 with a development agreement between Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Muscat Municipality, construction began in 2017, followed in 2019 by the delivery of new roads and flyovers connecting the destination to Muscat Expressway.

Opening in September 2021 with LEED Platinum certification, Mall of Oman introduced the country’s largest VOX Cinemas, with 15 screens, Oman’s only IMAX, its first VOX Gold and its largest Magic Planet. On 24 December 2022, the opening of Snow Oman added another landmark experience: the MENA region’s largest indoor snow park, spanning 14,830 square metres.

Mall of Oman has welcomed 53 million visitors since opening and continues to expand its offering Just last year, it became the flagship soft-launch location for HyperMax, as Majid Al Futtaim’s grocery brand across 11 locations in Oman. The launch supported local hiring and sourcing in line with Oman Vision 2040. The introduction of SHARE in Oman just last month marked an additional milestone, connecting customers with personalised rewards and experiences.

Today, Majid Al Futtaim’s Oman portfolio welcomes more than 25 million annual visitors and encompasses over 300 brands and 750 retailers. Together, these anniversaries honour the communities and partnerships behind that journey, as City Centre Muscat and Mall of Oman build on their legacy and continue to create new memories for generations to come.