Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 16, 2022: City Centre Al Zahia, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim, invited nine home-grown businesses and SMEs to take a seat at its boardroom table this week as part of the ‘Big City Centre Vote’. Hosted by Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, the session focused on ways City Centre malls can further accelerate the growth of local businesses in the UAE and support entrepreneurial ambitions. Those in attendance at Sharjah’s newest lifestyle and retail experience included the founders behind ready-to-wear label, Maitha Al Ansari; luxury fashion brand, Wafa Balaswad; concept store, House of 45; roller skating concept, RollDXB; boutique wellness space, Barakah Studio; family favourite, Funbox as well as leading F&B outlets including 71 Steak & Grill; Mara Lounge Restaurant and Aryad Café. 

Here are the highlights from the ‘Big City Centre Vote’ at City Centre Al Zahia. 

Fuad Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties alongside Alia Al Bann of RollDXB. 

 Bashayer Al Obadli of Barakah Wellness studio and Dr. Fadila Sharif of Fun Box

Saif Al Saif Al Shamsi of Aryad Café and Ismail Safar of Mara Restaurant alongside Fuad Sharaf.

City Centre Al Zahia also teamed up with community group, Real Mums UAE to invite their members to participate in the ‘Big City Centre Vote’ during a separate session. Held over an intimate breakfast, many mothers cited wanting to use the mall as a space to learn and to play, while others would like to scenery experiences for those with determination, earlier store opening times, enhanced family parking and increased visibility on promotions across the mall.  

UAE Moms members took a seat at the boardroom table to discuss their thoughts, aspirations, and ideas through the community-centric voting platform. This included enhancing the student experience, showing a greater affinity toward casual dining, and outdoor options and more family-orientated experiences and children-dedicated spaces in the mall.