MAIR Group, the Abu Dhabi-listed investment company focused on grocery retail and commercial real estate, has announced plans to redevelop and expand Mall of Al Ain, marking its first major capital commitment to the asset since acquiring it in 2024.
The project, delivered through the group’s commercial real estate arm Makani Real Estate, is timed ahead of the mall’s 25th anniversary. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026 and will be carried out in phases, with the mall remaining open throughout.
The centrepiece of the overhaul is the expansion of the mall’s ice rink, which will grow to nearly three times its current size and is expected to become one of the largest in Al Ain.
A complete façade transformation is also planned, alongside improvements to retail and food and beverage areas, accessibility, circulation, lighting, and public spaces. The redevelopment will further introduce hotel services linked to the destination.
“Mall of Al Ain has served generations of residents and visitors for more than two decades and remains an important destination within Al Ain’s retail landscape. This redevelopment reflects our confidence in the city’s continued growth and our commitment to investing in high-quality assets that create lasting value for our customers, tenants, shareholders and the communities we serve. Through Makani Real Estate, we continue to strengthen a resilient commercial real estate portfolio,” Nehayan Hamad Alameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of MAIR Group said in a statement.
“Mall of Al Ain has always been more than a retail destination for the city. This redevelopment represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the destination, introducing enhanced retail, dining and entertainment experiences while preserving the qualities that have made the mall an integral part of everyday life in Al Ain. Our objective is to ensure the asset continues to meet the evolving needs of customers and tenants for many years to come,” Haisam Sleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Makani Real Estate added.
MAIR Group describes the redevelopment as part of its broader investment strategy across retail and commercial real estate in the UAE.
