Arada has awarded the construction contract for Madar Mall, the landmark retail and entertainment hub at the centre of the Aljada master development in Sharjah, to Dubai-based contractor United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC).
The contract, worth AED2.18 billion, covers the full construction of the mall, with immediate commencement of work and completion expected by December 2028.
Encompassing a built-up area of 3.9 million square feet, Madar Mall represents the anchor attraction and final phase of Madar, Aljada’s family entertainment district designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The design reflects the moment a water droplet meets the earth’s surface, expressed through a series of elliptical structures set within extensive green landscaping.
Covering 1.1 million square feet of gross leasable area (GLA) across three levels, Madar Mall will feature an array of attractions including an 11-screen cinema, ice rink, public square with dancing fountains, a flagship fitness centre, a central observation tower topped with a restaurant, 80 dining options, and more than 400 retail outlets.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, stated: “Madar Mall is a transformational new destination for Sharjah and the wider UAE. With its exceptional design, attractions and family experience, this project will set a new benchmark for integrated leisure and lifestyle. It will be more than a place to shop and dine — it will serve as a hub for culture, recreation and community, offering residents and visitors the very best of Aljada.”
He added: “This is the largest single contract we have ever awarded, and we are delighted to collaborate with UNEC, a contractor renowned for delivering large-scale, high-quality projects, to bring this ambitious vision to reality.”
Abdulhalim Muwahid, Chairman of UNEC, commented: “We are honoured to be entrusted with such a landmark project in partnership with Arada. Madar Mall will redefine the shopping and leisure experience in the UAE, and we are committed to leveraging our expertise to ensure it emerges as a truly world-class destination.”
Madar Mall is expected to attract around 20 million visitors annually once complete, reinforcing Aljada’s status as the UAE’s fastest-growing mixed-use community and enhancing Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for culture, commerce and family life.
