Accessing Ibn Battuta Mall from the Neighborhood of Al Furjan

Greetings, dear readers! Today, I want to share a story with you that might inspire you to start your own business in one of the most promising areas of Dubai. As a real estate specialist with over a decade of experience in the UAE market, I often encounter interesting requests from clients. But one case particularly stood out to me and made me look at the potential of Ibn Battuta Mall in the Al Furjan area in a new light.

An Unexpected Request and an Exciting Search

It all started when a young entrepreneur from India approached me. He had a dream – to open a small shop in Dubai where he could sell unique handmade souvenirs created by artisans from his home country. The task seemed simple – find a high-traffic location. But, as often happens, the devil is in the details.

We began our search with popular shopping centers in the heart of Dubai. Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates – all these places are undoubtedly attractive for business, but the competition there is simply off the charts, and the rental cost can scare off even the most optimistic startup. And then it hit me – why not consider Ibn Battuta Mall in the Al Furjan area?

Ibn Battuta Mall: Uniqueness in Every Detail

Ibn Battuta Mall is not just a place for shopping; it’s a real journey through time and space. Named after the famous Arab traveler, this shopping center is divided into six themed zones, each representing one of the countries visited by Ibn Battuta: Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, and China.

Why is this fact so important for our Indian entrepreneur? The thing is, the thematic design creates a unique atmosphere that’s ideal for selling authentic souvenirs. Imagine: visitors, walking through the “Indian” zone of the mall, stumble upon a shop with genuine handmade Indian souvenirs. It’s not just a purchase – it’s part of the experience that Ibn Battuta Mall offers.

Business Opportunities in Al Furjan: Why It’s Worth Paying Attention

The Al Furjan area, where Ibn Battuta Mall is located, has been experiencing a real development boom in recent years. And it’s no surprise – its strategic location between Dubai Marina and the new Al Maktoum Airport makes it attractive for both residents and businesses.

Why startups should consider Al Furjan? Let’s break it down:

1. Growing population: Al Furjan is one of the fastest-growing areas in Dubai. As of 2023, about 30,000 people live here, and this number continues to grow.
2. Developed infrastructure: in addition to Ibn Battuta Mall, there’s everything necessary for comfortable living and doing business – from schools and hospitals to business centers and parks.
3. Transport accessibility: the Ibn Battuta metro station provides excellent connection with other areas of Dubai.
4. Lower rental rates compared to the city center: this is especially important for startups and small businesses.

Ibn Battuta Mall: Facts and Figures

Now let’s talk specifically about Ibn Battuta Mall. Here are a few facts that will help you assess its business potential:

• Total area: over 521,000 square meters
• Number of shops: over 400
• Daily visitorship: on average 80,000 – 100,000 people
• Working hours: from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekdays, from 10:00 to midnight on weekends
• Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The commercial real estate in Al Furjan, and particularly in Ibn Battuta Mall, offers a wide range of options for businesses. You can find premises ranging from 10 to 1000 square meters, allowing you to accommodate anything from a small kiosk to a large store or restaurant.

Business Potential in Ibn Battuta Mall: From Souvenirs to High Tech

When my client and I began to study Ibn Battuta Mall in more detail, it became obvious that this shopping center offers much more than just a place to sell souvenirs. Here are just some of the business directions that fit perfectly into the concept of this unique place:

1. Themed restaurants and cafes: each zone of the mall is an opportunity to create an authentic gastronomic journey.
2. Ethnic clothing and accessories stores: fit perfectly into the atmosphere of “traveling through countries”.
3. Bookstores focusing on travel and history: an excellent niche, given the theme of the shopping center.
4. Home goods stores in ethnic styles: from Moroccan lamps to Indian carpets.
5. Beauty salons offering traditional procedures from different countries: for example, Ayurvedic massage or Moroccan hammam.
6. Educational centers offering foreign language courses or workshops on folk crafts.
7. Travel agencies specializing in exotic destinations.

It’s worth noting that business growth opportunities in Al Furjan are not limited to retail. The sector of Dubai business centers is actively developing in the area, which opens up prospects for B2B directions as well.

How to Rent a Space in Ibn Battuta Mall: Practical Advice

If you’re fired up with the idea of opening your business in Ibn Battuta Mall, here are a few practical tips based on my experience:

1. Start with market research: visit the mall on different days of the week and at different times to assess the flow of visitors and competition.
2. Determine the appropriate zone: choose the themed zone that best suits your business.
3. Contact the mall administration: they will provide you with detailed information about available premises and rental conditions.
4. Be prepared to negotiate: depending on the size of the premises and the lease term, you may be able to get more favorable terms.
5. Consider additional expenses: in addition to rent, be prepared for expenses on utilities, marketing, and decorating the premises in accordance with the theme of the zone.

The rental cost in Ibn Battuta Mall varies from 1500 to 3000 dirhams per square meter per year, depending on the location and size of the premises. This is significantly lower than in central Dubai malls, where prices can reach 7000-8000 dirhams per square meter.

Infrastructure and Logistics: Why Ibn Battuta Mall is an Excellent Choice

One of the key factors in the success of any business is its accessibility to customers. And here, Ibn Battuta Mall has several serious advantages:

1. Metro: the Ibn Battuta metro station is right at the entrance to the mall. This ensures a constant flow of visitors and convenience for employees.
2. Buses: several bus routes connect the mall with other areas of Dubai.
3. Parking: a huge free parking lot with more than 4000 spaces attracts visitors by car.
4. Proximity to residential areas: Al Furjan, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lake Towers are in close proximity, providing a constant influx of local residents.
5. Tourist attractiveness: the unique concept of the mall makes it a popular place among tourists.

Startups in Al Furjan: Success Stories

Over the past few years, Al Furjan has become a real magnet for startups. Here are a few examples of successful projects that started their journey in this area:

1. “EcoArabia” – an eco-friendly goods store that started with a small kiosk in Ibn Battuta Mall and now has a network of stores throughout Dubai.
2. “TechOasis” – a coworking space focused on technology startups. Starting with a small office in one of Al Furjan’s business centers, they now occupy an entire floor.
3. “FlavorsOfTheWorld” – a network of small restaurants offering dishes from different countries. The concept fit perfectly into the theme of Ibn Battuta Mall.
4. “VirtualTraveler” – a startup offering virtual tours around the world. They started with a small stand in the mall and now cooperate with major travel agencies.

These success stories demonstrate that startups in Al Furjan have real chances for growth and development.

Growth Prospects: Why Al Furjan’s Future Looks Promising

Speaking about growth prospects for small and medium-sized businesses in Al Furjan, several key factors should be noted:

1. Infrastructure development: new roads are planned to be built and the public transport network expanded, which will improve the area’s connection with other parts of Dubai.
2. Population growth: according to forecasts, by 2025 the population of Al Furjan will increase to 50,000 people.
3. Expo 2020: although the exhibition has already passed, its legacy continues to attract investments and businesses to nearby areas, including Al Furjan.
4. Tourism development: Dubai has set a goal to attract 25 million tourists annually by 2025, which will create additional opportunities for business.

Government Support and Tax Benefits

One of the main advantages of doing business in the UAE, and particularly in Dubai, is the favorable tax climate. The same rules apply in Al Furjan as in the rest of Dubai:

1. Zero corporate tax (except for banks and oil companies)
2. No personal income tax
3. No VAT on most goods and services (5% VAT was introduced in 2018, but many categories of goods and services are exempt from it)

In addition, the Dubai government offers a number of initiatives to support small and medium-sized businesses, including startups. These include simplified business registration procedures, support programs for innovative projects, and various networking events.

In conclusion, I want to say that the commercial real estate in Al Furjan and the business opportunities in Ibn Battuta Mall offer a unique combination of factors that make this area extremely attractive for startups and established businesses alike. The strategic location, growing population, developed infrastructure, and government support create an ecosystem where businesses can not only survive but thrive. Whether you’re considering opening a retail store, a restaurant, or a tech startup, Al Furjan and Ibn Battuta Mall deserve your serious consideration. The future of business in Dubai is being written here, and you have the chance to be part of this exciting story.