27 January 2025
In an exclusive interview with Al Raya newspaper, Mr. Daniel Nasr, Doha Mall Manager provided a comprehensive overview of Doha Mall as a valuable addition to Qatar’s shopping and entertainment landscape. The interview explored how Doha Mall is more than just another shopping destination; standing as a unifying hub, that brings together all residents and visitors under the concept of ‘One Doha One Mall’, and seeking to redefine the modern shopping experience by offering wide-ranging experiences that combine premier brands, varied entertainment, and distinctive dining. He also highlighted key openings, newly joined brands, and ambitious plans for attracting further tenants. The interview further showcased the Mall’s participation in the Shop Qatar 2025, emphasizing its exclusive offers and rewards, and addressed the crucial role of major Malls in strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading regional shopping and entertainment destination, supporting the national economy in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national tourism development strategy.
1. How does Doha Mall strive to provide a unique shopping experience?
Doha Mall aims to redefine shopping in Qatar by offering an innovative and modern retail and entertainment experience. This experience is centered on meeting the needs of families and visitors of all ages in a welcoming destination that combines diverse shopping, entertainment, and dining options within a vibrant community hub. This hub fosters social interaction, shopping, and family entertainment, creating a sense of belonging and comfort for all. With its contemporary design and a wide array of offerings, the Mall caters to all tastes and preferences across Qatar. It provides access to the latest fashion and beauty trends, electronics, home goods, and other popular local and international brands, all under one roof.
Furthermore, Doha Mall is committed to providing comprehensive family entertainment facilities, organizing engaging events, and recreational activities that enhance the visitor experience, transforming a simple mall visit into a comprehensive and memorable occasion.
2. What is the mall’s leasable area?
Doha Mall spans a total area of 270,000 square meters, offering prime leasing opportunities across its three floors.
3. What is the current occupancy rate?
Doha Mall currently houses 40 stores and continues to expand its tenant roster to solidify its position as a premier destination that offers a mix of high-quality shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences in a vibrant atmosphere.
4. Which prominent brands have the mall attracted so far?
Doha Mall has attracted an array of distinctive retailers that are integral to the overall shopping experience and provide essential services to visitors. These include globally renowned brands such as Adidas, Levi’s, Rituals, Skechers, Dune, Steve Madden, Call It Spring, Crocs, Aldo, Birkenstock, New Yorker, Nine West, Flo, The Athlete Co., TOMS, BHPC, Dollar Plus, La Vie en Rose, Kybun, Yateem Optician, and Asics, alongside anchor stores such as Lulu Hypermarket, Jarir Bookstore, Centrepoint, and Home Centre.
These combined with family-friendly favorites like LC Waikiki, the largest R&B store in the GCC, and Qatar’s only Ardene store further solidify Doha Mall’s position as a leading shopping destination in Qatar.
5. Are there plans to add additional brands?
Doha Mall continues to pursue its expansion strategy by attracting a range of brands. Many new tenants are currently joining the Mall to broaden the commercial offerings available to visitors and cater to the various needs and preferences of the Qatari community. We are pleased with the strong interest shown by numerous brands, reflecting their confidence in Doha Mall’s strategic location and the overall strength of the Qatari retail market.
6. What are Doha Mall’s competitive advantages in attracting shoppers, given the presence of other major malls?
Doha Mall uniquely serves as a shopping and entertainment destination that embodies the ethos of ‘One Doha One Mall’ by bringing the community together under one roof and serving as a comprehensive shopping and entertainment destination for about 25% of Qatar’s population residing within a 10 km radius, with plans for metro connectivity that will add to this. Encompassing 270,000 m², the Mall is designed to meet the needs of all visitors, particularly families, with multiple food and beverage options and both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Mall seamlessly integrates shopping, dining, entertainment, and community events, and its strategic location provides easy access from various parts of Qatar (approximately a 20-minute drive from most Doha suburbs), with ample parking of 3,400 spaces and dedicated family-friendly amenities.
7. How does Doha Mall leverage the high purchasing power of the Qatari market?
Doha Mall significantly benefits from the high purchasing power within Qatari society, which is evident in several key ways:
Firstly, the mall offers an assortment of retailers, from international brands to local boutiques, catering to customers seeking distinctive shopping experiences and high-quality products.
Secondly, Doha Mall organizes various events, promotional activities, special events, and prize competitions, including participation in events such as the Shop Qatar 2025, targeting different age groups. These initiatives attract a wider customer base and encourage repeat visits while expanding promotional offerings.
Thirdly, the Mall invests in continuous improvements to its facilities and services, enhancing visitor convenience and creating a more attractive and unique shopping experience. This investment also enables the Mall to attract additional international brands, and diversifying shopping options for it.
8. What is the impact of increased purchasing power on the retail sector?
Increased purchasing power within a society has numerous positive effects on the retail sector. As individuals’ disposable income rises, so too does the demand for goods and services, prompting retailers to diversify their offerings and expand product ranges. This diversification caters to evolving consumer needs and encourages the entry of new brands, both local and international.
In addition, increased purchasing power acts as a significant catalyst for investment in the retail sector. Investors recognize promising opportunities for profitability, leading to the development of additional stores and shopping centers, thereby creating new employment opportunities and driving economic growth. Similarly, higher spending encourages some consumers to seek out luxury goods, creating new avenues for specialized retailers. These factors collectively enhance market competitiveness, drive innovation and product/service quality, and ultimately benefit consumers.
9. To what extent do entertainment events enhance Doha Mall’s competitive position?
Entertainment events are a highly effective strategy for strengthening Doha Mall’s competitive position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination. They add significant value for visitors and contribute to building long-term customer relationships. By hosting dynamic events such as musical performances, competitions, and promotional campaigns, the Mall attracts larger and broader audiences, providing unique experiences that transcend traditional shopping. These events foster social connections and community engagement, driving increased foot traffic and solidifying the Mall’s brand as a preferred destination for families and individuals. Moreover, they contribute to attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
10. Does Doha Mall have plans to host such events? Will the mall participate in the Shop Qatar 2025?
Absolutely. Doha Mall is committed to hosting a variety of events as a core component of our strategy to solidify the Mall’s position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination in the region. We plan to host special events during holidays and key seasons in collaboration with local and international partners to attract a wider audience and foster greater community engagement.
A prime example of this commitment is Doha Mall’s participation in Shop Qatar 2025. From January 1st to 31st, 2025, we will offer visitors of all ages an exciting program of offers, prizes, rewards, and exclusive discounts. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in numerous interactive activities and competitions with chances to win exceptional prizes, including luxury vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Exceed models, as well as significant cash prizes.
Our participation in the festival also includes an Exeed Cars pavilion showcasing the latest luxury models in a festive atmosphere. Weekly parades throughout the Mall will feature dynamic performances, popular children’s characters, stormtroopers, and mascots, live entertainment, and engaging meet-and-greet opportunities for the whole family.
11. How do malls contribute to Doha’s position as a regional shopping destination?
Malls enhance Qatar’s standing as a regional shopping destination by offering engaging retail experiences comparable to those found in leading international malls. They house a mix of international luxury and mid-range brands, alongside diverse dining options, cinemas, and entertainment venues, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. These complexes also prioritize architectural design, décor, and hosting various events to cultivate a luxurious and appealing shopping environment. This contributes to attracting tourists from the region and supports the country’s efforts to achieve economic sustainability through tourism sector development, solidifying Doha’s position as a premier regional shopping destination in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
12. Do you think Doha is able to open more complexes?
Doha continues to be able to embrace multiple malls because shopping is a part of the country’s consumer and entertainment culture, and an important social haven for residents. The robust growth of the retail sector in Qatar, driven by factors such as strong economic expansion and high per capita purchasing power, indicates a favourable market for new malls. Moreover, the country’s ambitious plans to develop its tourism sector will further fuel growth within the retail landscape. Recognizing this dynamic environment, Doha Mall is proud to contribute to the thriving tourism and entertainment scene.
13. To what extent does online shopping impact business activity in malls?
The significant transformations brought about by online shopping are undeniable. It has shifted consumer behavior toward the convenience and speed offered by digital platforms, affecting foot traffic in some traditional shopping malls. This shift has compelled malls to evolve beyond traditional retail spaces, transforming them into integrated destinations that seamlessly blend shopping, entertainment, and social experiences. The focus is now on providing exclusive on-site activities and events unavailable online, such as live performances, unique dining experiences, and engaging social gatherings – transforming a mall visit into a comprehensive social and leisure experience and enabling malls to adapt to evolving market dynamics and capitalize on new growth opportunities.
14. What are your plans to enhance e-commerce?
Doha Mall’s vision is twofold: firstly, to continuously expand its tenant mix and enhance the overall shopping experience; and secondly, to solidify its position as a leading destination by embracing modern retail trends.
To achieve the first objective, Doha Mall prioritizes attracting a varied range of local and international brands across fashion, dining, entertainment, and services. This strategic focus aims to offer a wider selection of options that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of all visitors. Adding to this, the Mall actively organizes a variety of engaging events and activities for all ages, enriching the overall experience and enhancing its position as a preferred destination for families and individuals seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable outing.
To achieve the second objective, Doha Mall is committed to staying at the forefront of retail innovation. This includes leveraging e-commerce solutions and modern technologies to enhance the customer experience. The Mall will pay more attention to developing digital platforms, such as a user-friendly website and a mobile application, to facilitate seamless shopping experiences and enhance communication with visitors. Moreover, Doha Mall is exploring innovative ways to integrate online and offline experiences, leveraging data analytics to personalize customer journeys and enhance the effectiveness of loyalty programs.
