swaaq's 1st community centre to open by the end of this month
Construction of Nad Al Hamar's centre completed, work begins to build other centres in Dubai

October 11 ^th 2008:
Dubai

aswaaq , a Public Joint Stock Company under formation, has announced the completion of construction works in its first community centre in Nad Al Hamar with the final touches of the interior finishing in progress in preparation of the official opening which will take place soon. Meanwhile, work has started to build other new aswaaq's centres in different areas of Dubai.

Nad Al Hamar Centre was built on an approximate area of 40,000 square feet in the heart of Nad Al Hamar area in Dubai. This complies with aswaaq's strategy that aims at creating shopping centres in the populated areas to meet the residents' needs, supply the essential services, and offer job as well as investment opportunities for the UAE nationals.

Aswaaq centre in Nad Al Hamar consists of a main supermarket and a number of retail shops which supplies a variety of services  and cater the needs of the community, such as: Ibn Sina Pharmacy, Optical Zone, Waselati Centre for photocopy and typing, Al Thaqeb gents' saloon, zero five zero telecom, Emirates Road Automatic Laundry, Emirates Driving Institute, Ghashawi Abaya and Sheila, Sweet Greet gift wrapping, Qwareer Beauty Saloon, Wall Street Exchange, in addition to the  fast food outlets: Al Farooj Fresh and Snacks.

Furthermore, Al Mizhar community center will be operated the beginning of 2009, and it will contain large supermarket and 24 retails shops and a new concept to be disclosed in a later stage.

Construction works have already started on aswaaq's centres in Al Warqa', Umm Suqeim 3, whereas designs of the other centres in Al Safa 2, Al Bada', Muhaisna 3, Al Twar 1, Al Twar 3, Al Mamzar are also in their final stages.

Aswaaq is planning to build community centres around Dubai on a total area of about 2 million square feet. This will be a significant addition to the emirate's retail spaces which are currently estimated at 1.3 million square metre.

Mr. Yousef Sharaf, Deputy CEO of aswaaq, has stressed that Nad Al Hamar Centre is a first step that will be followed by others, noting that the second aswaaq centre is due to open in Al Mizhar at the beginning of 2009. Others will be launched in various areas of Dubai in 2009.

Mr. Sharaf said: "Aswaaq community centres will meet the residents' needs of products and services.

According to the Deputy CEO, aswaaq's centre in Al Twar I area will be the most important as it will be built on an area of 562 thousand square feet. It consists of 3 underground car parking floors, a ground floor, and 5 other retail offerings in grand floor and another 5 floors with different offerings that will be announced later.

Aswaaq represents a unique and high quality shopping experience and excellent services in a friendly and convenient environment. It is a Public Joint Stock Company with Dubai government owning 45% of its stakes. It offers a wide range of commodities and fresh products that meet the shoppers' needs.