Rony Mourani says Mall of Qatar will “transform luxury and leisure experience in the region".

The opening of Mall of Qatar in Doha next year will “mark a new era in retail and entertainment and benefit from the promising opportunities that the Qatar retail market offers,” a senior official has stressed.

Rony Mourani, general manager of Mall of Qatar, made the observation while speaking at a panel discussion during the fifth InRetail Summit: United Arab Emirates, held in Dubai recently.

The summit saw the participation of Mall of Qatar amid a host of regional and international retailers, brand owners and mall developers, who shared insights on strategies that give retailers a competitive edge and position companies for longevity.

Speaking on the challenges and opportunities for the retail sector, Mourani said: “The opening of Mall of Qatar in Doha next year will mark a new era in retail and entertainment and benefit from the promising opportunities that the Qatar retail market offers.

"We have to understand its directions, the needs of the consumer as well as common shopping behaviours. Our participation at the InRetail Summit offers us an ideal platform to focus on important issues and topics that pioneers in this sector need to tackle and address properly.”

According to Mourani, Mall of Qatar will “transform luxury and leisure experience in the region,” as it introduces new retail brands and varied entertainment choices in a unique setting.

Commenting on the increasing competition for shoppers, he said: “We are in a unique position to differentiate ourselves and provide a unique shopping experience. Delivering new mall formats are essential to stay relevant, generate increased footfall and become the number one destination for shoppers.”

Mourani added: "The growing middle class in the Middle East maintains a strong association between consumption and pleasure, driving the need for more engaging shopping experiences."