By Haya Alyasin
UNIVERSITY CITY, SHARJAH – City Center Al Zahia shopping mall opened its doors in March, and some American University of Sharjah students are already voicing enthusiasm.
The largest mall in the Northern Emirates, according to its website, City Center Al Zahia was scheduled to open earlier but this was delayed due to the pandemic.
The mall, a six-minute drive from campus, is convenient for students from University City – who no longer need to commute to Mirdif City Centre or Dubai to get many of the things they need – as well as other nearby residents.
AUS community members have voiced enthusiasm for the new mall, which student Haya Hiij said “is going to be the ultimate hangout spot.”
The mall extends just over 136,200 square meters and has over 5,300 parking spaces. Some spaces inside the mall are yet to open.
According to its management, City Center Al Zahia is expected to serve around 1.9 million people once complete and will attract residents from Sharjah and Northern Emirates.
The mall is expected to eventually have over 360 shops and restaurants. Besides a huge Carrefour and a Magic Planet, it now offers a bowling alley, a sports center, and a 16-screen VOX Cinema.
