Safeer Mall, a once-bustling shopping destination in Sharjah, has officially closed its doors following its handover to new management. The mall, which had been operated by Al Safeer Group for 19 years, is now undergoing a transition under the ownership of Western International Group, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the property.
Closure and Handover Details
The building housing Safeer Mall was handed back to its landlord on December 31, 2024, as confirmed by Om Prakash, Marketing Manager at Al Safeer Group. The group had served notices to shop owners in December, offering them the choice to vacate or continue operations directly under Sharjah Municipality contracts.
Western International Group, known for brands such as Nesto Hypermarket, Geepas, and Royalford, has acquired the property outright rather than leasing it. The company plans to revamp the mall and transform it into a modern shopping destination in Sharjah.
Current Status of Shop Owners
While many tenants vacated the premises following the handover, some businesses chose to remain operational by renewing their contracts directly with Sharjah Municipality. These include popular outlets such as Leena Mukesh Trading, Sufiya Noufal Sweets, Raju Omlet, and Golden Tuxedo.
However, confusion arose when shop owners received eviction notices from the new management despite holding valid contracts with Sharjah Municipality. Some tenants are now seeking legal clarity on the matter.
“I have been running my shop here for two years and invested heavily into it. I renewed my contract with Sharjah Municipality and continue paying rent directly to them,”
said Mukesh Chaturbhuj, owner of Leena Mukesh Trading.
Future Plans for Safeer Mall
Western International Group has ambitious plans for the property:
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Renovation and Rebranding: The mall will undergo extensive renovations to rejuvenate its infrastructure and appeal.
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New Hypermarket: The existing hypermarket will be replaced by Western International’s Mark and Save brand.
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New Name: The mall’s new name remains undisclosed but will be revealed soon as part of its rebranding strategy.
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Tenant Discussions: The group is working with consultants and engaging in discussions with remaining tenants to determine solutions during the renovation period.
“Our goal is to revamp the mall into Sharjah’s next shopping destination,” said Nawas Basheer KP, Director of Western International Group.
Journey of Safeer Mall
Safeer Mall began as a discount supermarket before expanding into a full-fledged shopping center facing Al Ittihad Road. However, challenges such as traffic congestion, toll systems, and declining footfall led to over 60% vacancy in recent years. Major brands like Babyshop and Splash vacated the premises during this period.
Despite these setbacks, Al Safeer Group remains active in UAE’s retail sector with operations across multiple malls and supermarkets nationwide.
Conclusion
The closure of Safeer Mall marks both an end and a beginning—a transition from its legacy as one of Sharjah’s iconic shopping destinations to a modernized retail hub under new management. As Western International Group prepares to unveil its plans for the revamped property, residents can look forward to a fresh shopping experience that promises innovation and convenience in the heart of Sharjah.
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