A new giant mall in Qatar, built at a cost of QAR5.4 billion ($1.48 billion) near the capital Doha, has opened after more a year’s delay.

Originally scheduled to open last year, the Mall of Qatar welcomed a slew of visitors during the soft opening on December 10. 

The supermall has more than 500 stores including 100 food and beverage outlets, a 19-screen cinema complex, and daily entertainment on a revolving stage.

Mall of Qatar CEO Ahmed Al Mulla said: “After working towards a goal for many years, seeing it come to life is one of the most incredible experiences – and I am grateful to the entire team responsible for this momentous occasion. Mall of Qatar marks a new era of shopping in Qatar, merging shopping and entertainment at our regional supermall.”

Free entertainment will take visitors on an incredible adventure on the world’s first 360-degree in-mall revolving stage. The stage is located at the mall’s Oasis, a 5,000-sq-m landscaped entertainment arena featuring dancing interactive fountains and waterfalls.

“Mall culture plays a large role in Middle Eastern, and especially GCC society. We are pushing the boundaries and elevating the mall experience with our brand new, and innovative offering. Today, we are setting super-regional standards for shopping malls, and bringing the concept of retailtainment to life.”                                                                          

Situated next to the Al Rayyan Fifa 2022 stadium, the mall’s features a 19-screen megaplex inclusive of Imax’s revolutionary laser projection and 12 channel immersive sound system on the region’s largest screen, 28 m wide by 15 m high. The cinema also features the latest 4D projection technology screen, VIP screens, an 8-lane bowling alley, and in-theatre gourmet food services.

The AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, is directly connected to the mall.