Mercato Mall- 1st themed Mall in Middle East

As we moved towards our next destination Mercato Mall, our travel agent informs us that Dubai can be divided into 3parts… Bur (dominated by Indians), Deira (famous for its Souq’s and dominated by Pakistani’s) and Burj ( where anyone can buy property). He also informs us that the DUBAI government planned three island residential area. Palm Deira, Palm Jabeel Ali and Palm Jumeirah. But due to financial crunches, they could complete only the Palm Jumeirah project. On our way to the Mall, he also showed us the Union House. It’s a government building where documents were signed in 1972 for the formation of UAE, uniting the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. Ras Al Khaimah joined later.
I was mesmerized as I entered Mercato Mall. I talked to the security officer, who was an Indian. He informed that this double storied mall is the first themed shopping mall in the Middle East and UAE, which brings together the choicest lifestyle offerings from the Mediterranean, in addition to many exclusive international brands. Based on a distinctive Renaissance architectural concept, Mercato captures Italian, French and Spanish flavours and artistic characteristics; playing host to regular fairs and festivals from each country. Famous Italian architect, Daniele Morelli, designed the interior of the mall to replicate the concept of several squares, the centre point of any Mediterranean town and the traditional location of the mercato or market. The imposing columns, distinctive flooring, and the ambience give it the Italian feel. The Mercato Mall was constructed through the inspiration of Abdul Rahim Mohammed Al Zaroonivillas. Later I came to know that Mercato means “market” in Italian.
There are a number of retail outlets which display art, antiques, shoes, fashion accessories and jewelry. Its comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience caters to residents and visitors of Dubai, who have an eye for quality. It houses a 12-screen Century cinemas. The retail outlets boast all the international brands. The famous supermarket “Spinney’s” too have their outlet here. Mercato Mall offers a casual shopping experience typical of the Italian style of shopping. The Mercato Mall is a paradise for shoppers. Apart from housing numerous retail stores, food courts, restaurants, and entertainment areas, the mall also offers special services like first aid, wheel chair, nursing room as well as public telephones. I had to change MEHR’S diaper, and was pleased by the facilities in the toilet.
The Mercato Mall is not a very big mall as compared to other modern multi-storied malls, but it could be termed as cozy. The Mall hosts special activities for children during the Summer Shopping Festival and the cinemas screen popular children’s movies with tickets priced at half the regular price, which includes popcorn and a cola. What attracted me the most was an artist who was painting very lovely pictures.
You can get practically everything here – you name it – antiques, jewelry, apparels, electronics, fashion accessories, souvenirs, and carpets. The best of Dubai’s restaurants are housed here and you can have the privilege of enjoying the local sumptuous food or the international cuisine here. Mercato is designed to be a prestigious shopping destination catering to quality-conscious residents and visitors to Dubai. Mercato provides more than just world famous brand names; it offers a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience within an aesthetically stimulating ambience. It is simply, The Good Life.
Just opposite the Mall, our famous designer Manish Malhotra has his studio.