Arada Awards $294 Million Contract For Aljada Madar Mall, Sharjah’s New Lifestyle Hub

In a landmark decision, Arada has recently awarded a significant contract worth AED 2.18 billion (approximately $594 million) to the United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC) for the construction of Madar Mall in Aljada, Sharjah. This announcement marks a vital milestone not only for Arada but also for the entire region, as the mall aims to become a key retail and entertainment hub within the ambitious Aljada mixed-use community.

Project Overview

• Built-up area: 3.9 million square feet

• Gross leasable area: 1.1 million square feet, three floors

• Attractions: 11-screen cinema, ice rink, flagship gym, dancing fountains, observation tower/restaurant

• Retail: Over 400 shops and 80 dining outlets

• Estimated visitors: 20 million annually

• Wider context: Central hub for Aljada, an integrated community with 25,000+ homes, business district, green zones, schools, and sports

• Location: Prime access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sharjah Airport, soon Etihad Rail station

Construction site for Madar Mall in Aljada

Delivery Partners & Key

Stakeholders

• Developer/Owner: Arada

• Main Contractor: UNEC

• Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

• Previous phase contractors: RAQ Contracting (Wellfit Madar gym, Sarab garden villa), Best Building Contracting (East Village)

• Consultant/Engineer: Multidisciplinary teams for mall construction and sustainability

• Government/Authorities: Sharjah Municipality, Planning & Urban Development Department

Artistic rendering of Madar Mall highlighting retail spaces

Construction Details

• Advanced sustainable building design inspired by "water droplet" motif, elliptical building shapes, extensive green landscaping

• Smart technologies for energy efficiency, water re-use, and climate management

• Fit-out for cinema, ice rink, observation tower, restaurant, and public square

• Integration with Madar's skate park, food district, trampoline park, and community recreation spaces

Timeline

• Contract signed: September 2025

• Construction start: Immediately (Q4 2025)

• Completion: December 2028

• Mall opening: End-2028/Q1 2029

Broader Implications for Urban Growth in the Middle East

The development of Madar Mall at Aljada extends far beyond the immediate vicinity. The project is expected to act as a catalyst for further urban growth and tourism in Sharjah and the broader region.

Madar Mall's strategic location will likely attract not only local visitors but also tourists from neighbouring emirates and abroad. As the mall becomes a central destination for shopping and entertainment, it is expected to spur additional infrastructural developments in the area, including transportation links, hospitality venues, and residential spaces.

Moreover, with its orientation towards family-friendly activities, the mall could provide a significant boost to tourism, attracting families looking for comprehensive entertainment experiences. For Sharjah, known for its cultural heritage, this development marks an important transition towards becoming a contemporary urban node that embraces the future.

High angle view of Sharjah showcasing urban development

Strategic Importance

Madar Mall will raise the profile of Sharjah as a destination for shopping, culture, and leisure, complementing Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It sets

benchmarks for sustainable building, innovation, and public-private partnerships, drawing international retailers and millions of visitors to Aljada's growing mixed-use community.

Construction Opportunities

• Mall shell and core works, specialist retail fit-outs

• Cinema, gym, rink construction and soundproofing

• Fountains, outdoor landscaping, smart lighting technology

• Project management for large program delivery, sustainability specs, LEED/GSAS certification

• Roles for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors, interior specialists, digital systems integrators

Writer's Opinion

Madar Mall is more than another shopping destination, it's Arada's bold statement about the new leisure and lifestyle standards in Sharjah. With Zaha Hadid's striking designs and UNEC's proven construction record, the project is set to show how integrated communities combine culture, retail, and recreation. The scale of investment, quick start, and diverse stakeholder team offer huge opportunities for contractors that want to work on showcase projects in the UAE. Stay tuned: Aljada's growth, with Madar Mall at its centre, is a sign of how smart infrastructure and creative design will shape the region's future.