The mall, located in the town of Al Zahra, already features Kuwait’s largest collection of international designer brands, as well as a cinema complex, 38 restaurants and cafes and sports and leisure facilities. Now the Tamdeen Group – which says its combined mixed-use projects, valued at more than US$4bn (€3.6bn, £2.7bn), are “shaping the urban and social landscape of Kuwait” – has partnered with the Hyatt Hotels Corporation to extend the complex to more than 390,000sq ft (120,000sq m). London studio RTKL Architects have been hired to visualise the new developments in a style that complements Kuwait’s culture. The firm designed the original circular 360 Mall building based on Arabic architectural features and the tradition of navigation by the stars. The Grand Hyatt Kuwait will sit at the heart of the expansion. Set in a modern oval-shaped, glass-clad structure, it will feature four restaurants and bars, events space catering for government meetings, and a range of sport and leisure facilities which Hyatt said will attract both business and leisure travellers from across the region. “We look forward to welcoming guests to Grand Hyatt Kuwait, where they will be able to experience the innovative design, dramatic architecture and superior service for which the Grand Hyatt brand is known,” said Hyatt executive Peter Norman. “Kuwait is increasingly becoming a major gateway city, so we are delighted to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to this global business and cultural hub.” The international-standard Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Sabah Tennis Complex will have combined stadium seating for more than 7,600 people across two main arenas and eight indoor and eight outdoor courts. In addition to being open to Hyatt guests, the facilities will also be used by the Kuwait Tennis Federation. Both hotel and tennis stadium are expected to open in 2020. Earlier this year, the Tamdeen Group unveiled plans for a US$700m (€658m, £477m) retail and tourism project at the centre of the Kuwait’s Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City. The 350,000sq m (3,767,369sq ft) waterfront resort-style development, called Al Khiran, will feature a 75,000sq m (807,293sq ft) high-end outlet mall, entertainment, dining venues, a marina to house more than 900 boats, apartments and a five-star hotel with an international sp
• 26 Nov, 2015
