Arada Awards $594 Million Contract to UNEC for Madar Mall at Aljada

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - September 18, 2025 - Arada has announced the awarding of a major construction contract to Dubai-based United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC) for the development of Madar Mall, a flagship retail and entertainment destination at the heart of the Aljada megaproject in Sharjah.

The contract, valued at $594 million (AED 2.18 billion), covers the complete build of the mall. Construction work will commence immediately, with completion scheduled for December 2028. Founded in 1976, UNEC is one of the UAE’s most experienced and reputable contractors, known for delivering large-scale and complex projects across the GCC.

Transformational Project for Sharjah

With a built-up area of 3.9 million square feet, Madar Mall is set to be the anchor attraction and final phase of Madar, the family entertainment district designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The district’s unique design draws inspiration from the first moment a water droplet hits the earth, captured through an array of elliptical buildings surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Spread across 1.1 million square feet of gross leasable area (GLA) over three floors, Madar Mall will feature a diverse mix of retail, leisure, and entertainment options including:

• An 11-screen cinema
• An ice rink
• A public square with dancing fountains
• A state-of-the-art flagship fitness center
• A central observation tower with a rooftop restaurant
• 80 dining outlets
• Over 400 retail shops

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said:

“Madar Mall is a transformational new destination for Sharjah and the wider UAE. With its exceptional design, attractions, and family experience, this project will set a new benchmark for integrated leisure and lifestyle. It is not only a place to shop and dine, but also a hub for culture, recreation, and social connection—a destination where residents and visitors alike can gather, explore, and enjoy the very best of what Aljada has to offer.”

He added:

“This is the largest single contract we have ever awarded, and we are pleased to partner with UNEC, a contractor with a strong record of delivering high-quality projects at scale, to bring this vision to life.”

Eng. Abdulhalim Muwahid, Chairman of UNEC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying:

“We are proud to have been chosen to deliver such a landmark project in partnership with Arada. Madar Mall is set to redefine the shopping and leisure landscape in the UAE, and we look forward to contributing our expertise to ensure this becomes a world-class destination.”

A New Benchmark for Sharjah’s Urban Development

Once complete, Madar Mall is expected to welcome around 20 million visitors annually, further establishing Aljada as the UAE’s fastest-growing mixed-use community. The project will also strengthen Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for culture, commerce, and family living.

The mall will complement existing attractions at Madar, including:

• The region’s largest skate park
• The popular Zad food district
• A trampoline park
• Adventure playgrounds

The Wellfit Madar gym

Aljada is already home to 20,000 residents and is planned to feature over 25,000 homes, along with extensive retail, entertainment, sports, education, wellness, hospitality, and commercial spaces. With seamless access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah International Airport, and the upcoming Etihad Rail station, Aljada is positioned to reshape Sharjah’s urban landscape and redefine modern community living.