City Centre Bahrain has been a major retail hub on the island for more than 15 years. Duaij Al Rumaihi, Mall Director of City Centre Bahrain (owned and managed by Majid Al Futtaim) talks about the success, evolution and future outlook of this landmark property.

What has been the key to City Centre Bahrain’s sustained success and growth in the region and what sets it apart from its competition?
At City Centre Bahrain, our success stems from a strong connection with the communities we serve. We aim to be more than just a business – we work to become a part of Bahrain’s social fabric. Through community-focussed initiatives and a commitment to nurturing local talent, such as our Bahrainisation efforts, we create a deep sense of ownership and belonging within our workforce. This strong community bond has been the cornerstone of our sustained growth.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to deliver a vibrant, multifaceted experience. Since opening City Centre Bahrain in 2008, we’ve focussed on offering more than just a shopping destination. Our curated mix of local, regional and international brands ensures there’s something for everyone – whether it’s luxury, lifestyle or everyday essentials.
We also work closely with key government bodies like the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. These partnerships help us attract both local and GCC tourists.
Ultimately, our success lies in never standing still. By focussing on innovation, sustainability and creating memorable customer experiences, we’ve stayed ahead in a competitive market.

What are the biggest challenges of managing a large retail space like City Centre Bahrain?
The retail landscape in Bahrain is competitive and constantly evolving, so staying ahead requires a lot of focus and adaptability. Ultimately, it’s about staying flexible, keeping a finger on the pulse of the market and always raising the bar for what we offer. One major challenge is navigating economic fluctuations. These can come from global events or even major pandemics, such as in the past. Events like these impact consumer behaviour and spending habits, which means we have to constantly adapt and support both retailers and the community during these shifts.
Another big challenge is keeping up with rapidly changing customer preferences and industry trends. Retail and dining evolve quickly and anticipating what’s next is crucial. That means we’re always investing in new experiences, upgrading infrastructure and embracing innovation. Technology is now a must-have – younger customers in particular expect a seamless, tech-enabled experience when they visit.

How do you see the future of shopping malls evolving, especially in the Middle East, and what’s in the pipeline for City Centre Bahrain?
Shopping malls in the Middle East are evolving rapidly and the future looks nothing like the traditional spaces we’ve known. It’s no longer just about shopping – retail today is all about creating experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level.
Malls are transforming into lifestyle destinations, where shopping is only one piece of a larger puzzle. They’re becoming places where visitors can explore entertainment, dining, wellness, art and culture, all in one location. The focus has shifted from quick errands to immersive, memorable experiences.
At City Centre Bahrain, we’re embracing this change and leading the way. For example, we’re developing a new Sports & Lifestyle precinct to meet the growing demand for activewear and fitnessrelated products. This space will go beyond just retail – it will be a vibrant hub that promotes healthier, more active lifestyles.
Dining is another area we’re excited about. We’re revamping our entire food and beverage offering, bringing in innovative dining concepts and first-to-market restaurants.
We’re also making infrastructure upgrades a priority. We’ve already revamped seven car park levels.
Sustainability is another big focus for us as we plan for the future. We have collaborated with Yellow Door Energy to install a solar power plant at City Centre Bahrain, significantly reducing our environmental footprint. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Bahrain Polytechnic on green initiatives, where students will contribute to projects on waste management, water filtration and solar energy.

What strategies are critical to keeping bricks-and-mortar spaces relevant amidst the rapid growth of e-commerce?
The key is to see e-commerce not as competition but as an opportunity to complement the in-store experience.
For instance, tools like click-and-collect and same-day delivery let customers shop online but either pick up their items at the mall or have them delivered within hours. This seamless integration between online and offline channels is becoming essential in today’s retail landscape.
We’re also introducing digital enhancements right inside the mall. Features like interactive kiosks, self-checkout counters, virtual fitting rooms and seamless payment systems make shopping more convenient and tailored to individual needs. It’s all about using technology to enhance the visitor experience without losing the magic of in-person shopping.
By bridging the gap between the convenience of online shopping and the richness of in-person experiences, we’re ensuring that City Centre Bahrain remains a vibrant, relevant destination for everyone. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CITYCENTREBAHRAIN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.