𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

At PHIL McARTHUR & PARTNERS Retail Development Specialists we place a strong emphasis on maintaining close, long-standing relationships with today’s leaders shaping the retail real estate landscape across the GCC. In a region defined by scale, ambition, and rapid evolution, meaningful engagement with industry leaders is essential to staying informed, relevant, and credible.

Recently, our team had the pleasure of hosting a networking lunch with senior leasing team from Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls \(MAF\), bringing together trusted professional relationships and shared market experience.

We were delighted to reconnect with Lima Darwich, CLS, Vice President of Leasing at MAF Shopping Centres, who previously worked closely with Phil McArthur, CRX, CSM, CDP for five years developing and leasing the Mall of Qatar. We were also joined by Guillaume Chuzel, Head of Leasing at Mall Of The Emirates, and Alex Berentsen, Head of Leasing at City Centre Mirdif.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including leasing strategy, evolving retailer expectations, destination performance, and the operational realities of managing best-in-class retail assets in a highly competitive market. What stood out was a shared focus on long-term value creation, adaptability, and the continued importance of experience-led retail environments.

At PHIL McARTHUR & PARTNERS, we believe the strongest advisory outcomes are built on trust, continuity, and genuine dialogue. Regularly touching base with leading minds across the GCC retail network ensures our advice remains grounded in real-world insight and current market dynamics.

Thank you to the MAF team for the open exchange and insightful conversation. We look forward to continuing the dialogue in the months ahead.