Hili Mall at the Green City of Al Ain “Your Everyday Destination”

SHOPPING CENTRE UPDATE HILI MALL

- at the Green City of Al Ain “ Your Everyday Destination”

Hany Abd El-Hamid, Deputy General Manager at Hili Mall, has made a significant contribution in his 14-year career to the Potential Real Estate, the property development arm of Sultan Bin Rashed Group across the UAE. Hany is an experienced manager specializing in Shopping Centre and Property Management.

He has a proven track record in Retail Real Estate Industry which spans 17 years of experience in Leasing, Marketing, Technical Services,

Accounts and Business Development.

1. Can you give us a summary of your career?

I started my career in real estate industry in 2004 as a leasing officer. Through hard work, improving my skills and problem-solving abilities, I was able to progress fast throughout my career. In 2007, I was promoted as a leasing head and advanced my career as a property manager in 2011. Finally, in March 2016, I assumed the role of Hili Mall Management as a DGM. I am incredibly happy with my organization that utilizes my management skills to benefit mutual growth and success. My goal is to become associated with the organization where I can utilize my skills and gain further experience while enhancing the company’s productivity and reputation.

Every day brings a new challenge, I am continually learning. My job can be very challenging at times, but then again, it pushes me and my senses to full potential. I love the fact that landlords are always willing to listen to me and think about ways that we can enhance our properties performance through our ideas. Also, I love the outstanding level of collaboration at my current role. It is genuinely refreshing to be part of a team that work harmoniously towards the same goals.

3. Hili Mall is a part of mixed-use development, consisting of a shopping centre and a 5-star hotel, can you share a brief information about your mall?

The Mall is strategically positioned at Hili District, a thriving tourist area and bustling suburb in the north of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Hili Mall is a super community mall opened its doors to public in September 2013. I am proud to say that this is a first-rate boutique mall that brings together discerning shoppers with upscale retail brands. Rising 3 stories high and encompassing 161 retail outlets, Hili Mall entail all components one would expect to find a modern-day shopping destination. For shoppers, retailers, and investors who are in search for superior quality and service, Hili Mall can be the venue of choice.

4. Hili Mall was opened in 2013. How has it changed since the opening date?

Hili Mall opened its doors to public in 2013 with 50% of the Gross Leasable Area was operational. With making major changes in Hypermarket and FEC, as well as joining leading groups and well-known brands to the mall in addition to a range of events and activities have been added to the calendar, we reached over 94% of the GLA operational stores.

5. What impact has COVID-19 had on your community mall?

Every business sector in the world has been affected by Covid-19. The pandemic created significant challenges in retail sector. Retail footfall has been unprecedented falls as shoppers stayed at home. Hili Mall was in lockdown for 2 months except the Hypermarket, Pharmacies and Clinics as per the government’s request to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Hili Mall was one of Abu Dhabi malls have successfully met the stringent health and safety standards and implement the compulsory precautionary measures set by the government and reopened its doors to public quickly.

6. As digital transformation is a hot topic now, how does Hili Mall plan to align on this?

Digital transformation is no longer considered an option in the retail industry. Many retailers are reinventing themselves through digitization to stay competitive in the market after the impact of Covid-19. It has become the priority to many retailers to improve their services and facilities to bring up the satisfaction level and to deliver value to their customers. Shopping malls management must therefore prove themselves in front of their retailers in order to generate sufficient demand in the future. Different customers will appreciate different components of the shopping experience, but everyone is likely wanted the perfect integration of digital and physical. The personal experience remains the key incentive that drives shoppers into shopping centres and should be the focus of nowadays marketing strategies.

7. How do you ensure your workforce has the skills and capabilities to meet the ever-changing demands of your customers?

The workforce is the company’s most valuable asset. You wouldn’t be able to achieve your goals without the people who work with you. Hence, investing in employees’ development and trainings help employees to improve their skills and knowledge in the industry and boosts your bottom line. When employees are properly trained, and that training is constantly updated, they are able to better serve our customers and deliver a top customer experience. That’s why recently, Hili Mall, joined the MECS+R’s Global Associate Program where our team will have the opportunity to learn how to develop, lease, market and operate our mall successfully.

HANY ABD EL-HAMID

Deputy General Manager

Hili Mall