Markz AL Bahja

[FisaL]

Lastnightz i went to markaz al bahja and it waz almozt empty ! any ideaz y ? <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Calkoon]

I personally haven't bothered going there yet. I'm always in a rush when I pass by it!

What attractions does it have? anything of interest?

[Neo]

They seriously should do something about that lame food court they have. It sucks, its a joke if you ask me.

[Smile]

I think the theatre and game arcade are the mainly attraction there.

[FisaL]

<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/cool2.gif" alt="" />

[NiGhTFaCe]

<b> <font color="orange"> I havnt been there b4.. since its opened.. i was already out of Oman... waiting to get back to Oman so i can make visit to the theatre there.. i heard its good one.. where i found it in good location for me.. where i do live between AlSeeb AlQurm.. so now i can go for alShatti Plaza Markaz alBahja cinema <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <!--color-->[/color] </b>

[boxer9976]

i admit MAB was built in a hurry. <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
but the complex is having some serious managerial problems which dont seem 2 get over.
marketing of the complex is virtually NIL.
some of the shops are already taken but there are no customers now. previously it was vice versa.
the owners [ajay enterprises] are not much bothered either. this just made their pockets a little lighter.
pity i was ALL UP for the place. <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[tracidz]

i compare markaz al bahja to oman centre located in ruwi, they both really suck.....i had high hopes that markz albahja would be different and unique but in the end it turned out to be very disappointing

[Dabdoob_Al_Helwa]

They should add some NEW shops in there! I mean in every shoppin mall u go to in muscat, you aalways find the SAME SHOPS!!!!!!! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Mary]

Haven't gone there either, and after reading the negative comments here, I am not in a hurry to check the place out!

[Incubus1980]

yea you are right Morby....when i was in Oman i was excited about City center....but after going there i only felt bad for payin all that money on the gas to get there..because i could have gone to the same shops in Qurum. i really don't understand why they do that. well maybe because to get the shops in qurum closer to ppl who live far from the city.
there i just answered myself! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> i am good <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Dabdoob_Al_Helwa]

Yea you are good jaan!
<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[muscati]

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
in every shoppin mall u go to in muscat, you aalways find the SAME SHOPS!!!!!!! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">


Yes and malls in America all have different shops!

Gap, Banana Republic, Structure, Macy's, Foot Locker, Sam Goody's, The Limited, Victoria's Secret, Sunglass Hut, etc etc.

Yeh they're all different.

[Pawan]

I went to the place last wednesday i guess.. it was deserted.. except for Idesign and the theatres .. its just a useless place to visit.. ajay enterpriss has to do something about it, they need to attract shops that arent in muscat to set shop in their mall. Until and unless they do that.. they'd see the number of people entering the mall dwindle exponentially

[Dabdoob_Al_Helwa]

Aaahh dont remind me of victoria secrets!!! Thats one shop i wish they had here!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[muscati]

We went to Markaj Al Bahja yesterday at around 3.30pm. Observations:

- It was deserted.

- I was surprised that a few of the stores didn't open till after 4pm. Apparently this mall doesn't have a policy like City Center that keeps all its stores open all day.

- Some of the stores which were announced since before the mall opened such as Pizza Factory, Bodum cafe, Mesuku fashion, Mohd Sharif Bros, etc still aren't open. Some haven't even started work on their decor.

- The food court, like Neo said, is a joke. The restaurants are all Indian. No franchises or fast food. I guess Indians are the Ajay Group's target market segment. If you get hungry at Bahja, then you better have a craving for some Spicy Village coz that's all what there is.

- The furniture at ID Design is the same since they opened 4 months ago. Some of the furniture on display isn't even assembled well. I saw a wardrobe closet that cost something like 400 rials. I tried to slide the door open but it wouldn't open smoothly. I laughed when I read the note saying "free delivery and assembly in the capital area". Hey if you can't assemble stuff right for display in your own store then why should I trust you to do a good job at my house. I don't think they're doing well either. It's always empty whenever I been there. And the prices.. Oh my God the prices! I saw an arm chair I liked. The price, a whopping 760 rials. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I might get it for 150 rials in the clearance sale when they decide to shut the store down.

- The cinema is nice although their concession stand is severly lacking in the goodies dept. Since the movies they play are the same as Ruwi, I'll spare myself the extra ten minute driving time and keep going to Ruwi- especially now that Ruwi has the additional parking.

- How's this for irony: the cleaning checklist in the toilet was from Al Futtaim Group!

[Calkoon]

<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Muscati, did you have to put me off going to the new center... I guess it'll be another year before I get there now...

[VANQUISH]

The only reason I go there is to watch movies....so far the place seems like a Major Flop!

[Dabdoob_Al_Helwa]

I dont even go there - its a waste of time and petrol to drive all the way there (if u live in shatti or qurum), just to go to the cinema...especially if we have a beautiful cinema here in shatti <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[VANQUISH]

Agreed...Shatti always comes first...though when the timing/movie isn't suitable/preferable then u gota look for 2nd options...

[Dabdoob_Al_Helwa]

vanquish yea i agree, however the timings at shatti cinema are pretty reasonable <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[VANQUISH]

What I meant by timing is preplanning ur day...sometimes the show timings don't fit with other things u plan to do during the day...so u gota look for other 2nd options as I previously said.

[omanisnumberone]

I loved 2 weeks notice movie @ the Bahja Cinema.
Thefood court sure does need improvement.I did go to the Furniture shop and liked some thing and bought them, the prices are lower than DUBAI ID design shop. If you dont belive me check it out. The lounge easy chair I bought is awesome.

[FisaL]

I liked some shopz there too <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/cool2.gif" alt="" />

[International]

Hi there ,

Markaz al Bahja is still a new shopping mall , there are some shops that will open soon , i agree with most of u that it is still "Dead" but hopefully when all the shops will be Open ,than ppl will start to come. So far the cinema is doing well there, iv been there its not bad.
besides Seeb Area is a populated place.

[SASA]

<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Cón everyone, we should give our country some credits <font color="purple"> <!--color-->[/color]
People and Government are trying to make its lifestyle as easy as possible.
We should be so happy of what we have. Many dont even have half of it. We really dont want to be Dubai!!! i guess we should accommodate our selves.
Even city center started with very few shops and after months then it was filled.
So, we should be so proud of our local product and properties..............

When you have something, you dont appreciate it
When you loose it , then you feel sorry????

cheers <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[AL_NAAMANI]

Maisha,
In my opinion Markaz al Bahja is a failure.Its been opened for about 6 months now.....and there is not a single thing I would go there for apart from amybe the cinema which is the only thing that is good there.Maybe when the bowling alley opens...it might just attract a few more people.
I hope they will make it expensive so as to avoid ruffians.

[ProToCoL_MaN]

I saw an advert. in the newspaper few weeks ago saying that 80% (not so sure of the figure) of it is occupied.

[muscati]

Well the rumor in the market is that Al Futtaim group has signed up to be the major tennant and they'll take over the anchor stores on the second floor to open up to 4 of their shops such as Plug-Ins and Marks Spencer.

Don't take my word for it. Could be just gossip.

[AL_NAAMANI]

The food court is the saddest thing I have seen there.There is only like 3 food outlets.....how apalling!!!

[muscati]

Yesterday's Observer:

The Observer learnt yesterday that two of the biggest names in global retailing have decided to come to Oman in a big way. Both Marks and Spencer and Toys R Us have signed up to take a large amount of space in the Markhaz al Bahja Shopping Mall which opened at Seeb during last November's National Day celebrations.

Deals, which would allocate large amounts of space to these retailing giants, have been under discussion for many months and the Observer has learnt that both organisations have committed themselves to a Memorandum of Understanding. A public announcement is hoped for very shortly and the plan is that both retailers will open their doors to the public this autumn.

The Marks and Spencer store will be of 2,200 square metres in size and the Toys R Us’ commitment is also large with 1,700 square metres of space being booked. With Marks and Spencer and Toys R Us both booked for the first floor it means that 90 per cent of all the space is let and there is little doubt that large crowds will be attracted.

Also opening very shortly will be a 10-pin bowling alley. This is a matter of weeks away with bowling lanes already in place as part of a sporting complex with billiard hall and café combined. Phil Ryle, General Manager of City Bowling LLC, who has set up many similar facilities in Australia, is already on site overseeing final preparations.

Car parking facilities are also being increased. Two food concessions are due to open this month including a burger franchise.

[ProToCoL_MaN]

Thats a very good news..thanks for informing us muscati.

[Neo]

Now we are talking!

[International]

Sure its good news <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> , Atleast let ppl to be distributed not all in one place like only Qurum.

Its good that theyr openning a bowling alley. I heared that another bowling place will be opened in shaati al qurum,oposite ramada.

[FisaL]

<font color="red"> Deleted<!--color-->[/color]

[VANQUISH]

There r many "bowling places" am hearing of these days...been told that one is gona open at Oman Club in Al-Khwair and another at City Center! Lets c who is gona open first!!

[muscati]

The bowling alley at Bahja is almost over. I don't know about the one at Oman Club, the building is ready but I have no info about what stage it's at inside. As for the one at Sarooj, there are two buildings being built in the area by Ramada, both are in early stages of construction. If the rumored bowling alley is in either of them then it's quite a while away. I doubt this city can accomodate so many bowling places.

[AL_NAAMANI]

I am surprised people are so excited about the opening of a Marks and Spencers.I think their designs suck...as for Toy R 'Us....we are not kids anymore.
They should be opening shops like ZARA, FRENCH CONNECTION, GUESS and other more retro shopping outlets instead of the dull British classic ..Marks Spencers.

[Eclipse]

Bowling is perhaps one of the most enjoyable activities for the whole family. I just hope that the places where bowling will be opened is that they should specify some days of the weeks for families only. Just to stop guys who go there just to see girls , and also for the girls to feel more comfortable. Just a seggestion.

[omanisnumberone]

Al Naamani has not seen the Blue Harbour collection of MS, its nice.

[Buzz]

I was at Bahja last night and I have seen the bowling alley is already open. I didn't go inside as I was already late for a movie but I have seen people bowling inside.

BTW what does 10-pin bowling means? I don't know the game!!

[DuXcK]

I went to to che check the bowling facility in markaz albahja and the person incharge tol me that they'v decided to set a fee of 2 rials/line !

Thats one of the MOST expensive bowling fees in Oman.

[muscati]

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
I went to to che check the bowling facility in markaz albahja and the person incharge tol me that they'v decided to set a fee of 2 rials/line !

Thats one of the MOST expensive bowling fees in Oman.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Well what are your other options? You can go to SQU and bowl there, but we're not students and we don't have that choice. Our choice is Bahja or Sheraton. If I have my family with me I wouldn't take them to Sheraton which is a bowling alley with a bar. Besides Sheraton doesn't even have computerized scoring.

[Sapphire]

"BTW what does 10-pin bowling means? I don't know the game!!"

The things you knock down with your bowling ball are known as pins and there are 10 of them.

Hence 10 pin bowling.

[Big_Joe]

Okays guys, I'll not add to the long list but for a change I must say the only thing my kids enjoyed was the 'Sweet Factory'.

[One-Stone]

Had a meeting with GM of Al Bahja looks like they are turning the corner big time. Marks Spencer opening October and Toys R Us September. He says they are launching a competition on 1 July which is going to blow our socks off and the extra parking almost complete.
A chicken franchise from UK called Chicking(like KFC)is opening next week and he says they have almost completed negotiations for an International resataurant(from California)which has branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and coffee shop. They should be open in time for Marks Spencer opening

Looks like we have to renew our calls for the boycott of Marks and Sparx. I'll make sure I do everything I possibly can to make sure they get the least number of shoppers. I'll probably have to start soon.

I like the idea of all these new international chains. You think they will work?

[One-Stone]

I get your point Chichi, but then we have to organise a boycott of Carrefour too as they are also Jewish owned. So many International chains are - where do we begin and where do we end?
A branch of the Al Futtaim family have an agreement with Carrefour and another branch of the same family, with Marks Sparks.
What do you think the answer is? I am not sure .......

[Calkoon]

I've tried extremely hard to completely boycott marks and Sparks, but they have the best quality mens underwears..! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> irresistable, I'm afraid.



I guess i'll pay my first visit in October....

[brain_dead]

Oh.

So the comfort of your genitals are more important than your 'ahem' principles ?

[Neo]

apparently <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[brain_dead]

LOL !

<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[SilverSurfer]

My "boys" always come before my principles.



No pun intended.

[Calkoon]

I was wondering what our Jewish members were doing in Local Forum, you guys seem to have stepped out of your turf ....



Yes, let boycott everything Zionist, but underwears ..! OK <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ... DEAL..... They're actually made in Eygpt and so you could say, I'm supporting the Eygptian/Israeli peace agreement <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[brain_dead]

Oh, so you also play the "they are against me / Islam so they must be Jews" card.

Good for you.

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
I'm supporting the Eygptian/Israeli peace agreement

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

while they support your genitals !

[Calkoon]

Absolutely ... you're finally catching up cerveau mort

Sorry, but I truly thought you were a Jew ... All you do is defend them repetedly, even if they are wrong.

This topic is about a commercial center in Oman that'll open with Marks and Spark underwears. Please don't deviate from the subgect matter mort ...

Yeah, guys. Lets not go off topic. I know I started it, but lets go on w/ Markaz al-Bahja. If our Zionist couple wants to take this any further (as usual), please take it to Flame or PnR.

[Nomad]

cerveau mort,

If ur nuts ain't comfy...u ain't comfy! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Jinan]

Loooooooooooooooooooooolz <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

There is nothin like MS when it comes to Undergarments and Body Lotions and creams... I think ther are just amazing... Ahh and not to forget their clothes... they have beautiful blouses as well.

[Smile]

Absolutely Jinan <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[muscati]

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
an International resataurant(from California)which has branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Coco's?

[muscati]

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
we have to organise a boycott of Carrefour too as they are also Jewish owned.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

I've heard this statement many times but I've never read any validation from anyone who's said it. Can someone please provide proof of this or otherwise explain if it is just a case of a company that is mostly jewish owned, or is it a zionist group like Marks Spencer is. I draw a distinction between the two. I have no problem buying from a jewish company as long as it is not zionist. However MS is blatantly zionist.

[DuXcK]

Its really going well in Markaz Al-Bahja.



I went there and couldnt get an empty parking slot !



They need to improve the instrance and the exit roads.



muscati, If you intesrested to go to SQU, then, I can help you out.



Its a bigger and better place then markaz al-bahja.

[One-Stone]

Muscati, you are on the Ball !! Yep, Coco's

[Smily3]

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
I have no problem buying from a jewish company as long as it is not zionist.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">


I dont mean to stir up any hornets nest here, just want to know whats zionist and how is it different frombeing Jewish?

I dont know the diff and might as well ask and thought I amy as well wisen up

[Panoramic]

Calkoon
go to Muttrah market and get ur self 10 Wzars that should do.

make sure u dont go to MS on saturday you know they donate all the money to Israel. Jewes are not supposed to work on Sabbath (saturday) you know so thats how they get rid of their feeling of guilt.
How will you get rid of the feeling of guilt Calkoon?

<blockquote><font class="small"><hr />
I have no problem buying from a jewish company as long as it is not zionist. However MS is blatantly zionist.

<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">
I agree. People have to decide what they want to boycott. With some its American (impossible!), with others its Jewish and some just decide to boycott anything 'white'!

For a good list of Zionist companies with excellent justification, go to <a href="http://www.inminds.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.inminds.co.uk</a>

[Roger]

I went there last friday, and saw the food court fully packed. Seems the food offered by one of the new outlets there mumbai masalas is just gr8.

guys check it out

[One-Stone]

Went to check out their new competition "Win-A-Life" - looks great. One person can win a villa, car, holiday, furniture, cash, luggage etc etc. Something different for a change. Spoke to the GM and he told me they have just done a formal count of visitors to the Mall in June - 102000 people. He said they will count again after Marks Sparks open and see what difference it makes. He said City Centre had 1.5million people after its first year and MAB would then have 1.2million plus. Looks as if MAB is going to be ok. What do you think guys?

[omanisnumberone]

I love the ChickKing its much better than KFC or Hardees

[Smile]

I have been there last weekend and I have feeling its going to overtake Citycentre soon or even to the best mall in town, if they keep with the same motive <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I mean you got varieties eg. foodcourt,shopping,cinema,bowling,so on unlike other centres

My opinion

[boxer9976]

Just wait guyz and galz...

Time will tell what Markaz Al Bahja has in store for u all...

<img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Liquid_Dreams]

hmmm, i havent been there yet!

[Nomad]

Same here, havent been there yet....

[NaDa]

Every time am home i say this is it, have to check the place out. But i just cant enter the place! what i read here scares me <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Solmaaz]

Hi Everyone

I might be travelling to Muscat later this year for family weddings.

I have read a bit of comments on this topic regarding your shopping Mall. Apart from this place where people seek entertainment where would one go normally?

Maybe if they had a suggestion box in this Mall the Public members may write and suggest what they would like to see or have in it.

So far I think I am still inlove with the shopping Centre in Toronto - Eaton Centre, maybe the Organisers of the Mall in Muscat could get a few tips from there.

Have a lovely day all.........

Solmaaz

[DukePhantom]

first of all, welcome Nightingale to our Humble forum ...



I've never been to Toronto before, but my family did they loved the city, they also mentioned few malls there including this ... but the malls in USA, Canada are simply Huge (usually) ... our malls are nothing compared to them ... so don't get too excited .... the population and market here in Muscat are far much smaller than the ones you've seen perhaps ...



In Muscat, we have our own stuff, completely different than the places your used to perhaps ..



If this is your first time to Muscat, then I suggest u dont get excited about the malls ... you'll be disapointed to their size and quantity, (actually if your from London, then you could compare some of our malls to the ones u have there, whiteleys near KnightsBridge for example) nevertheless, we almost have every thing that u require in a mall, spreaded all around :P ... I'm not sure how to guide u exactly to entertainment in Muscat, cuz we don't have much around here ... but I'm sure you'll find your way around ... The Omani way <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ...



and another tip, this is a good time to visit Salalah, South of Oman .... if u could, its going to be beneficiale for you ... I hope ..



Good Luck .. and Welcome to Oman

[Solmaaz]

Hello DukePhantom

Thanks for your kind and sweet welcome to the Forum. Well yes I have never been to Oman before and it would be a pleasure visiting it. I would not be disappointed with your Mall or lack of anything there as I believe when in Rome do as the romans do. I love experimenting with different Cultures and living down to their lifestyle. When one has had enough of fast life and fast food joints, a quiter much relaxex atmosphere is always a welcome blessing I would say that. So I would love to experience Oman the Omani style. Thanks for the tip and hope you have the red carpet awaiting lol

Have a lovely day matey.....

Solmaaz

[Milk_Tray]

Yes I agree with the Duke in welcoming Nightingale to this little jewel in Oman, the Omanforum. Reading through the various threads and posts is one great way to find out more about Muscat and Oman (not to mention the driving...ha ha).

Malls are malls.....they serve a purpose although I would say that if you want to get some peace and quiet when out shopping in a mall here in Oman....go into one of the shops....except for Carrefour they are usually quiet...the food courts and walkways are always packed!

When you do visit you will love it....I am from UK and have already stayed here five years more than I intended to. Each time I go back to UK I cant wait to get back here!

[Solmaaz]

Hello Milk Tray

Thanks for your kind and sweet welcome to the Jewel of Oman - I wonder if its the Kohinoor........

I agree with you Malls are just malls all over the place and kind of place for the young at heart to meet and mingle ehem lol.

I prefer the much quiter relaxed atmosphere then the hustle and bustle of city life and polution maybe I would retreat to a deserted Island there and experience heaven on earth......

Well I am so jealous of you dear lol if you were here today you would hate the cloudy weather in this summer season oh where is that tissue box .......

Cheers and have a lovely day.

Solmaaz

[maddy]

u noe ... i think bahja is doin pretty nicely now ...!! :) love the cinema ...!!:wiggle:the mall sucks though ...!! i think the management of the cinema is really better than those blokes in shatti and ruwi ...!! they suck ..!!

[Jamilla Camel]

Hi All,

We went to MAB today and ate in the food court. Ate at Wally's and the Indian joint next to it, and it was tasty and cheap. Believe me, coming from near London (UK), the quality of the food vs. the price was incredible. Yes, the food court is small, but Muscat is not Dubai, either, and the reason we bought a home in Muscat is BECAUSE it is not Al-Bling-on-Sea!

I'd like to see more Omani restaurants, like Spicy Village, for example, in the MAB food court.

As for the rude remarks about Carrefour, look on the bright side--at least Oman has not been invaded by the likes of Wal-Mart/ASDA. We liked Al Fair--in fact, you can get Waitrose products there, which are very high quality.

Oman is a great place, and things will pick up on the retail front. Don't despair if it doesn't have the shopping opportunities of Dubai or Las Vegas!

Regards,