Sharjah residents, as well as those in the Northern Emirates who are up for a bit of a drive, will soon have a brand new hangout. Majid Al Futtaim has confirmed that City Centre Al Zahia, a shopping mall in Sharjah, is on track to open to the public in March 2021. The mall was scheduled to open this year, but was <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion/city-centre-al-zahia-largest-mall-in-the-northern-emirates-delays-opening-to-march-2021-1.1017693">delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic</a>. When it opens, City Centre Al Zahia will be the largest mall in the Northern Emirates, encompassing 136,200 square metres of retail and leisure space. Here’s everything you need to know about it: City Centre Al Zahia is located at the intersection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and University City Road in Sharjah, and is easily accessible from Sharjah as well as Ajman and other Northern Emirates. It is adjacent to Al Zahia, an upcoming Sharjah community that’s part of a strategic partnership between Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Sharjah Asset Management. Upon completion by 2023, the community will include a total of 3,700 homes. The mall is about a 20-minute drive from Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah and a 30-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, depending on traffic. Majid Al Futtaim has announced that it has come to an agreement with Landmark Group and Azadea Group to bring their brands to the mall. These includes world-famous names such as Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear and Virgin from Azadea; and Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Emax, Steve Madden, Pablosky and Ecco from Landmark. Along with Landmark and Azadea Group’s portfolio of retail outlets, Carrefour, Yalla Bowling, Magic Planet and 16-screen Vox Cinema will also add to the mall’s array of entertainment and shopping options. As of now, 70 per cent of the mall has already been leased with international and home-grown brands, with more to be confirmed in the near future. The entrance to the mall is distinguished by a canopy overhead. The space can accommodate more than 360 stores and there will be more than 5,300 parking spaces. In addition, there will be an external food and beverage precinct, located at the mall’s entrance, with covered al fresco seating. Other than its social, cinema and sports hubs; the mall will boast professional and educational workspaces. Everything will be centred around a grand plaza, offering access to indoor and outdoor restaurants, children’s play areas, and an art zone.