Sharjah, UAE – A once-thriving shopping destination, Safeer Mall, has shut down after nearly two decades of serving Sharjah residents, Khaleej Times has confirmed.
The mall, located on Al Khan Road, closed its doors two months ago, with its blue signage and branding now removed from the building’s facade. A call centre agent from Al Safeer Group of Companies confirmed the closure on Wednesday.
Opened in 2005 by Al Safeer Group, Safeer Mall quickly became a landmark for locals and expatriates alike. Originally launched as a discount centre, the shopping hub was later expanded and rebranded, drawing shoppers with its affordability and convenience.
With three floors of retail outlets and two basement parking levels, it served as a major shopping and entertainment venue for residents of Sharjah and beyond.
Fond Memories for Long-Time Patrons
For many long-time UAE residents, the closure of Safeer Mall marks the end of an era. Afsha Noori, a Dubai resident who first moved to Sharjah 24 years ago, was stunned when she heard the news.
“I found out just before Eid Al Fitr. Safeer Mall reminds me of my early motherhood days when I had my firstborn. It became our second home during my six years in Sharjah,” said Noori, a 48-year-old Indian expatriate.
She recalled spending hours shopping for daily essentials, from food and crockery to other household items. “It was our one-stop shop for everything. The prices and discounts made it the best place to take visiting guests for shopping trips. We will truly miss those days.”
A Place for Family and Entertainment
For younger generations who grew up in the UAE, Safeer Mall played a significant role in their childhood memories. Puja M, a 23-year-old expatriate, reminisced about the mall’s unique charm before Dubai and Sharjah became synonymous with extravagant shopping experiences.
“It had everything – groceries, entertainment, dining, and toys. Back then, malls didn’t have elaborate fountain shows, world-record-breaking performances, or high-tech attractions. But Safeer Mall had something special – surprise dance performances and acrobatic shows that amazed us as kids,” she said.
For many young adults, the mall represents a time when simple shopping trips turned into cherished family outings.
More Than Just a Mall for Visitors
Safeer Mall was not just a local shopping hub but also a frequent stop for visitors from abroad. Nilofer Sheikh, an Indian traveler who has been visiting the UAE since 2001, shared her attachment to the mall.
“I used to visit my daughter in the UAE, and Safeer Mall became a weekly outing for us. Whether for grocery shopping or just a break from home duties, it was a convenient and enjoyable place,” Sheikh said.
Even after her daughter moved out of Sharjah, Sheikh fondly remembers her visits, emphasizing that Safeer Mall was more than just a place to shop—it was a place to bond with family.
The Legacy of Safeer Mall
Al Safeer Group’s history in the UAE dates back to 1985, when it started its venture with Shop N Save supermarkets. The company later expanded into discount markets and hypermarkets, eventually opening Safeer Mall in 2005.
Today, the group continues to operate hypermarkets and marts across Sharjah and Dubai, as well as Safeer Malls in Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
While Safeer Mall in Sharjah may have closed its doors, its legacy lives on in the memories of the countless residents and visitors who once called it their “second home.”
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members