For those of you who grew up in Sharjah or just spent your weekends mall-hopping in Sharjah – Safeer Mall was more than a shopping destination. It was an entire era. But after nearly two decades of memories, the curtains came down on the iconic mall earlier this year. And let’s be real, it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. The lights dimmed, the shops packed up, and just like that, a chapter closed.
So, What Happened To Safeer Mall?
According to the former mall management, Safeer Mall officially ceased operations at the end of 2024. That’s when Safeer Group handed the reins – and the keys – back to the landlord, after holding onto the property for 19 years. Once the go-to spot for families (thanks to its roomy layout and kid-approved zones), the mall slowly lost its sparkle. Foot traffic nosedived – blame the new toll gates, endless traffic, and shoppers who now prefer scrolling instead of strolling.
By 2024, over 60% of the shops had flipped their signs to “closed,” and big-name brands had already jumped ship. With access becoming a headache and profits taking a gradual dip, sticking around just didn’t make sense anymore.
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Residents Reflect On The Closure
Longtime Sharjah residents couldn’t help but get nostalgic as the mall shut its doors. For many, Safeer wasn’t just a place to shop – it was a weekend ritual. A place where childhood memories were made, where you’d hit the food court for your favorites, or hunt down bargains with your family.
Some even remembered traveling from other emirates just to visit their go-to snack spots, while others said it was the very first mall they ever stepped into after moving to the UAE. The closure, for many, felt like bidding adieu to a piece of their personal history.
But Every Ending Has A Sequel
Now for some positive news! So, Western International Group swooped in like a superhero with a AED 1 billion plan to revive and revamp the entire space. They’ve already begun renovations, and if all goes well, the space will be reborn in 2026 as Mark and Save – a newer, shinier version that still holds a special place for those vintage Safeer vibes.
So far, they’ve promised a completely transformed shopping destination, with a modern twist but hopefully the same community spirit. With a hypermarket as the anchor, and new brands queuing up to enter, the goal is clear: bring back footfall, excitement, and jobs.
According to the new owners, the entire transformation process is expected to take about 18 months. “Our goal is to revamp the mall and transform it into one of the top shopping destinations in Sharjah,” they said.
Until then, we hold on to the memories and wait for what’s next. Because sometimes, endings are just shiny new beginnings in disguise.
Mark your calendars – 2026 is when nostalgia meets next-gen at the soon-to-be Mark and Save Mall!
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