Several shop owners in Sharjah’s Safeer Mall are seeking clarity on the future of their businesses after the shopping center’s operator confirmed the mall’s closure. Some owners have already shut down operations, while others have opted to continue running their stores, given the investments they made.
When visiting the mall on Thursday, the once-bustling location seemed deserted, with most lights turned off and upper floors almost empty. Many stores had closed, and access to the basement parking was restricted with red tape. Despite this, a few businesses remained open, with only nine operating shops left in the mall.
Khaleej Times confirmed that Safeer Mall, a 19-year-old landmark, is no longer operated by Al Safeer Group of Companies and is in the process of being acquired by new management. Om Prakash, marketing manager at Al Safeer, explained that the group handed over the property to the landlord in January and issued notices to shop owners in December, offering them the option to vacate or continue their businesses. 
The new management is expected to issue an official statement regarding the mall’s rebranding and the future of existing businesses. Some owners have decided to continue operations despite the changes. Mukesh Chaturbhuj, owner of Leena Mukesh Trading, an Indian clothing shop, shared that after Safeer Group left, he renewed his contract with Sharjah Municipality and continued paying rent directly to them.
Sufiya Noufal continues her business and runs a bakery named Sufiya Noufal Sweets on the third floor. Despite Safeer Group’s exit, she renewed her contract directly with the Sharjah Municipality. She noted that her business mostly operates through online orders.
Other businesses like Raju Omlet, Sagar Ratna, and Golden Tuxedo menswear stores are also still running. Abdurrahman, who owns Golden Tuxedo, shared that he had renewed his contract with the Sharjah Municipality just a year ago.
However, the confusion persists due to eviction notices from the new management, demanding that tenants vacate within 15 days, despite having valid contracts and rental agreements with the municipality. Ashfaq Muhammad Khan, who owns the Amani clothing store, is considering discussing the legality of these notices with the municipality.
