If there is one thing we always look for with a new mall in Kuwait, it’s parking! There’re spaces as far as the eye can see when approaching any side of Salmiya’s hippest new hang out, whether you choose to access it from any of the Qatar, Al Mugeireh ben Shuiaba, Al Khansa or Hamed Al Mubarak streets. bazaar has watched the development of this unique urban hub with a keen eye, and it’s proving very satisfying to watch all the detailed planning coming to fruition, with an enjoyable and vibrant customer experience being the true focus of The Boulevard Shopping Mall.
The square footage of landscaped grounds, lush greenery and botanical gardens with a dancing-fountain lake and bridged stream, measures well over 3.5 million! Within this park you can find various full-sized, fully equipped sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, cricket and football fields and a marked out, measured running lane which of course you may meander along at a walking pace too. Wander north-east and you’ll discover a marvelous outdoor amphitheater emerging from the green grass of the grounds. Water coolers have been placed conveniently throughout the park, so you can always stay hydrated in this warmer weather. There are two tunnels to venture through where you’ll be met with a kaleidoscope of color. Abstractly-shaped patterns of luminous paint are spread along the interior and when specially lit from the evening onwards, make the walls dance.
Once inside the vast and cool circular interior main hall of the main Shopping Boulevard during the day, you’ll witness sunlight streaming through the double height, linear atrium. Wide, sturdy columns support the mezzanine floor food-court where you can find international brand name restaurants, with the option to sit-in or take-away. Your food choices aren’t restricted to this area however as the lower ground and outside areas boast a number of fresh, delicious and quick food options. For a food experience over which you can languish, walk across to the Restaurant Village which features lake views and fine dining. Repose and relish the many different cuisines on offer, varying in style from Oriental to Mexican.
Busy parents and other child caregivers will appreciate discovering the provision of children’s entertainment facilities both inside and outside the mall which is an important component of The Boulevard offering. If you’re looking for endless entertainment for the little ones, then make sure you pay a visit to the dedicated Play Kuwait space and watch them get super excited about all the games that are on offer! In preparation for the new school term peruse a number of childrenswear stores for the latest in fashion. Opening very soon you will be able to take the kids to visit the biggest Jarir bookstore in town; hours of fun with books, toys and tech, guaranteed! If electronics intrigue you then the best is yet to come with the opening of a multi-brand stockist set to open this fall.
The sheer variety of retail stores is not overwhelming because of the way the mall has been laid out and the shops curated. Accessories, clothing, leather goods, sportswear, jewelry, footwear, banking; are all available within The Boulevard which, even though substantial still feels cozy and family friendly. The huge Sultan Center hypermarket is open 24-hours a day and promises to offer a range of promotions and goods exclusive to this location. Mall management have made it a point to ensure that The Boulevard is access friendly too, with designated parking spaces close to the entrances, built ramps, elevators and automated doors.
This societal commitment also extends to the community in terms of business. The “Lobby” Project supports small and medium businesses by housing them within the mall in rent friendly units. This allows young entrepreneurs to start their projects within a professional environment. The brainchild of Mr. Abdulfatah. M. R. Marafie Lobby helps the next generation of entrepreneurs to set up their commercial activities and achieve their ambitions.
Exhausted after spending the entire day delighting in all the various offerings of The The Boulevard? Luxuriate in the charming environs of La Plus Belle Salon & Spa for ladies and indulge yourself in the plentiful number of relaxing treatments available. Recharge and start all over again to enjoy the evening’s recreational activities. Standing as the largest salon and spa in the Middle East, the experienced and congenial staff are capable of taking care of everything do with hair, including color treatments, as well as spa services and bridal!
With a number of events planned for throughout the year, you certainly have every excuse to stop by The Boulevard and explore all that there is to see and do. In fact, this month, put aside the time to revel in the “Candy Land Adventure” event on the 14th and 15th of this month. “Candy Land Adventure” is planned as an internationally-acclaimed event, complete with a chocolate factory, magic, music and incredible new shows for the entire family.
Access the main entrance of The Boulevard from Al Khansa Street, Salmiya. Open from 10 a.m. daily with a 24-hours supermarket. For more information on events and activities follow @boulevardQ8 on Instagram or call 2576 2500 for enquiries. Photos courtesy of The Boulevard and additional photography by Yousef Al Nasser, @Yousefcam on Instagram.
