More affordable products will be available to residents of Umm Al Quwain, following an agreement between the Union Cooperative Society, Dubai, and the UAQ Cooperative Society to build a grand shopping centre here.

The all new ‘UAQ Cooperative Markets’, scheduled to be completed in the first half of next year, are expected to initially cost Dh50 million, according to a senior official.

Khalid bin Zaiban Al Falasi, director-general of the Union Cooperative Society, (UCS) said they will run the markets, to be built at the Salma area, for seven years, which can later be renewed.

“The UCS is to localise the jobs at the new UAQ Cooperative Markets sponsored by His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain,”

Priority will be given to Emirati citizens in UAQ, he added. “All UAE nationals to be recruited will go through intensive training courses.”

UCS Chairman Majid Hamad Al Shamsi said they have already started the designs of the shopping centre which is meant to meet the needs of residents at affordable prices.

“The UAE Cooperative Markets, worth Dh50 million, will be built on a total area of 80,000 square metres, and will be equipped with modern facilities and services.”

The two-floor premises will include 25 outlets, along with a food corner and a fun city for kids, he stated. “The project is expected to be completed by the end of the first half of 2017.”

Al Shamsi pointed out that the agreement concluded with the UAQ Cooperative Markets is a step forward in the right direction for the Union Cooperative Society to share expertise.

“It is also a critical step to ensure and boost strategic food security in the emirate in view of the sudden massive changes worldwide.”