Wafi Group and ALMAD Group announced a new partnership on 10 December, formalised in Dubai by H.H. Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Founder and Chairman of Wafi Group, and Dr. Adrian Cheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of K11 by AC of ALMAD Group. The agreement includes the creation of a new entity, Wafi Anime 11, which brings together the long-standing local presence of Wafi Group with the cultural retail model of K11 by AC.
The partnership will guide the next stage of Wafi City’s development, where heritage, culture and new concepts will work together. Wafi Group aims to reinforce its position as the creator of one of Dubai’s most recognisable destinations, while ALMAD Group introduces its cultural retail and entertainment approach to a new market, with Wafi City serving as the starting point.
The collaboration includes several areas: the Wafi Anime 11 joint venture focused on anime retail and entertainment; a programme of events for residents and visitors; a leasing partnership to bring Chinese brands into the UAE for the first time; and a tourism plan aimed at encouraging Chinese travellers to explore Wafi City and its hotels, including Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk and Raffles Dubai.
The partnership will also oversee Gentry Club, a private members’ club designed around traditional Chinese architecture with modern elements. The club will focus on high-net-worth individuals and cultural enthusiasts in the Middle East and North Africa. It will be the first Gentry Club outside Greater China and will open at Raffles Dubai, offering members a quiet, high-quality space for connection and cultural exchange.
Wafi Group has played a central role in the UAE’s commercial landscape for more than fifty years, with activity across property, hospitality, retail, transport and industry. Wafi City, which opened in 1991, remains one of Dubai’s earliest mixed-use destinations. Its Ancient Egyptian-inspired architecture, varied retail, dining and entertainment, and well-known hotels have made it a familiar place for long-term residents and nationals and a point of interest for new residents and visitors.
The mall’s Gross Leasable Area is 1.1 million sq ft, with a total floor area of 1.6 million sq ft. Over the past three years, footfall has risen by 30 percent, helped by new entertainment options and refreshed retail. During the past year, 35 new retailers joined Khan Murjan Souk on the lower level, a market designed around traditional Arabic craftsmanship. Another 30 stores and new kiosks were added across the wider mall, complementing brands such as Duozoulu, Zavi and Tynt.
H.H. Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum said, “Wafi Group has always embodied heritage, innovation and the spirit of Dubai. The joint collaborations with ALMAD Group and K11 by AC reflect our continued commitment to shaping the future of retail and lifestyle in the region. Together, we aim to introduce experiences and brands that will not only elevate Wafi City but also strengthen the cultural and commercial bridge between the Middle East and China.”
ALMAD Group was founded by Dr. Adrian Cheng to focus on growth in digital fields and in emerging markets including the Middle East, Chinese Mainland and ASEAN countries. Based in Hong Kong, the group operates across culture, entertainment, sport, media, healthcare, commercial management and cultural tourism. These industries meet the interests of younger generations, particularly relevant in the Middle East, where many countries have young populations.
Dr. Cheng has led the development of several cultural retail sites worldwide, including Victoria Dockside in Hong Kong, home to K11 MUSEA. His cultural commerce model continues to expand under K11 by AC. Its entry into Wafi City marks a new stage where Wafi Group’s legacy is combined with ALMAD Group’s creative and commercial outlook.
Dr. Adrian Cheng said, “We are honoured to partner with Wafi Group, the pioneer of retail and iconic mixed-use development in Dubai. This collaboration at Wafi City sets a new benchmark for cross-regional retail cooperation, as we connect the consumers and rich cultural industries of the Middle East and Chinese-speaking markets. We are confident that the Chinese consumer brands, top-tier IP innovations, and the Gentry Club experience we bring will serve the rapidly growing retail market and young demographics well.”
The launch of the partnership follows a period of stronger ties between the UAE and China. Dubai welcomed about 824,000 visitors from China in 2024, a rise of around 31 percent from the previous year, according to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. The joint venture aims to support this growth by offering Chinese brands a strategic first base in the region through Wafi City.
As part of Phase 1, ALMAD Group plans to introduce leading Chinese cultural brands to Wafi City. This includes ZBR Bronze, known for bronze craftsmanship that blends heritage with modern design. Master Zhu Bingren, the “Father of Contemporary Chinese Bronze Architecture”, will present an exhibition and open a permanent store in 2026. ALMAD Group will also work with partners such as ChaPanda, a tea brand known for strong, authentic flavours, bringing Chinese tea culture to the Middle East.
Wafi Anime 11 will also introduce ticketed exhibitions linked to popular IPs, including eGaming, K-Pop and anime, starting in 2026. These pop-ups and exhibitions will target residents and tourists of all ages.
Under the joint venture, Wafi City will enter its next phase of development. It will retain its heritage and architectural character while adding new cultural programmes, retail concepts, and lifestyle experiences curated by ALMAD Group. The aim is to honour Wafi City’s history while reflecting Dubai’s continued growth and global reach.
With the agreement now signed, the joint venture will move into its formal establishment phase. In the coming months, the partners will create a roadmap covering brand onboarding, cultural planning, experience design and updates to the retail mix. The partnership supports Dubai’s role as a global cultural and commercial hub and offers a new entry point for Chinese and other international brands looking to enter the Middle East.