Cairo Festival City Mall opened in Cairo on Tuesday after a three-year delay.

Developers describe it as the premier mixed-use urban community in Egypt, extending over three million square metres. 

The mall is developed by Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate Egypt, part of the Dubai-based Al-Futtaim Group with contracts amounting LE7 billion (almost $1 billion). 

A 33,000 square metre IKEA store, the Swedish furniture manufacturer, has drawn particular attention from shoppers.

The mall hosts hypermarket Carrefour, department stores Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, as well as a 16-screen Cineplex.

CEO of Al-Futtaim Real Estate Company Mohamed El-Mekkawi has previously accused the government delaying the project by refusing to allocate licences.