Aldar awards Dhs 318m contract for expansion to Al Ain’s Al Jimi Mall

Abu Dhabi property developer Aldar has awarded a Dhs 318m contract to Pivot Construction Company for the refurbishment and expansion of Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain.

The works are part of Aldar’s Dhs 3bn investment strategy and aim to improve the shopping experience at the mall, which is fully occupied and has 8 million visitors a year, according to the company.

Under the plans, an additional 33,000 square metres of gross leasable area will be added to the mall, increasing its total to 76,000 sqm of retail space.

This will include 51 new units of shops and restaurants over three levels in the West Wing expansion of the mall.

A further Retail Park expansion on the north side will add three large spaces ranging between 1,500 sqm and 6,500 sqm to accommodate different area requirements. It will include family dining, coffee shops, an event plaza and parking for more than 1,000 cars.

The refurbishment will include entrances, public spaces, canopies, flooring, toilets, the food court and sightlines of the existing mall area.

Aldar said more than 50 per cent of the new space was committed to tenants.

“With the renewal programme, we aim to catch up to with the very strong consumer demand Al Jimi Mall is enjoying. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to offering visitors a memorable shopping and entertainment experience, one that perfectly resonates the 15 years heritage of the mall and sets a new benchmark in both design and retail mix,” said Aldar Properties chief development officer Talal Al Dhiyebi.

The expansion will be completed by end of the first quarter of 2018.