Construction Begins On Abu Dhabi’s New Mega Mall, Al Maryah Central

Construction has started on Abu Dhabi’s new ‘super regional’ shopping mall, Al Maryah Central, located in the emirate’s upcoming mega-development, Al Maryah Island, developer Gulf Related announced on Monday.

The 2.3 million square foot mall is scheduled for opening in March 2018.

Anchored by US departmental stores Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, Al Maryah Central will offer luxury and contemporary brands, entertainment options, a 20-screen cinema, health-club, food market, children’s entertainment and rooftop parks that include an outdoor amphitheater for film screenings and events.

It will also feature 90 dining options including al fresco cafés, bistros and fine dining restaurants overlooking a waterfront promenade.

The ‘fully financed’ mall is part of a 3.1 million square foot mixed-use development being designed by US-based Elkus Manfredi to provide a climate controlled shopping, dining and entertainment destination, a statement said.

Ken Himmel, co-managing partner, Gulf Related said, “With the tremendous combined endorsement by Al Tayer Group through the provision of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to anchor the development and approximately a third of the retail composition already spoken for by a diverse array of in-line stores, cafes and restaurants, we are confident that Al Maryah Central will achieve our vision as the greatest shopping experience in the region.

“It also represents a further catalyst in the rapid development of Al Maryah Island.”

Al Maryah Island (formerly Sowwah Island) is an integrated, 114-hectare mixed-use development, master-planned and being developed by Mubadala Development Company. The island has been designated as Abu Dhabi’s Central Business District (CBD) and is modelled around mixed-use 24-hour financial districts.

The development will include Sowwah Square, comprised of The Galleria mall; four Grade ‘A’ commercial towers which house global and regional companies including Deloitte, GE, Gulf Capital, Booz & Co, JP Morgan, Macquarie Bank, Herbert Smith Freehills and the Regulation and Supervision Bureau; and two hotels – Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi (due for completion in 2016).

It will also house new headquarter office towers for the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Al Hilal Bank, Maryah Plaza’s luxury residential towers and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

The entire district will be directly interconnected by air conditioned passageways and serviced by over 15,000 parking spaces and 13 bridges.

Upon completion, Al Maryah Central will be connected to over 15.7 million square foot of adjacent, completed and occupied properties on Al Maryah Island.

Karim El Solh, co-managing partner of Gulf Related and CEO of Gulf Capital said: “When combined with The Galleria on Al Maryah Island both developments will create a 2.9 million square foot waterfront retail shopping destination.

“This development will reflect the burgeoning vibrancy of Al Maryah Island, complement the lifestyle and culture of Abu Dhabi and secure local, regional and international recognition for the district as a world-class CBD.”

Abu Dhabi is seeing a surge in retail developments to keep pace with growing demand. Later this month, Yas Island will see the opening of the 2.5 million square feet Yas Mall, which will feature 370 retail and F&B brands.