Work is progressing on Abu Dhabi’s upcoming $1.2bn Reem Mall, with the project “in line with the planned construction and finance targets”, its developer Al Farwaniya Property announced on Sunday.
The project, which was originally due to open this year, has been pushed back to 2020 after delays.
Construction of the mall began in late 2017, with the foundation stone laid earlier this year.
As of August 2018, more than 14 tower cranes have been erected, and over 120,000 m3 of reinforced concrete has been cast in place, with some sections now reaching level 4, a statement said.
Currently, there are 4,000 workers on site.
Once completed the project will encompass 350,000 m3 of reinforced cement concrete, 75,000 tons of rebar, 10,000 tons of structural steel and 75,000 m2 of pre-cast hollowcore concrete panels for a total built up area of over 650,000 square metres, it added.
Located in the Najmat District on Reem Island, the new mall will comprise more than 450 retail brands, dining options, and entertainment concepts, including Snow Park Abu Dhabi, a destination snow park attraction.
Shane Eldstrom, CEO of Al Farwaniya Property Developments stated: “Reem Mall has been progressing smoothly and is in line with our construction schedule.
“In addition to the retail, leisure and entertainment offering, it will bring vital infrastructure and improved connectivity, ensuring that our investment in Abu Dhabi continues to benefit local communities in the future.”
Al Farwaniya Property, a joint venture between Kuwait logistics firm Agility, its United Projects for Aviation Services Company unit and Kuwait’s National Real Estate Company, awarded a Dhs2.3bn ($626.1m) contract to UAE-Italy joint venture Itinera Ghantoot for the project.
The mall is planned to be handed over in a single phase to coincide with other completions on the wider Reem Island development, which aims to have a population of 200,000 people.
When it does open, the mall will face competition from existing centres Yas Mall and Marina Mall and new entrants.
The latter has announced plans for a Dhs3bn ($816.7m) expansion with a waterfront promenade and skate park, with work set to begin this year.
Also located close to Reem Mall is the $1bn Al Maryah Central, which is due to open by the end of this year. The 2.8 million square feet mall will feature the first Macy’s outside of the US and the first Bloomingdale’s in Abu Dhabi as part of the 400 store retail offering.
