Abu Dhabi, 17 Dec, 05 (WAM) - ALDAR Properties PJSC revealedthe retail plans at the heart of its proposed redevelopment ofCentral Market in Abu Dhabi at Dubai's Middle East Shopping CentreExhibition. The exhibition took place on December 13 and 14 atthe Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Conference Centre.
"Retail and entertainment will be an important focus of ALDAR'sCentral Market redevelopment, which will rise as a superb andfully integrated mixed-use scheme in the centre of Abu Dhabi,"said ALDAR's Chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh,according to a press release issued today.
He added: "This is an important site which holds a place inthe heart of the people of Abu Dhabi. We at ALDAR have a responsibilityto deliver a development that is truly worthy of the heart ofour great city." The Central Market has been developed on a siteof six hectares, with a built-up area of approximately 610,000square metres.
It has been conceived as a premier live, work, and entertainmentdestination.The redevelopment comprises an Arabian Souq, branded retailoutlets, food outlets and restaurants for all tastes, grade Aoffice space, world class hotels, tower apartments, extensivegreen space - including a complete 'sky park' that cascades downinto the retail areas, plus parking for over 5,000 cars.
ALDAR intends that Central Market will redefine the city centreof Abu Dhabi. It will become the natural daily meeting pointfor thousands of residents and visitors to the city. And itsenergetic heartbeat will be driven by the choice of retail offerings- many of which will be new to Abu Dhabi.
The traditional Arabian Souq will aim to recapture the heritageof the site by offering authentic Middle Eastern goods includingtextiles, jewellery, gold, spices, perfume, tailoring, carpetsand gifts.
However it is the high-end lifestyle stores and boutiques inthe retail podium, which will make Central Market truly excitingand original. These floors will be occupied by the world's leadingretail brands covering all possible categories, from specialistfood stores to designer fashion, with at least one level becomingthe 'Bond Street' of Abu Dhabi.
ALDAR CEO Christopher Sims commented: "This will not be a 'Mall'in the traditional sense, but will be a destination offeringthe visitor or resident myriad leisure, entertainment and retailexperiences." It will be a unique experience - the first ofits kind in the UAE. We are already in negotiation with someof the most exciting and original names in the retail world."The Central Market is located in Abu Dhabi near the intersectionof Khalifa Street and Airport Road. The development will openprogressively with the souq opening in 2007, the retail podiumat the end of 2007 and the entire scheme by the end of 2008.
