Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi-based property developers, Aldar Properties, announced on Wednesday that anchor tenants have accelerated the fit-out of their stores at Yas Mall in preparation for the scheduled opening in November to coincide with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Tenants such as Debenhams, VOX Cinemas, and Geant are now actively engaged with the 232,000 square metre mall.
Additional retailers are scheduled to move on site in the coming weeks, and include groups such as Al Shaya, Majid Al Futtaim, Assadea, Dubai Holding, Fucom, Landmark, and Royal Sporting House.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, executive director of Asset Management at Aldar, said the mall is set to, “transform the retail landscape in Abu Dhabi, and enhance the Yas Island proposition as a world-class destination”.
Softer launch
Developers had earlier announced the opening date would be March 26, but it was postponed.
Al Dhiyebi commented on the delay, telling Gulf News, “[The Grand Prix weekend] is the ideal time — when 500 million viewers will have their eyes on Abu Dhabi. Provisionally, the strategy was to have a softer launch in March, with tenants to open throughout 2014. However, this meant that some retailers were scheduled to open their units throughout the summer period and [the Holy month of] Ramadan.”
He added that upon discussion with the main retail groups, the decision was taken to open in November when all stores are complete.
The completion of the mall will make Aldar the largest owner and manager of retail space in Abu Dhabi.
