Logo of Khalidiyah Mall unveiled

Lt Gen Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Crown Prince and Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, unveiled the logo of the upscale Dh250 million Khalidiyah Mall on Monday night.

"Such ambitious mega projects will certainly boost the global economic profile of Abu Dhabi," said Shaikh Mohammad.

"It will enhance the international status of the UAE, which has already made massive strides under the able leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan."

One of the largest shopping complexes in downtown Abu Dhabi, the project is owned by the Emke Group.

The first phase of work on the mall, spread across one million square feet, is already progressing, with the project scheduled for completion in April 2006.

Shaikh Mohammad during his visit to the Emke Group offices also looked at the model of the complex.

He was briefed about the different features of the upcoming shopping mall located in the prime Khalidiyah residential and commercial area.

"After viewing the model of the under-construction mall, Shaikh Mohammad expressed his appreciation of the project details," said a statement issued by Emke Group yesterday.

According to the statement, work on the Dh250 million Khalidiyah Mall is progressing at a rapid pace to meet the completion deadline of April 2006. Contracts for all the major works have been awarded and negotiations are in the final stage, with over 160 brands from across the world competing for a presence in the mall.

"The highlights of the mall will be an imposing atrium with fountains, relaxation seating and cafes, multiplex with six ultramodern cinemas, a large food court with the biggest roof garden, and a futuristic amusement arcade," said Yousuf Ali, managing director of Emke Group.

"Khalidiyah Mall reflects our commitment to provide the most modern and sophisticated shopping avenues to residents as well as visitors to Abu Dhabi.

"With the growing focus on developing the region as the hub of world tourism and a shopping paradise, our humble effort is to provide the city with a shopping mall that is comparable with the best anywhere in the world," he added.

He said the mall will have adequate parking for more than 2,000 cars.

The architectural design of the complex will be a masterpiece showcasing the rich Islamic architecture blending with international convenience and standards.