Khalidiyah project's first phase progressing

The upscale Dh200 million Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi's Phase I development is under way with all major contracts awarded, while negotiations have begun with international retail brands for space allocation in the mall, promoters said.

"Work is progressing at a rapid pace to meet the completion deadline by end-2005. The first phase of the project is under way as per the schedule. Contracts for all the major works have been awarded," said Yousaf Ali M.A., managing director, Emke Group.

"Negotiations are in the final stage with over 130 brands from across the world for their presence in the prestigious mall," he said.

Ali was speaking after announcing the winner of the logo contest for the new mall. Some 723 entries were received from across the UAE and the GCC. Murtaza Ali Quaid's logo was selected.

"The logo truly represents the values and characteristics on which we have based our prestigious project," Ali said.

Located in Khalidiyah, a prime residential area of Abu Dhabi, the Khalidiyah Mall will be spread across 52,000 square metres. The mall will have separate souks for gold and jewellery, electronics, textiles, furnishings, local attire and accessories, antiques and others. There will also be a business centre with secretarial facilities.

"Khalidiyah Mall reflects our commitment to make Abu Dhabi one of the most modern metropolises in the world," Ali said. "Our efforts go towards providing the city with a shopping mall that would be comparable to the best in the world".