As storeowners move into Yas Mall, we sit down with Aldar’s executive director of Asset Management, Talal Al Dhiyebi, to find out what the megamall has in store.
How is the work progressing?
We’re now in the final preparation stages for the opening in November. The retailers have taken handover of their units and are progressing well with the fit out.
How is the design of Yas Mall unique?
It’s got a simple circuit that comes around with alleyways that lead into Town Square, which is one of the biggest public spaces in any closed shopping environment in the region. The design strategy was to have an outdoor mall in an indoor environment.
Tell us about the new department store concept by Chalhoub Group?
To think of a department store that covers 200,000 square feet in just one store; that’s a shopping mall in its own right. It’s going to have more than 200 brands and each one of those brands will have an entire product range from cosmetics, fashion, shoes and so on.
What leisure/entertainment options are there?
There will be a snow park and there’s also an action zone, which will have areas targeted towards older children. There’s bowling, billiards, mountain climbing, and archery.
Why did the management decide to open the mall during the Formula 1 race?
Formula 1 has been one of the most successful large-scale international events that Abu Dhabi has hosted. The event is getting better, year after year. Every year we’ve been adding more facilities on Yas Island – Ferrari World, Yas Links, the waterpark and now the shopping mall. This was one big part of the puzzle that was missing on Yas Island.
What are you most excited about at Yas Mall?
It’s giving Abu Dhabi what it lacked. Yas Mall will redefine the retail landscape in Abu Dhabi, from the points of view of size, the offers, its design and accessibility. We have a great long-term vision that was developed by our leaders and Aldar plays a big roll in implementing that 2030 Vision. This mall is going to be one big game-changer for Abu Dhabi.
