Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has reported that its redevelopment project, funded by Abu Dhabi-based holding company Aldar Investment, is showing steady progress.
The AED500 million project, initiated last March, aims to repurpose 40 per cent of the mall’s gross leasable area, 25,000 square metres, by adding 100 new stores and renovating existing ones, including jewellery, fashion and beauty brands.
As of the end of this year’s first quarter, the mall has recorded 97 per cent occupancy with the addition of 55 stores.
The project is expected to be complete by this summer.
“Our redevelopment project remains on course as we continue to pioneer the retail industry and adapt to this evolving sector, with exclusive experiences and world-class retail and leisure offerings, while at the same time contributing to the local economy,” Saoud Khoory, chief retail officer of Aldar Investment, said of the mall’s progress.
He also mentioned that the project keeps pace with changes in consumer preferences.
“Our transformation plan is in line with evolving customer needs and aims to future-proof Yas Mall, delivering a new and diversified offering to enrich the overall experience,” said Mr Khoory.
Tech giant Apple’s store has already been renovated, having relocated to a different section of the mall to accommodate the doubling of its surface area and installation of two skylights.
Other stores being renovated are ZARA, its homeware concept ZARA HOME, Adidas and Sephora.
Retail additions include the emirate’s first Urban Outfitters, lifestyle retailer, Kendall + Kylie, celebrity-founded fashion brand, and Duozoulu, technological footwear brand.
Furniture and homeware stores Ethan Allen and EBarza will also be welcomed.
The redevelopment plan is reducing the mall’s yearly carbon footprint by 59 tonnes and improving its recycling rate by 10 percent, through the replacement of 60,000 lamps with LED lighting.
