In line with 2030 plans, AUH UPC approves major mall development

ABU DHABI / Emirates Business

A major retail development on Al Reem Island has been granted detailed approval by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) in Q4 2015. The 27 projects and master plans approved in Q4 brings the total number awarded detailed approval in 2015 to 101, with a gross floor area (GFA) of 13.58 million meter-square — 26 percent more than in 2014. The approvals were given in line with the objectives of Plan Capital 2030, Plan Al Ain 2030 and Plan Al Gharbia 2030.
For the quarter, two approvals were given for projects and master plans located in Al Ain, four in Al Gharbia and 21 in the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area — with 11 projects on Abu Dhabi Island and 10 on Abu Dhabi Mainland.
Three urban development projects given the go ahead in Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area are located on Al Reem Island. The first is for Reem Mall. The development will span 185,000 meter-square and feature 450 retail units, including 85 restaurants and cafes, and a range of entertainment features across three storeys, including the world’s largest indoor snow-play park and a multi-screen cinema — providing high-quality leisure facilities for those living on Al Reem Island and in neighbouring communities.
Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development and Estidama Sector, UPC, said, “The creation of a high-quality mall in Abu Dhabi City will provide much needed retail, leisure and entertainment amenities for residents of Abu Dhabi City and visitors to the area. Al Reem Island is a central component of Plan Capital 2030 and it gives us great pleasure to give approval to such an important project – we look forward to watching the mall become a focus for residents of and visitors to the island.”
The second approval is for Najmat Towers, a two-tower residential complex, one comprising 244 units over 40 storeys and the other comprising 330 units over 41 storeys all in the form of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplex apartments and townhouses. The development will feature retail outlets, swimming pools and recreational areas, gym and children play areas.
The third project located on Al Reem Island is Shams Meera, two identical residential towers in the Shams District. The 408-unit development, which is targeting a 2 Pearl Estidama Rating, will span 67,000 m2 of GFA and incorporate recreational areas including a pool, children’s play area, gym, BBQ and community lounge.
Located between the two major leisure, tourism and cultural growth hubs of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, the Al Fahid Island master plan aims to create a unique, sustainable and complete residential community, targeting a 2 Pearl Estidama Rating. The development is split into five phases, of which Phase 1 has received detailed planning approval.