UK-based construction consultancy Mace has been appointed as project managers of the new $1bn Reem Mall project in Abu Dhabi.
The mall, which is being developed by Kuwaiti developer National Real Estate Company (NREC), is a 2m ft2 retail, leisure and dining venue based on Reem Island, which is eventually expected to be home to around 200,000 people.
The project is still currently in concept design stage, but is expected to include around 450 stores and 85 food and beverage units.
National Real Estate Company has said that construction will start this year and be completed by 2018.
NREC’s vice president for development, Shane Eldstrom, said: “Once completed, Reem Mall will become Abu Dhabi’s most exciting new retail, leisure, dining and entertainment destination.
“Working with a renowned delivery partner such as Mace will bring a new level of international expertise to our professional consultant team, and ensure that the delivery of the Reem Mall project adheres to the highest industry standards.”
Nic Alford, Mace operations director, said: “Reem Mall is NREC’s largest and most ambitious project to date. We are delighted to be trusted by NREC to deliver Reem Mall, which will make a significant contribution to the development of Reem Island, a vital component in Abu Dhabi’s 2030 urban structure framework plan.”
NREC is developing Reem Mall alongside United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC). It is investing up to $224m in the project through its subsidiary, Al Arfaj Real Estate Company.
Mace is jointly handling the project management of the world’s tallest tower under construction, Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower, alongside EC Harris. It also has a proven track record of delivering retail-led schemes in the UAE including Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Centre and Deira City Centre malls.
