National Investment Corporation (NIC) announced AED3bn+ project to expand and upgrade Marina Mall alongside plans to develop a new waterfront promenade.
NIC, the breakwater developer and owner of Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, will commence work on the 300,000sqm expansion in the second half of 2018, while a series of upgrades to the malls current facilities will begin in early 2018.
In addition to the extension, NIC has revealed plans for a new promenade, Marina Walk, offering 546m of prime waterfront views and 123,000sqm of leisure and entertainment experiences aimed at all ages in the community, including Abu Dhabis first skate park.
Marina Walks 19,500sqm of Gross Leasable Area (GLA) will also be home to a new dining precinct, boasting a brand-new restaurant tower that offers the Abu Dhabi community. Work on the promenade will also commence in the second half of 2018 and will focus on outdoor experiences, including 15,000sqm of open park areas for community-led events, multiple water features, three helicopter pads, and 900 additional parking spaces.
Rami Chehabeddine, chief investment officer, said: There is no dispute that Marina Malls location is unparalleled in Abu Dhabi as it is one of the iconic sites of the capital and this has been one of the key reasons for our continued success. These new plans will allow us to rejuvenate and heighten the experience we offer our customers for many years to come.
By adding to the incredible mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options we already offer as well as building an even greater environment for our customers we will reinforce our position as the destination of choice for people and families of all ages.
The Marina Mall extension will begin with the South Block that will be home to a plethora of globally recognised brands, offering a range of luxury and high-end retail, F&B dining facilities, and a brand new residential tower.
While the North Block will further build on the malls impressive portfolio of entertainment attractions that already houses a bowling alley, a 9-screen VOX cinema, Magic Planet and Bounce Abu Dhabi, the Middle Easts largest indoor trampoline park.
In addition to the expansion plans, existing features within the current mall will also be upgraded, including introducing LED screens, renovating current storefront fixtures to open up space, as well as enhancing the luxury area and the main entrance.
The expansion project will see Marina Mall play a more prominent role in the governments drive towards the Abu Dhabi Plan, helping to further strengthen the capitals core economic sectors, including tourism, hospitality and retail.
NIC announced the expansion at RECon Middle East & North Africa 2017 Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, the largest annual retail industry event in the region, which will run until 31 October.