Simply Abu Dhabi IV

The Amazing Aldar something amazing is happening in the Emirate 58 SIMPLY ABU DHABI vision for governance and community development. This is a fantastic reflection of Aldars’ commitment for building a forward thinking global capital. In October, Aldar Properties were also thrilled to announce the five major UAE retail groups, representing a large number of leading global brands that have committed to Yas Mall, taking confirmed leasing to over 40%. Landmark Group, Dubai Holding Group, M.H. Alshaya Co, RSH (Middle East) LLC and Liwa Trading Enterprises - have all committed to Yas Mall, taking confirmed leasing to over 40%. These firms’ leading brands will join Géant Hypermarket, ACE Hardware IKEA, as advanced negotiations continue apace with a number of major regional and international brands. Mohamed Al Mubarak, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Aldar, said; “Yas Mall is set to transform the UAE’s retail experience. Following our delivery of the IKEA store earlier this year, we are thrilled to be pushing forward once more in the development of this exciting superregional mall. The commitment shown to Yas Mall by some of the UAE’s leading retail groups is a fantastic endorsement of what we are looking to achieve here.” Aldar has also unveiled new details about the development’s unique design that will make Yas Mall one of the most exciting retail deliveries to hit the UAE. Fred Douglas, Director of Retail Leasing at Aldar said; “The design for Yas Mall combines critical commercial success factors from the world’s best retail destinations to help create a destination that re-defines the modern shopping centre in the Middle East.” With convenience at the forefront of the planning process, Yas Mall has purposely been designed as a series of neighbourhoods ideally positioned in the centre of four parking structures. Visitor access is directly into these four connected shopping neighbourhoods that form a square circulation pattern. To create a sense of pedestrian scale, Aldar will ingeniously recreate the look, feel and detail of the world’s most exciting shopping streets and civic spaces. The bustling, energetic Town Square provides a lively meeting place at the heart of the Yas Mall development. With a fabulous choice of restaurants, coffee shops and other communal areas, the Town Square is surrounded by eye-catching double height stores across two levels. Yas Mall’s avenues are linked to charming courtyards where interesting public art displays provide the dual functionality of bringing the Mall to life and guiding shoppers. Connected to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi via the Welcome Pavilion and Cascade Walk and with easy access to Yas Island and Sheikh Khalifa Highway, as final designs are agreed with the relevant Authorities Aldar’s team is working with the Department of Transport to ensure all traffic and car park designs are correct. With direct road links to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and the surrounding residential communities and dedicated junctions to take visitors directly to the 10,000 covered car parking spaces, as well as provision for the mass transit systems planned for the area, Yas Mall will be one of the most accessible retail centres in the region. It all looks good to us! With a blissful blend of dynamic internal and external space, Yas Mall subtly introduces fountains, lights and music for a relaxing and truly pleasurable shopping experience. This fantastic Aldar retail development provides a complete shopping experience under one roof and as two people who love to indulge to shop we can’t wait to return to this major new retail development on Yas Island upon completion in 2013 to indulge our passion for retail therapy. Fast-paced Fabulous Fun In their quest to further boost the fortunes of the nation, Aldar are working on developments to appeal to every aspect of your senses. So, if you’re in search of an adrenalin rush, they’ve got that covered with energetic places bursting with vibrant fun where you’ll truly come to life. With entertainment facilities to appeal to all ages, what are you waiting for! Yas Island Waterpark When the warm Abu Dhabi sunshine is beating down what better way to cool off than with a trip to the Yas Island Waterpark! With over 40 rides on offer – some believed to be ‘world firsts’ the 16.4 hectares water park will be the ultimate leisure and pleasure-seeking destination. Aldar intend to make this facility one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable water parks in the world and in order to achieve this goal, the buildings have been designed specifically to meet Estidama guidelines and it is hoped they will significantly reduce energy and water consumption. Sitting proudly next to Ferrari World at the centre of Yas Island’s entertainment complex, the park will hold massive appeal looking for somewhere to let the kids release some energy, yet with a focus on intensifying guests’ experience, an electrifying atmosphere will appeal to all ages. Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chief Commercial Officer of Aldar Properties, said; “This facility will provide a unique entertainment opportunity for people of all ages, enabling families and individuals alike to indulge in a thrilling entertainment experience that reflects our rich maritime culture.” Steel and concrete works for rides and foundations are on- going, and aquatic piping is progressing in the Wave River, Lazy River and Family Wave Pool. Aldar have caused quite a splash by launching this fun-fuelled waterpark on Yas Island and it’s not difficult to be swept up in all the excitement as we’ve discovered when we’ve tested out the rides at other waterparks for ourselves. Sami Asad, Chief Operating Officer of Aldar Properties, claims; “The water park will bring in another distinct feature to Yas Island, further diversifying its already impressive offering. It will be a valuable addition to the other attractions that will set Yas Island apart as a major leisure destination and will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a great place to live, work and visit.” We always find fooling around in a waterpark a great way to let off steam and work up an appetite It is also a fantastic source of laughter so perfect for socialising with friends or for corporate days out and we wait with eager anticipation for the opening of this waterpark next year. Listening and Learning Well, it’s been quite some journey – we’ve indulged, been inspired, excited and motivated and we’ve also experienced a genuine sense of belonging. What we quickly came to realise was how Aldar truly listen to and learn from their customers and the communities they are involved in. A&J have been truly impressed by their innate ability to respond to what the people want. By creating developments that deliver meaningful experiences for the people living, working and relaxing within them they help to define the lifestyle that the people of Abu Dhabi desire. Aldar has evolved beyond being a pure development company and take their corporate social responsibility very seriously. For example in the Arabia CSR Awards in 2010 Aldar was recognised as the ‘Best Emerging Company’ 2010 for its CSR programme and achievements. The Group also actively participated in the Clean-up UAE event promoted by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and gets involved in many more social and environmental initiatives. Their commitment to developing communities that will protect the environment and its people are apparent in every development they touch and the future looks incredibly bright. Building a better future in Abu Dhabi and beyond Aldar have set out to lead by example and every development venture they are involved in is designed with a strong desire to adhere to their self-imposed directive to become the most credible real estate company in the region. By fostering positive and lucrative relationships within the real estate and financial community as well as with their customers and partners, Aldar will continue to prove their reliability as they create and promote progressive developments tailored for specific markets. It is Aldar’s vision to achieve economic and social growth in the Emirate through the attraction of inward investment and controlled expansion into international markets. By rewarding investors, Aldar hope to create a stable and profitable outlet where they are able to achieve realistic returns on their investment and reap long term benefits from the relationship. The incredible developments created by Aldar’s progressive and all-encompassing approach to property development so far have set the scene for a marvellously bright and prosperous future – one in which residents and visitors alike are provided with all the amenities to enjoy a fabulous lifestyle in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. Over next decade Abu Dhabi is set to become one of the great cultural centres of the Middle East and the part that Aldar will play in this success story should not be underestimated. Based on what we have witnessed and learned during our travels, the ‘Amazing Aldar’ is truly a force to be reckoned with and their positive approach towards developing communities whilst also preserving them is hugely refreshing. Aldar are set to make a huge impact in Abu Dhabi and beyond so watch this space!

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