Simply Abu Dhabi XI

L ocated at the heart of Sowwah Square – the new Central Business District on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi – The Galleria is a monumental retail, restaurant and shopping destination. When completed later this year it will represent a major leap forward in luxury retail and dining in the UAE capital. Sowwah Square itself is a colossal development providing premium commercial office space via four futuristic towers that have been built to an environmentally friendly design. Sowwah Square will also comprise the 5-star luxury Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel, Sowwah Central – a residential and entertainment zone – the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and at its core, The Galleria. Designed by architects Elkus Manfredi of North America and Benoy of the UK, The Galleria is a visually arresting construction. Dominating the entrance of the mall is a spectacular sweeping roof that is constructed of steel and glass with thermal protection built into the design. This dynamic roof snakes across the cavernous two-storey central space of the mall that has been appropriately named The Great Room. The concept of the $25 million roof was devised by structural engineering experts RFR, who are world- renowned for their work on previous iconic projects such as the inverted pyramid of Le Musée du Louvre in Paris. Overlooking the mainland Abu Dhabi waterfront, The Great Room is the centrepiece of this superb leisure and lifestyle complex. Occupying two levels, the vast space will showcase the most prestigious brands in fashion, jewellery, luxury watches, accessories, beauty and sports – together with popular international high street brands. The Galleria will offer the highest concentration of dedicated luxury retail in the UAE. This stunning precinct has attracted an array of international designers from each segment of the luxury market. In luxury fashion there will be the likes of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana. For fine jewellery and watches expect Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, IWC, Roger Dubuis, Chaumet and Richard Mille. For all- important fashion accessories there will be Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Tod’s, Bottega Veneta, Zegna and Montblanc – a veritable congregation of the world’s top brands. There will also be first-time visitors to the UAE capital, with Diane von Furstenberg, Boucheron, Jimmy Choo, Berluti, Celine, Mulberry, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith and Tory Burch all establishing a presence in The Galleria. As well as incorporating a dazzling waterfront promenade alongside this 33,000 square metre (355,000sqft) luxury destination, The Galleria will also provide a huge range of dining options. On offer will be a mix of luxury to mid-market international and specialty retailers alongside food and beverage offerings, including signature chef-driven and fine- dining restaurants, iconic cafés and quick service casual food outlets. There will be also be more than 25 waterfront licensed and unlicensed chef-driven restaurants and cafes including Zuma, Almaz by Momo, Armani Caffé andMagnolia Bakery. This is allied with two further dining halls with 13 outlets offering an international range of cuisine. So nobody is going to be hungry… the only problemmight be deciding where to actually go and eat. Sowwah Square and The Galleria were conceived and executed by Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure (MREI) in collaboration with Gulf Related, a regional real estate development company. Kenneth Himmel, a co-managing partner of Gulf Related is well qualified to work on such an impressive new destination. With over 30 years experience, Mr. Himmel has earned widespread respect for contributing to successful mixed-use developments that combine architectural design and urban planning with shopping, entertainment, residences, offices and world-renowned restaurants to bring forth the energy and vitality of an urban destination, carrying specific resonance with the local lifestyle and culture. Himmel has been at the helm of many worldwide developments and has opened two award-winning iconic destinations – Time Warner Center inNew York City and City Place in West Palm Beach. Both of these projects have created a significant impact in the growth and transformation of their respective surrounding urban core. The same level of success is expected with The Galleria and Himmel says that “The Abu Dhabi market needed something new; there was a missing piece. We noticed a demand coming from the retail sector”. That gap has certainly been filled now. “What was needed was a landmark project," Himmel added. The Galleria is without any doubt that landmark – a superlative new destination in the capital that is sure to be a celebrated place with residents and tourists alike. 4 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I

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