SimplyAbuDhabi XII

6 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F inally the moment arrived… the anticipation for the grand opening of The Galleria Shopping Mall on Al Maryah Island in the capital had been smouldering for some time. The celebrations to mark the occasion did not disappoint – it was a spectacular event that launched this 51,000 square metre luxury shopping and dining space with its stunning waterfront promenade. Jordana and I had previously visited the Galleria in the daytime and we found it such a uniquely calming and impressive destination. The entire space is so surprisingly soothing. The clever design of shopping centres is a well-known art, withmany places constructed to manipulate the visitor and keep them inside, deploying subtle tricks to keep people inside and ultimately spending more. But the Galleria doesn’t work like that; you don’t need to be coerced to stay longer within its walls because you actually want to stay there. It’s somehowmore like an exhibition space, which obviously resonates well with the name Galleria. But rather than museum artworks on display, it’s an expertly curated array of the most desirable and prestigious global luxury brands. His Royal Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. His Royal Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and King Mohammed VI of Morocco.