Abu Dhabi to add huge amount of new retail space

Abu Dhabi will add 778,000 metres of retail space over the next three years, representing eight percent of the total new shopping space (9.8 million metres) opened in 2013 in 180 cities globally.

The figures were revealed by Bassam Saleh, marketing manager of Bawadi Mall in Al Ain and based on a global study conducted by property adviser CBRE.

The study also found a total of 39 million metres of shopping centre retail space is currently under construction in the world's biggest cities, with Abu Dhabi having more retail space under development than anywhere in the Gulf.

Saleh said: "It does not come as a surprise to many that Abu Dhabi has the largest retail space under development in the GCC, because the capital of the UAE has been taking firm steps in becoming a world class city.

"Malls in the Emirate have standards that are on par with leading shopping destinations in the world, such as Paris, London and New York. Visitors feel they are in a five-star shopping arcade, in terms of services, ambience, promotions, outreach programmes and staff in stores and management."

"Bawadi Mall has adopted the 'edutainment' concept that has converted the shopping service into an experience enjoyed by all members of the family."

He added: "We adopt global best practices to make the visitors welcome and comfortable. One of the main reasons for the stupendous success of our approach is that we consider the visitor a tourist rather than a customer coming to shop. We greet them with entertainment and social activities that address the diversity of cultures living in the UAE."

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Abu Dhabi to add huge amount of new retail space