Yas Mall is to house the second House of Fraser outside of the UK and Ireland – and the second in Abu Dhabi after the World Trade Centre Mall.
Ahead of its November opening Aldar, the mall developer, yesterday announced three tenants: House of Fraser; Hamleys, the world's oldest and largest toy shop; and Joe Fresh, a Canadian fashion brand.
Yas Mall is scheduled to open in November, in time for the Formula One race being held between November 20 and 23.
The 235,000 square metre mall is scheduled to eventually have 300 retailers and a 20-screen cinema, managed by Vox. When completed, it is to be the country's second largest retail space, after The Dubai Mall.
Aldar is targeting 75 per cent of the space to be filled on opening. Another department store tenant is expected be announced shortly. The British high street titan Debenhams has already been announced, as has Geant with what will be the biggest hypermarket in the capital. Alongside a variety of international food and beverage outlets there will be a family entertainment zone managed by Funworks.
Aldar is working with Retail Arabia, a regional franchise owner, on the product mix of the mall.
“We continue to bring unique retail experiences to Yas Island and the wider Abu Dhabi retail landscape,” said Mohammed Al Mubarak, Aldar’s chief executive.
ascott@thenational.ae