The concept plan of Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi’s up and coming leisure and shopping destination, has been approved by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), which will allow construction to commence on the $1-billion project this year.

The Concept Planning Report (CPR) approval comes just weeks after UPC gave the go-ahead for the Reem Island integrated concept masterplan. Reem Mall forms a significant element of the overall vision for Reem Island, which will eventually become home for more than 200,000 residents.

Once completed, Reem Mall - being developed by the National Real Estate Company (NREC) in partnership with United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC) - will deliver two million sq ft of retail, leisure, and dining and entertainment choices with some 450 stores including 85 food and beverage (F&B) outlets.

Shane Eldstrom, vice president – development, NREC, said: “The UPC approval represents a major milestone in the development of Reem Mall, allowing the project to move closer to the construction phase. Subject to all required permits, we look forward to breaking ground on site this year.”

Established in Kuwait in 1973, NREC has grown into one of the largest real estate companies in the region with ventures across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).

Under the agreement, UPAC - one of Kuwait’s leading real estate management companies - will invest up to $224 million in the project through its real estate subsidiary, Al Arfaj Real Estate Company.

Reem Mall is expected to be launched in 2018. – TradeArabia News Service