Abu Dhabi / Dubai, UAE

Within the first quarter of 2004, Colliers International’s Middle East retail leasing mandates extended to instructions on over 4 million sqft (485,000 sqm) of retail consultancy. These instructions have been located in more than eight countries within the Middle East, making Colliers International the leader in retail development and consultancy in the Arabian Gulf region.

Though active throughout the larger region, Colliers International  continues to develop the retail environment in the United Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  Building on the initial success of Marina Mall (70,000 sqm / 753,000 sqft ) and the leasing  of Phase II (45,000sqm / 484,000 sqft), which is due for completion in September 2005,  Colliers recently announced leasing agreements with a large number of prestigous brands including Louis Vuitton,  Gucci, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Fendi. These brands were very specific on the location of their flagship stores in the Middle East, and Colliers was able to encourage and secure such lettings at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

This concept of a dedicated section of a mall  designed and built  specifically for high-end fashion is a first for the UAE.   Colliers International’s Middle East retail development department spent many months consulting with architects and retailers to produce this unique 4,000 sqm (43,000 sqft) component, which was fully leased prior to the commencement of construction.

In addition to this major success, the retail leasing department concluded a 9,500  sqm (102,000 sqft) letting to Paris Gallery, a local cosmetic  department  store.   To achieve what is in effect another new concept developed  for its Marina Mall flagship premises, Colliers International’s Middle East development team worked closely  with Paris Gallery for over six months to achieve a final product over two floors,  known as a “Beauty Village”, where it joins the growing list of anchor tenants for the new extension.

By the end of April 2004, Colliers International’s Middle East  retail leasing department had achieved 70% occupancy of the Marina Mall extension prior to the commencement of construction, with interest and offers from many other tenants for the balance of the space.

The new extension will also see the opening of Abu Dhabi’s first in-door  “real” snow ski-slope and winter entertainment all under a “Snow Dome” component overlooking the Arabian Seas.  The extension of the mall will also feature a 110 metre ( 330 ft) viewing tower and restaurant facility offering visitors a 360º view of the surrounding area encompassing the Abu Dhabi skyline.

The viewing area will be accessible by scenic elevators that will depart from inside the first floor level of Phase II.  Once on board, the passengers will travel approximately 30m ( 90  ft) before passing through the Mall’s roof to enjoy a  view of the surrounding area on their way up to the viewing platform.  Having reached the 110m high indoor and climatically controlled viewing platform, visitors will be able to enjoy the facilities of a coffee shop and restaurant whilst taking in the view.

About Colliers International

Colliers International is a global partnership of commercial real estate service companies which have 238 offices in 51 countries. Colliers International provides clients a comprehensive range of property services, including investment sales, office/retail/industrial/residential sales and leasing, corporate real estate services, valuation and advisory services, research, mortgage finance, and hotel sales.

Contact Information

Stuart Gissing 
e-mail: sgissing@colliersuae.ae

 back to top