The long-awaited inauguration of the $1.3 billion Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi took place recently, marking the opening of the city’s first indoor snow park. The mall, which took nearly a decade to complete, offers a variety of unique services and has become a sought-after shopping destination in the community. The grand inauguration ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, highlighting the significance of this new establishment in the region.
According to mall director Bruce von Kaufmann, the delay in the completion of the project was partially due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, businesses were eager to get operations up and running, with Carrefour opening its doors in February 2022 followed by the soft opening of the entire precinct last year. Von Kaufmann is optimistic about the footfall expectations, estimating an annual visitor count of 16-18 million at the mall, which boasts a gross leasable area of 186,000sqm.
Developed by Al Farwaniya Property Developments, a partnership between Agility Global, United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), and the National Real Estate Company (NREC), Reem Mall features more than 400 retail units, including around 80 F&B options. One of the standout attractions at the mall is the sub-zero Snow Park Abu Dhabi, offering visitors a unique and thrilling experience. Additionally, the mall houses popular international brands like Zara, Nike, Adidas, Eataly, and entertainment venues like Vox Cinemas.
Looking ahead, von Kaufmann revealed plans for introducing innovative services such as a cloud space for co-working and a phygital store that combines digital and physical shopping experiences. The phygital store aims to provide customers with a unique shopping experience where they can interact with products physically before making a purchase, with the option of home delivery or collection from a locker facility. These services are expected to be rolled out by the end of the year, catering to evolving consumer preferences and enhancing the overall shopping experience at the mall.
To further enhance customer convenience and experience, the mall will be launching a new app with a special feature to help visitors find their parked cars in the vast parking lot. With 6,400 parking spaces spread across two basement floors and four above-ground floors, navigating the parking area can often be a challenge for shoppers. The app will include a tracking feature that guides users back to their vehicles, ensuring a seamless and stress-free end to their shopping trip. Von Kaufmann also highlighted the strategic layout of the parking facility, designed to streamline traffic flow based on the direction of arrival, whether from Abu Dhabi City or Reem Island.
In conclusion, Reem Mall’s grand inauguration signifies a new era in retail and entertainment offerings in Abu Dhabi, providing residents and visitors with a diverse and exciting shopping experience. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric services, the mall is set to become a premier destination for shopping, dining, and leisure activities in the region. As new attractions and services are introduced in the coming months, Reem Mall is poised to redefine the shopping landscape in Abu Dhabi and cater to the evolving needs of modern consumers.
