Snowy attractions at Marina Mall

The Marina Mall, which has already put a signature mark on the shopping scene of the Abu Dhabi, is engaged in a massive expansion project costing Dh300 million to add another jewel in the crown of the city.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, J.P. Grobbelaar, General Manager of Marina Mall said: “Since, the Marina Mall has emerged as a shopping paradise for the fashionable shoppers of upper middle class, it has planned to expand its infrastructure to create more shopping spaces to draw more customers and visitors by becoming centre of attraction.”

He said that the Marina Mall phase II, which is currently under construction was due for completion and opening in the summer of 2005. The new massive complex has three major components - an entertainment area which will have snow world and bowling ally, a 110-metre high towers and spaces for 180-shops.

The general manager Marina Mall said: “Marina Mall is set to dominate the retailing provision in the capital well into the new millennium.”

Giving details of the mega project, he said that NIC, which owns the mall, is also constructing a 110 metre high tower, first of its kind in the UAE, to give a 360 degree spectacular view to hundreds of its visitors.

The visitors can have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque capital skyline on Arabian Sea, upcoming dream Lulu Island, and the masterpiece of Arab architecture - the Conference Palace Hotel and adjoining attractions.

The viewing platform of the tower will be accessible by elevators from the first floor of Phase II within the mall and the enclosed viewing platform will include a coffee shop and a restaurant to eat-out in a relaxed environment.

“This second phase which is currently being constructed on the back of the existing project would also add 180-retail outlets and an underground parking spaces for 800-vehicles with a gross leasable area of 45,000 square metres.”

The entertainment offering in phase II will also be expanded with a lane state-of-the-art largest bowling alley in the city, and a 4000 square metre indoor snow world facility to be called Snow X-Treme equipped with a ski slope, ice rink, Swiss chalets and other winter related leisure attractions which will provide great entertainment to the residents of Abu Dhabi.

He said that Snow X-Treme will provide a uniqueness that requires a zero learning curve for the guests, a complete experience encompassing 2, 3, and 4 D effects and will appeal to the entire family again and again.

At an average, the Marina Mall receives over 22,000 visitors daily and last year it attracted 7.6 million shoppers and with the new expansion project is completed the number may multiply.

The Marina Mall is the largest retail shopping hub in the capital and home to 165 high-end outlets that offers a wide variety of branded consumer items including jewellery, watches, designer clothing, electronics, children’s wear, sports goods, cosmetics etc.