You may have noticed construction taking place on two large buildings with slanted tops near the Souk Central Market over the past year and a bit, and have wondered what they are. Well wonder no more. This is the new World Trade Center, which has been built around the already existing Souk Central Market. It will include a mall, residential space, a hotel and offices and this new centrally located hub will provide yet another destination for both tourists and local residents. Angela Beitz takes a look into what you can expect.
The Souk Central Market has been open since August 2010 and pretty much every Abu Dhabian worth their salt will be familiar with it. Adding to this already popular spot and as an impressive addition to the Abu Dhabi skyline is the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (WTCAD) which is set to open at the end of August and has been developed by Aldar.
It aims to revive a historic district within the heart of Abu Dhabi, and is another segment of Vision Abu Dhabi 2030.
Located at the 12-acre site of the old Central Market, the area holds a special place in the history of the city. The Central Market was at the heart of business and trading activities as Abu Dhabi started its rapid economic growth in the early 1970s. The site was host to nearly 1,000 traders and the hub of the city for more than 30 years. Continuing this trading tradition, WTCAD will join more than 330 World Trade Centers in over 100 countries around the world, all of which share the common purpose of facilitating and developing two-way, international trade and business.
It will feature a Khalifa Street Bridge that will connect the World Trade Center Central Market to the World Trade Center Mall, which will be a shopping destination featuring the first House of Fraser in the Middle East, alongside 150 high-end boutiques.
‘Aldar has created a retail centre that captures both the tradition and modernity of Abu Dhabi for residents and visitors, a unique shopping environment in Abu Dhabi. Our focus has always been on creating spaces designed to fit in with the lives of our customers and we feel that the Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi is a wonderful reflection of this philosophy. Once complete, the combination of WTCAD’s residential, commercial, retail and leisure elements will create a lively and engaging destination, all fitting together seamlessly to create an unrivalled downtown experience unique to Abu Dhabi,’ says Tala Al Dhiyebi, director of planning and infrastructure at Aldar Properties.
The World Trade Center opens mid-August.
The Mall at The World Trade Center
The Mall, says Aldar, combines traditional architecture with modern design and luxury. Featuring the first House of Fraser in the Middle East, the Mall at World Trade Center will offer a diverse retail mix in the central downtown area, according to the developers. It will be home to a selection of international fashion brands and casual dining outlets along with an eight-screen cinema and a relaxed spacious environment with an abundance of natural light and greenery.
The mall in numbers
59,500sqm of leasable space over multiple levels.
5,000sqm and more of terraces and rooftop gardens.
2 central atriums, with retractable roof for enhanced casual dining experience. 3,500 underground parking spaces, as well as valet parking.
20 dining outlets to open August.
8 cinema screens.
160 shops including House of Fraser.
The Residences
Looking for some new digs? World Trade Center Residences, the tallest building in Abu Dhabi, will offer sea views, luxurious apartments and leisure facilities. You can choose from one to five bedroom apartments and penthouses, and there will be a gymnasium, swimming pool and car parking. With luxury being the primary focus, prepare to part with lots of cash if you choose to live here.
The residences in numbers
474 apartments and penthouses will offer some of the best sea and city views across Abu Dhabi.
85th floor is where the pool is located.
382m The height of the residences.
98 The number of floors.
The Offices
Located within the south-eastern quarter of World Trade Center Abu Dhabi and in the heart of the traditional central business district, each office floor benefits from raised access flooring, suspended ceilings, lighting and air conditioning already in place saving new tenants time and money.
Conveniently located, this premier business development offers 72,000sqm of office space, with immediate access to a comprehensive range of amenities including business services, leisure facilities, as well as fine and casual dining.
The Offices in numbers
2,200 The amount of secure underground parking spaces allocated to office tenants.
59 The amount of floors for the city’s businesses and office workers.
278m The height of the office block.
Courtyard by Marriott: Another new hotel
Situated in the city’s traditional central business district, World Trade Center Courtyard by Marriott is a new hotel for business visitors and tourists looking for a new place to stay in Abu Dhabi’s downtown area. This hotel will offer direct access to World Trade Center Mall, thereby offering visitors instant access to 160 shops.
The opening date is still to be confirmed.
Courtyard by Marriott in numbers
1 It’s the only new hotel being developed in the Abu Dhabi downtown area.
195 The number of rooms in the Marriott.
15 The number of floors in the hotel.
The shops
The first House of Fraser in the Middle East is the biggest name at the new World Trade Center. Other fashion brands include DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Bebe, Cole Haan, Escada, M Missoni, Guess by Marciano, MAC cosmetics, La Senza, Gerry Weber, GANT, Nautica and Elle Tahari.
Restaurants will include PF Changs, Dome, Le Pain Quotidien and Fatburger. Entertainment will be supplied by an eight-screen Grand Cinemas and there will also be a medical clinic, a Spinney’s supermarket and beauty salons.
