ALDAR exhibits at the largest gathering of real estate and retail professionals in the world

The ICSC, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, holds the Spring Convention annually and is now the largest gathering of real estate and retail professionals in the world.

The event, which is being held from May 21th - 23rd, last year attracted more than 50,000 leasing agents, shopping centre developers, owners and vendors. This year it is expected that more than 60,000 professionals will attend the four day event.

ALDAR is participating at the event for the first time and is exhibiting in Las Vegas in order to raise the global profile of Abu Dhabi's retail environment and to demonstrate the vast amount the organisation is inputting into the United Arab Emirates consumer infrastructure.

"The ICSC Spring Convention is a great opportunity for ALDAR to advertise and promote Abu Dhabi and the potential that the emirate has in providing a world-class retail environment. Although, reknown brand names and retailers are already in Abu Dhabi, this is a chance for real estate and retail professionals from around the world to see how advanced and secure a market Abu Dhabi is and to see what ALDAR is doing to enhance the consumer experience in the United

Arab Emirates," said Ronald Barrott, the Chief Executive Officer of ALDAR, who will be formally speaking at the event.

The organisation will be exhibiting three of the major projects they are developing to highlight the retail focus ALDAR is able to maintain amongst its other remits. ALDAR's creative and substantial development on YAS Island will see the developer convert 6,200 acres into one of the world's finest leisure and entertainment destinations. Apart from the first ever Ferrari theme park and three championship standard Golf courses, ALDAR will provide more than three million square feet of retail space integrated with entertainment in the impressive Signature Mall.

The Central Market project in excess of 7 million square feet which includes 1,25 million square feet of retail and entertainment is the mixed redevelopment in the heart of Abu Dhabi, which will see the construction of luxury apartments, international grade A office space, restaurants, world class hotels and the rejuvenation of the old Souk. The new Souk will open in 2008 and will provide a unique retail opportunity in both traditional and modern spaces in and around the Souk.

Meanwhile, ALDAR's Noor Al Ain project has already received an ICSC certificate of merit for its integration of a Mall, entertainment, leisure and educational facility all into one development. On completion, the extension of Noor Al Ain will provide more than 1.7 million square feet of retail space and entertainment together with two hotels, 1000 apartments and integrated health and fitness center.

"ALDAR's projects are defining the retail landscape in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the wider Middle East. The city is already a consumer attraction but with the development of our exhibited projects, Abu Dhabi will be a world-class destination for the ultimate retail experience," added Ronald Barrott.