ALDAR to participate at Retail City 2007

The three day event, which runs from June 3rd - 5th, constitutes ALDAR's second appearance at the retail exhibition in the event's two year history.

Retail City attracted more than 3,000 developers, investors, retailers, operators and delegates to last year's event, which is now widely recognized as a platform for retail professionals to promote their projects and services to a high net worth audience. ALDAR is keen to demonstrate the consumer driven projects it is adding to the GCC's US$ 30 billion per annum retail real estate sector.

"With approximately US$ 65 billion invested in GCC mall developments currently, it is clear to see the importance of consumer driven projects and its effect on the region. Increased populations, disposable incomes and unique demographics make the UAE a prime element in the GCC's retail development. ALDAR is pivotal in that development as has been demonstrated by the world-class quality projects we are involved in and Retail City is a perfect platform to present these developments to an international audience," said Ronald Stephen Barrott, Chief Executive Officer, ALDAR

The organisation will be exhibiting three of its major projects to highlight the retail infrastructure ALDAR is generating. ALDAR's creative and substantial development on YAS Island will see the developer convert 2,500 hectares into one of the world's finest leisure and entertainment destinations. YAS Island will house the first ever Ferrari theme park and three championship standard Golf courses. Through this project, ALDAR will provide more than 220,000 square meters of retail space integrated with entertainment in the impressive Signature Mall.

The Central Market project in excess of 700,000 square meters which includes 125,000 square meters 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.

ALDAR's Noor Al Ain project is the comprehensive integration of a mall, entertainment, leisure and educational facility all in one development. On completion, the extension of Noor Al Ain will provide more than 160,000 square meters of retail space and entertainment together with two hotels, 1000 apartments and integrated health and fitness centre.

"Retail City provides a strategic two-way platform for both ALDAR to showcase their projects and for retailers to pitch their concepts and ideas to us as we are looking to identify 30% new international retailers across our 1.8 million square meters retail portfolio in Abu Dhabi" said James Khazaei, Head of Sales & Leasing Department, ALDAR.

"With over 53 countries represented last year, who all recognize the value of the full retail sector, there is a great opportunity to expand into this region and for us to diversify with new brands ranging from convenience and aspirational retail right up to high end luxury fashion" he added.