Abu Dhabi’s National Investment Company (NIC) has revealed plans to start work on a Dh3 billion project to expand Marina Mall, located at the south end of the capital’s Corniche.

NIC said that work will start on the extension in the first quarter of next year, and that the existing mall will also undergo a Dh300 million upgrade. The work is set to finish in 2019, which will be after the proposed opening dates for two new Abu Dhabi malls worth $1bn each – Al Maryah Central and Reem Mall.

The 120,000-square-metre extension has been designed by DP Architect, the Singapore firm behind the design of The Dubai Mall. The extension will consist of two parts to the north and south side of the existing mall, and will add space for new luxury brands and a food court. Car parking capacity will also be expanded.

NIC said that approvals for the project from Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council are “well under way”.

Jihad Dirani, the head of leasing at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, said that the other new mall launches had been taken into consideration, but was pressing ahead with its expansion because “Marina Mall Abu Dhabi is located in the city’s most prominent mainland districts with a large catchment area.”

“Due to the high retail demand in the market and Marina Mall’s strong positioning in Abu Dhabi, we feel that this is a good time to expand our offering to our long existing loyal customers and cater to new customers as well,” he said.

He said the extension would allow the mall, which is currently 95 per cent let, to broaden its appeal by adding more dining and entertainment.

Tendering for a main contractor to build the extension is to take place over the next few months.

mfahy@thenational.ae

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