One of Yas Island's most popular attractions is about to get a huge revamp.
On Monday, it was announced that Yas Mall would be undergoing a major redesign and refurbishment, courtesy Aldar Investment. Work on key areas of the mall is already underway and will be completed in phases over the next 12 to 18 months.
This means that Abu Dhabi shoppers will soon be able to look forward to a slew of new restaurants, activities and retail experiences in the Yas Island venue. Here's a look at what to expect.
What to eat
The popular mall is already home to a food court on the first floor as well as 23 restaurants including Asha's, Al Fanar, Cheesecake Factory and Texas de Brazil.
However, the redevelopment will expand the mall's food and beverage offerings by 40 per cent, and promises to introduce new brands to the capital. In addition, Abu Dhabi foodies can expect a new food hall and outdoor terraces located at the North Entrance.
Finally, Yas Mall’s Town Square area will offer an al fresco-inspired dining experience, with views of events and activations.
Where to shop
The mall is currently home to more than 200 brands and the plan will focus on increasing the health, beauty and jewellery categories.
Visitors can expect to find numerous international fashion brands – including some that will be coming to the capital for the first time.
Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters is one such example.
Finally, those looking for a one-stop shop to spruce up their home decor will be glad to know that the mall will be adding a home furnishing district with brands such as EBarza and American company Ethan Allen coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time.
A sports hub
The Boulevard, which connects Yas Mall with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Clymb Abu Dhabi, will become an all-new sports hub featuring some world-famous sports brands. The management has also announced that there will be five unique concept and experiential stores to watch out for.
A focus on office spaces
Ensuring that the mall is more than just a destination for leisure and entertainment, as part of the redevelopment, 15,000 square metres of office will also be added.
This includes Cloud Spaces, a co-working space that opened in the mall in 2020, to help facilitate remote working for those who do not have access to their office.
"Our goal is to promote collaboration and become a community hub for the evolving business landscape," Malak Smejkalova, the general manager of Cloud Spaces told The National in 2020.
New technology and facilities
Finally, the plan is to just generally improve the customer experience – with the help of way-finding technology as well as an interactive digital art screen, which will be replacing the giant water fountain in Town Square.
Visitors can also expect a refurbishment of the parking areas, entrances, and welcome desks to add to the customer experience.
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Name: Yousef Al Bahar
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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
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Brief scores
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Power: 480kW
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The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
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Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
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Director: Jon M Chu
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- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
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Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Company%C2%A0profile
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
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- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
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FIGHT%20CARD
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Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
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Transmission: seven-speed automatic
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Torque: 560Nm
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5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
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5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
