Related expands with Abu Dhabi project

Galleria at Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi

Related is officially expanding into the Middle East, with construction underway for the Galleria at Sowwah Square, a 355,000-square-foot shopping center in Abu Dhabi, the company announced today. The shell is completed and the work on the interiors will begin in a few weeks for the luxury retail center, which will also include restaurants. The project is a joint venture between Gulf Related and Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality. The Galleria, which will feature an atrium roof providing views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, is scheduled for completion and opening in late 2012. “The Galleria at Sowwah Square offers Abu Dhabi’s most compelling opportunity to create a distinct shopping and dining destination on the waterfront as part of a dynamic mixed-use environment that will include world-class hotel flags, Class A office space unparalleled in the region and Abu Dhabi’s new Securities Exchange,” said Kenneth Himmel, co-managing Partner of Gulf Related and President and CEO of Related Urban. “[Related is] excited to bring our expertise to Abu Dhabi through our partnership with Mubadala, leverage our strong European and U.S. retail, restaurant, and entertainment relationships, and to be a part of such a prestigious and promising development.” TRD