Abu Dhabi’s got a new hotspot. Located at Sowwah Square, the new financial district on Al Maryah Island, the three-level luxury retail space opened its doors this week, featuring a selection of 130 ready-to-wear brands, accessories, jewelry, and beauty products, including 50 labels being introduced to Abu Dhabi for the first time.
Developed by the UAE-based company, Gulf Related, The Galleria features brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Dior, Burberry, Balenciaga, and Miu Miu amongst others, as well as several food and beverage units including an Armani Café and a soon-to-open Bentley Bistro & Bar.
Kevin Ryan, Gulf Related’s Managing Director of Development, said, “The offer of services is quite sophisticated. We have done a few things to hopefully appeal to the Emirati audience, not just through offering luxury in particular but many of the stores have been custom designed to have private showrooms.”
Indeed, for a period of time, visitors will have on hand virtual style pods, which allow them to try on clothing and accessories virtually, over their existing outfits. These virtual style makeovers will be available in the Mall’s Great Room from September 22th to October 3rd.
Kenneth A. Himmel, Co-Managing Partner of Gulf Related added: “We look forward to building on the success of The Galleria with Sowwah Central which will open in 2017 and when combined, will offer over 500 retail, leisure, dining and entertainment options.”
But Abu Dhabi has even more fashionable tricks up its sleeve: two more shopping malls, The Mall at the World Trade Centre and the Deerfields Townsquare in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi are both expected to open their doors before the end of the year. The Mall will include 160 shops of high-end brands, while Deefields Townsquare will feature a family entertainment center and a cinema next to its retail stores.
