Piling work begins for Mall of Arabia project

The next stage in the construction process at Mall of Arabia got under way yesterday when concrete was poured in to create the mall's pile caps.

Mall of Arabia is a key feature of the City of Arabia scheme, the $5 billion (Dh18.35bn) destination – currently under construction and will provide a gateway to Dubailand.

The Ilyas and Galadari Group (IMG) recruited Abu Dhabi construction firm Dhabi Contracting to create more than 1,000 diverse retail outlets, a rooftop hotel, waterfront alfresco dining and entertainment at the mall. It will also feature the Restless Planet theme park and earth science museum.

Ilyas Galadari, Chairman, Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, said: "This is a big moment for us. We are very excited to see what will be a magnificent mall in Dubai and one which will rival any mall in the world, gradually take shape."

Mustafa Galadari, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, added: "It's always a proud occasion when you see your dreams and visions start to become reality and, as such, witnessing yesterday's concrete pouring gave me a great sense of satisfaction. We look forward to seeing the development of this key project in our City of Arabia scheme."

Mall of Arabia will have a gross leasable area of 10 million square feet and represents one of the most expansive retail experiences to be found anywhere in the world. The mall's four million sq ft first phase alone will have covered parking for 10,400 vehicles on two floors beneath the mall.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.