Aldar Opens New Version of Abu Dhabi's Old Souq as Central Market Construction Continues

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(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Central Market, Aldar's major redevelopment of the traditional commercial heart of Abu Dhabi, has opened the Souq ground floor shopping area as the towers above it near completion. The Central Market project was designed by Fosters + Partners from London who were recently appointed to design the Sheikh Zayed Museum on Saadiyat Island.

The Souq at Central Market is an interpretation of the traditional souk that was destroyed by fire in 2003, using modern and contemporary Arabic architecture to create a vibrant retail environment. The Abu Dhabi square section of the Souq features a retractable roof.

Meanwhile, work goes on at Emporium, Central Market's prestigious shopping address and perhaps in the future Abu Dhabi's prime fashion destination. Anchored by the first House of Fraser department store in the region, this multi-level shopping center stretches across 62,000 square meters with 170 shops.

Trust Tower, which will become the tallest Grade A office building in the city at 278 meters, reached its full 59-story height in July. Construction efforts are focused on installing the building's facade which is now 80 percent complete and fitting internal services and finishes.

The residential tower, The Domain, has reached 85 floors, with the complicated structural ring beam at the top of the building due to be completed by the end of the year. More than 50 percent of the glass facade is in place.

Aldar CEO Sami Asad said, "It was essential that our flagship redevelopment of the commercial center of Abu Dhabi was sympathetic to the historical importance of the site whilst creating a vibrant environment that chimes with the city's contemporary Arab culture. I am pleased to say that the Fosters + Partners design helped us to deliver our vision for Central Market."

Aldar was established to support Abu Dhabi's infrastructure through the creation of high quality, attractive and sustainable communities equipped with residential, commercial, retail, leisure, hospitality, education and medical facilities.     

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