Emiratis to open retail outlets in Al Falah scheme

Retail is filing up at Aldar's housing developments across the capital.

More than 100 retail tenants have signed up to the Al Falah housing development, many of whom are first-time Emirati entrepreneurs.

The government housing scheme for Emiratis, which is east of Abu Dhabi International Airport, will consist of more than 5,850 homes once it is complete and about 106 small convenience stores.

"There are over 100 that are fully committed now," said Fred Douglas, Aldar's director of retail leasing.

"Over 70 per cent of those are leased to Emiratis, creating in most cases their first business venture. This is how Aldar is supporting and promoting Emiratis to grow into the next entrepreneur."

Aldar has built several housing schemes across Abu Dhabi, all of which feature retail.

Gardens Plaza, which serves the Al Raha Gardens development, is full, as is Al Bandar's retail section in Raha Beach, according to Mr Douglas.

There have been several openings at neighbouring developments recently, with more to follow.

In Al Muneera, which is also in Al Raha Beach, Costa Coffee and La Brioche were the latest to open.

"The major one to open [in Al Muneera] will be the Carrefour Market and we have got two absolutely brilliant brand new to Abu Dhabi restaurant concepts," said Mr Douglas.

"Smoking Doll is one of those. It is in an elevated position overlooking the beach, overlooking the water with fantastic views across to the Yas Hotel. It is Asian cuisine and it's a first for Abu Dhabi. We are probably about three months away [from opening it]."

In Al Zeina, which is next to Al Muneera, a nail spa opened last week, joining Cafe Firenze and Waitrose.

There will be other food and beverage outlets to follow in addition to other facilities.

"We have a medical clinic which is subject to all the approvals at the present time. And best of all we have a nursery coming into Al Zeina. That is subject to authority approvals which is currently going through.

"I would think [they would both be open] during the third to fourth quarter of this year," he added.