What to expect from the upgraded Yas Mall: Urban Outfitters, Ethan Allen and more

The mall is all set undergo a massive refurbishment over the next 12 to 18 months, adding some brands that are new to Abu Dhabi

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  The current entrance to Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Yas Mall

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  A CGI image of the planned 'Town Square' redevelopment in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Aldar Investment announced the Dh500m plans on Monday. All photos courtesy: Aldar Investment

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  A CGI image of the redeveloped north entrance to Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.

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  A CGI image shows the redeveloped food court in Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi.

One of Yas Island's most popular attractions is about to get a huge revamp.

On Monday, it was announced that Yas Mall would be undergoing a major redesign and refurbishment, courtesy Aldar Investment. Work on key areas of the mall is already underway and will be completed in phases over the next 12 to 18 months.

This means that Abu Dhabi shoppers will soon be able to look forward to a slew of new restaurants, activities and retail experiences in the Yas Island venue. Here's a look at what to expect.

What to eat

The popular mall is already home to a food court on the first floor as well as 23 restaurants including Asha's, Al Fanar, Cheesecake Factory and Texas de Brazil.

However, the redevelopment will expand the mall's food and beverage offerings by 40 per cent, and promises to introduce new brands to the capital. In addition, Abu Dhabi foodies can expect a new food hall and outdoor terraces located at the North Entrance.

Finally, Yas Mall’s Town Square area will offer an al fresco-inspired dining experience, with views of events and activations.

A member of staff wipes down the food court at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Where to shop

The mall is currently home to more than 200 brands and the plan will focus on increasing the health, beauty and jewellery categories.

Visitors can expect to find numerous international fashion brands – including some that will be coming to the capital for the first time.

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters is one such example.

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi will soon have a sports hub and a furnishing district. Victor Besa / The National

Finally, those looking for a one-stop shop to spruce up their home decor will be glad to know that the mall will be adding a home furnishing district with brands such as EBarza and American company Ethan Allen coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time.

A sports hub

The Boulevard, which connects Yas Mall with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Clymb Abu Dhabi, will become an all-new sports hub featuring some world-famous sports brands. The management has also announced that there will be five unique concept and experiential stores to watch out for.

A focus on office spaces

Cloud Spaces, a co-working space that opened in Yas Mall in 2020. Victor Besa / The National

Ensuring that the mall is more than just a destination for leisure and entertainment, as part of the redevelopment, 15,000 square metres of office will also be added.

This includes Cloud Spaces, a co-working space that opened in the mall in 2020, to help facilitate remote working for those who do not have access to their office.

"Our goal is to promote collaboration and become a community hub for the evolving business landscape," Malak Smejkalova, the general manager of Cloud Spaces told The National in 2020.

New technology and facilities

Finally, the plan is to just generally improve the customer experience – with the help of way-finding technology as well as an interactive digital art screen, which will be replacing the giant water fountain in Town Square.

Visitors can also expect a refurbishment of the parking areas, entrances, and welcome desks to add to the customer experience.