An artist’s impressions of the mall.

RTKL, the worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organisation, has begun design work on The Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi, following its appointment as the design consultant on the project by National Real Estate Company (NREC), one of the leading real estate developers in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).

Nick Guy, associate director at RTKL said: “The Reem Mall will feature a fresh take on retail in Abu Dhabi. The concept combines local and global influences to create a design that will serve as a centrepiece for the entire community.”

Shane Eldstrom, NREC’s vice-president development, said: “RTKL brings a unique perspective to retail space design and we are very excited about its approach to The Reem Mall. The design will incorporate natural elements of the region and its history. We are looking forward to finalising and announcing the new concepts shortly.

“The Reem Mall will become one of Abu Dhabi’s new major retail, leisure, dining and entertainment destinations, serving the new heart of the capital. It is critical that it is designed to world-class standards. RTKL joins a group of outstanding consultants that are working closely together to ensure customers have the perfect retail experience in years to come.”

The Reem Mall is expected to be launched in 2018, with construction beginning by early 2015.

The $1-billion retail centre will introduce some new brands to the Middle East and will also house one of the largest hypermarkets in the region. It will include 450 stores, 85 restaurants and a range of family-focused entertainment offerings.

RTKL has extensive experience in the design of major retail projects in the Gulf region. The firm’s portfolio includes Bahrain City Centre, Kuwait’s 360o Mall and Mirdif City Centre.

The company is featured in the top 15 practices in the world in the 2013 DesignIntelligence Almanac of Architecture and Design and Architectural Record magazine’s 2013 Top 150 Architecture Firms survey.