Regional mall and leisure destination developer, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), has announced a new $81.6 million shopping mall project in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, called ‘My City Centre Masdar’.

The project, located in the heart of the sustainable urban development near the UAE’s capital, is set to open by the end of 2018, MAF said in a statement. It will deliver a neighbourhood retail experience which meets the daily shopping needs of more than an estimated 75,000 consumers in the surrounding area.

According to MAF, the one-level mall will be constructed using its international sustainability standards, and will have shaded parking for 430 vehicles on its rooftop through the use of photovoltaic panels. The company’s statement said that My City Centre Masdar’s energy and water consumption is targeted to be 40% lower than comparable buildings, in line with Masdar City’s eco-friendly strategy. The mall will aim to achieve an Estidama 3 Pearl rating, which is the equivalent of LEED gold building status for sustainability.

The statement added that My City Centre Masdar will include 60 outlets across 18,000sqm of gross leasable area (GLA), including a Magic Planet family entertainment centre, a 5,760sqm Carrefour Hypermarket, a City Centre Clinic for healthcare services, and dining options for both residents and professionals within Masdar City.

“We are proud to announce the development of My City Centre Masdar, which promises to create great moments for everyone every day, for communities living and working in Masdar City. We are honoured to partner with Masdar City and salute their vision which is aligned with Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to sustainability,” said Ghaith Shocair, CEO, Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

Yousef Baselaib, executive director, Sustainable Real Estate, at Masdar City, added: “Masdar City offers a ‘greenprint’ for the future, embracing economic, social and environmental principles of sustainability. The new mall is a testament to the emergence of Masdar City as a compelling destination for residents, business tenants and visitors.

“We are proud to be collaborating with Majid Al Futtaim Properties as part of our ambitious plans to deliver world-class retail, residential, commercial and hospitality projects at Masdar City. With several initiatives already well under way, we are looking forward to welcoming a growing number of visitors and businesses to the City.”

My City Centre Masdar will be served by integrated transport links, with easy access to adjacent developments and connectivity to planned smart public transport options including buses, light rail transit (LRT) lines, Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicles and the Abu Dhabi Metro network, which will have a line running along the main boulevard with a station situated next to the mall, MAF’s statement said.