Faithful+Gould, a leading integrated project and programme management consultancy firm, has become the latest professional advisor to join Abu Dhabi’s $1-billion Reem Mall project.

Set to be one of the most prominent retail and leisure developments in the UAE, Reem Mall is being developed by the National Real Estate Company (NREC) in partnership with United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC).

Faithful+Gould said it will provide the development team of Reem Mall with a range of core services including cost management, development advisory, project controls and specialised commercial management.

Currently at concept design stage, the Reem Mall project is expected to start construction later this year with opening scheduled for  2018. It is Abu Dhabi’s up and coming entertainment, dining and shopping destination.

The appointment of Faithful+Gould marks another significant step forward for the project, which, once completed, will deliver 2 million sq ft of retail, leisure, and dining and entertainment choices with some 450 stores including 85 food and beverage outlets.

Faithful+Gould has a reputation for successfully delivering high-profile projects in the lifestyle sector in the Middle East. Its key projects include Al Zahia Mall in Sharjah, the Ritz Carlton Dubai, Yas Island Marina Hotel, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Beach Resort and Jumeriah Lakes Towers in Dubai.

It has also been involved with the developments of Saadiyat Island and other iconic landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum.

Shane Eldstrom, the vice president (development) at NREC, said: "As we move closer towards the construction phase of the project, it is essential that we have key management tools in place to ensure timely and efficient delivery of the mall."

"Faithful+Gould will help us with core strategic management and we look forward to working closely with the firm to deliver Abu Dhabi’s most exciting new shopping and entertainment destination," he stated.

Campbell Gray, Faithful+Gould’s managing director for the Middle East, expressed delight at supporting such an important and high-profile project.

"Our proven track record in the region's retail sector means we will guide the client and the design team on important factors such as space usage and building specifications, which optimise the retail experience, the client’s value for money, and return on investment," he added.-TradeArabia News Service