Public gets a sneak peek at Abu Dhabi's Reem Mall

Retailers throughout the Gulf region were given their first looks last week at Reem Mall, a mix of retail, entertainment, leisure and dining options in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Senior executives from Reem Mall, mSquared and NREC and UPAC, the project's developers, held a special showing to give a public sneak peek of the mall's offerings.

"Together with UPAC , we have secured the expertise, the partners and the funding to develop Abu Dhabi's outstanding destination mall," Reem Mall CEO Samuel Sidiqi said. "More than two years of planning has gone into the design of what will be the place to shop, eat and play in the nation's capital."

When it officially opens, which is expected in 2018, Reem Mall will house the world's largest indoor snow-play park as well as more than 450 shops and 85 dining spots.

"We set ourselves the goal of creating something amazing for Abu Dhabi's retail market," Reem Mall Chief Operating Officer Shane Eldstrom said. "This mall will stand out not just regionally, but globally."

The mall is located at the entrance to Reem Island, a master-developed residential and commercial area. Abu Dhabi's urban planning council estimates that eventually 210,000 people will call Reem Island home.