As part of its ongoing programme to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in collaboration with Lulu Group International and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), is developing a new community centre in Al Rahbah that will include multiple retail and F&B outlets.
The major new project was officially inaugurated with the signing of a Musataha agreement by Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, Director General of ADIO, and Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu Group International (Lulu). The agreement grants Lulu the right to develop the plot for 32.5 years, allowing the company to grow and successfully implement its new project in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was held in the presence of Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group International, H.E. Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at DMT, Sultan Huwair, Director - Municipal Assets Contracts Division - Real Estate Sector and Raed Al Mohtar, Head of Musataha Partnerships at ADIO.
Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, Director General of ADIO, said: “DMT’s Al Rahbah project will create exceptional new facilities for residents in this part of Abu Dhabi, with a variety of retail and F&B options that cater to the diverse needs of the community. ADIO is delighted to collaborate with DMT and Lulu to enable this project and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic and social growth. This is another great example of Abu Dhabi’s Musataha system being used by companies that need land to expand. We look forward to witnessing the Al Rahbah Community Centre flourish and to bring value to the community in the years ahead.”
Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group International, said: “We are extremely delighted to be chosen by DMT and ADIO to develop this unique project and we have already started the pre-project works to ensure that this will be one of the best and world-class community centres that will cater to the diverse needs of the multi-ethnic residents of Al Rahbah and nearby areas.”
The proposed community centre will cater to the needs of people from Al Rahbah, Shahama, Ajban, Al Rahbah Hospital and nearby communities. The community centre will have a 35,000 sq. ft. Lulu Hypermarket, 26 retail stores, 17 F&B outlets, 15,000 sq. ft. of community service area, with total built up area of 150,000 sq. ft. The design consists of shaded walkways, beautiful water features, open terrace restaurants and access from all sides of the property to allow pedestrians to enter play areas easily with children. It will also have electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated parking bays for bicycles and scooters.
Set to become operational by the third quarter of 2025, the centre will offer a wide range of amenities and activities for the community to enjoy.Lulu Group was awarded the project after a tendering process initiated by ADIO. This announcement comes after Lulu Hypermarket was recognised for its commitment to quality and business excellence, receiving the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) at the 20th cycle of the awards.
ADIO manages and facilitates investment opportunities through Musataha agreements in collaboration with other Abu Dhabi government entities. The Musataha programme was introduced to support investors in delivering extraordinary projects and allow them to take control over their development with clear rights and responsibilities on available development land spanning some 574 million square metres across Abu Dhabi.
The programme has been instrumental in facilitating collaborations and encouraging investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. It has attracted keen interest from investors due to Abu Dhabi's strategic location, business-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure.