Gulf Construction Online - Al Qana destination set for 2020 opening

Real Estate

Officials touring the Al Qana site in Abu Dhabi.

Al Qana destination set for 2020 opening

01 June 2019

Work is in full swing on Abu Dhabi’s latest social dining and entertainment destination, the Al Qana, which is on track for opening in the fourth quarter of 2020.

With 2.4 km of panoramic waterfront, Al Qana will offer local and international food and beverages (F&B) outlets, an outdoor skatepark and lush landscapes, fitness and wellness hub, world-class family and community social spaces, a never-seen-before virtual reality zone, marina, the largest stand-alone cinema in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East’s largest aquarium.

As the project steers towards its target opening, Al Qana has signed over 52 per cent of the leasable spaces to entertainment and anchor attractions, and moves the strategy to conclude attractive and unique concepts into the remaining space. Al Qana is also successfully getting international recognition as a unique destination drawing interest from a range of local and international brands.

Al Qana ... a dining and entertainment destination along 2.4 km of panoramic waterfront.

Over the past month, the team at Al Qana has hosted more than 50 F&B chains and outlets, including 15 that are brand new to the UAE market.

While touring the site, Todd English, celebrity chef and international restaurant owner, had said: “I am excited by places that bring people together and offer something different. Al Qana does just that and we’re thrilled at the opportunity of opening a new concept on the waterfront.”

David Cassidy, the senior leasing manager at Landmark Group, says: “Al Qana is taking shape quickly and is a very exciting project. The hugely impressive National Aquarium and various F&B/leisure elements will make it a must-visit national attraction for both tourists and residents.”

Stuart Gissing, the general manager of Al Qana, says: “We are making strong progress in delivering the Al Qana project by the end of next year. One of the most important aspects is to provide a variety of spaces that cater to the community and those visiting the destination.

“This means there are a range of options available for businesses looking to locate in Al Qana and be part of this exciting new addition to Abu Dhabi’s cultural, dining, entertainment and social scene.”

Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International Investment, the company behind the construction of Al Qana, says: “Al Qana plans to attract more than 150 must-see concepts across 11 blocks with a total GLA (gross leasable area) of 60,000 sq m. We are aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem for businesses, whether they are F&B providers, recreational outlets or wellness hubs.”

Al Qana is a unique waterfront destination bringing a new definition of social dining and entertainment in Abu Dhabi. The development is one of the much-anticipated touristic landmarks in the capital featuring seven anchor destinations spanning over 2.4 km of scenic and picturesque waterfront walkways.