Client story

Aldar Square

Transforming retail spaces into a modern, smart and sustainable workspace.

People

Aldar Properties

Location

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Spotlight

Project Management, Cost Management and Sustainability Services

Time

April 2020 – March 2022

Size

16,000sqm

Spotlight

HQ is LEED Platinum and WELL Sustainability accredited

About the project

As part of Aldar Properties’ redevelopment plan for Yas Mall - Abu Dhabi’s leading retail and leisure destination - JLL was brought on board to fulfil its ambition of transforming two retail spaces into a premium commercial office as its new headquarters.

The new 16,000sqm headquarters is an iconic structure built over three floors with a rooftop garden and recreational facilities including a cafe, gym, yoga room, basketball and paddle tennis courts.

Inside, the office features an impressive atrium, skylight and a grand staircase connecting the first and second floors. Fitted out with the latest technology, it is a modern and innovative hub designed to feel like a home away from home with various flexible workspaces such as collaboration rooms, touchdown areas, privacy booths and social lounges to foster interaction, creativity and boost productivity.

We provided project management, cost management and sustainability services, successfully driving the project from inception to completion and occupation. Our scope of work included design management, cost planning, procurement, change management and construction management.

Challenges and Our Solutions

The project came with its challenges, including reconciling time and budget pressures with its green design aspirations, aesthetics, and quality finishes, delivered within a live and operational environment.

Driven by our team’s collaborative approach and delivery expertise, the project was monitored rigorously, identifying critical milestones to avoid potential risks and developing mitigating strategies for successful completion with minimal disruption to the public and retail operators.

Results

Aldar’s new HQ is LEED Platinum and WELL Sustainability accredited. Some key metrics include:

  • 20 % reduction in embodied carbon

  • 56% of embodied carbon attributed to three building materials

  • 15 % reduction in operational utility cost

  • 6% uplift cost of sustainability implementation initiatives to generate a payback period of under 4 years

Contact Benjamin Jackson

Head of Project & Development Services for the Middle East & Africa