Gulf Related appoints Vindico Retail to Al Maryah Central

Gulf Related has appointed Vindico Retail to manage the opening of over 545 shops and restaurants at the Al Maryah Central development in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Related, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's Gulf Capital and the New York developer Related, broke ground on the 2.3 million square foot scheme in 2014. It will be anchored by Bloomingdale's and the first Macy's department store outside the United States, and is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2018. The appointment extends the relationship between Gulf Related and Vindico that delivered The Galleria in 2013.

Vindico will deploy an integrated retail delivery strategy, design and management service, blending an on-site team with the Dubai studio, led by Retail Delivery Director Jon Firn-Keightley. Firn-Keightley relocated to the UAE in 2011 to join the team that delivered The Galleria, and says the service model has evolved since to combine design and management into one process for retailers and brands, while respecting their role in getting well-designed stores open and earning on time.

Vindico provide a responsive team committed to working with retailers to achieve the best outcome for everyone. We look forward to again working with the Gulf Related and Vindico team.
Liam Collins, Senior Project Manager, Al Tayer

Scott Strader, Sales Director, notes the appointment followed a tender process. Richard Kim, Managing Director, places it against the firm's wider direction: the strategic focus is on growing the service model for trading asset portfolios, but the pedigree is built on major projects.

Vindico's role covers retail delivery strategy, design and management. The development and construction of the centre sit with Gulf Related and its contractors, and each store is fitted out by its retailer.