The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)) today announced the opening of "The Courtyard Mall", the first strip mall in Riyadh City, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Modon Properties. The new community mall offers a wide selection of food and beverage outlets as well as a variety of retail stores, in line with the anticipated needs of the city's future communities.

The new shopping centre is a model for the future series of community markets that the Department is working on, in collaboration with the private sector, as part of DMT's strategy to develop vibrant destinations and community spaces in Abu Dhabi that offer an aspirational lifestyle to residents through modern infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.

The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Abdulla Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport DMT, Yousuf Ali M.A, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, and Ahmed Al Shaikh Al Zaabi, Associate Director, Delivery, Modon.

The newly opened centre covers 25,000 sqm and includes a fine selection of brands and F&B outlets with 7 restaurants and cafes and 12 independent retail stores. The new lifestyle destination will also be home to the brand new Lulu Hypermarket with extensive range of local & internatonal product range to further cater the needs of the area population.

His Excellency Abdulla Al Sahi, Undersecretary of DMT, said: "Developing community spaces and destinations to match Abu Dhabi's urban and population growth is essential to sustainable development, and we are constantly working within the DMT's vision to establish a clear framework that ensures livability within cities, and to plan our projects and developments in Abu Dhabi based on data and community feedback to anticipate the growth and needs of current and future communities as part of our strategic approach for the next 50 years. "

H.E. added: "Today, the new centre marks another step in enhancing the quality quality of people’s life, as well as supporting our sustainable economic growth, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's best destinations to live and work in."

Yousuf Ali M.A, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International said: "Abu Dhabi is one of the most important economic markets in the region, especially after the great success the UAE has achieved recently and the way it has dealt with global changes. We are excited to open our 214th store today and be part of this great development by bringing a whole new world of convenience & shopping expereince to the residents of Riyadh city & nearby areas.

Located just 30 km from Abu Dhabi City, Riyadh City is set to become the emirate's largest and most iconic residential community. Home to over 200,000 residents, the city offers everything needed for a sustainable and aspirational lifestyle. The residential areas will feature state-of-the-art facilities including parks, schools, shops, mosques,medical and community centres.

The Courtyard Mall includes selection of trademarks and F&B outlets such as “Dominos”, “White Crystal”, “California Fish & Shrimp”,“Food Junction” and “Babu Town”. Offering a variety of retail units, the mall will also include “Best Cut Salon”, “Ibthihal Salon”, “Fit Pro Gym”, “Cake Gallery”, “Al Reem Furniture”, “Top Flash”, “Smilerite Dental Care”, “Al Ain Pharmacy”, “Famous Castle Studio”, “Valentine