The developer Gulf Related has appointed Faithful+Gould to provide cost-management services for the first phase of its $1.5 billion Al Maryah Central mall development in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement.

Enabling works have been completed and construction will begin this month, with the project due for completion in 2018. Faithful+Gould was initially appointed to provide pre-contract cost-management services for Al Maryah Central in 2013.

Phase one of the mixed-use development will include a 2.3 million square foot shopping centre with 400 stores. The mall will feature the first Macy’s outside the United States, the first Bloomingdale’s in Abu Dhabi and 20 specialist Al Tayer stores.

Al Maryah Central will also include 145 restaurants and cafés, a 20-screen cinema complex, a medical centre, crèche, health-club, public library, food market as well as three rooftop parks.

Later phases of the 3.1 million square foot development will include residential units and a hotel in two high-rise towers.

“Al Maryah Central will transform Abu Dhabi’s retail offering and is a project we are really pleased to be a part of. The mall has definitely differentiated itself… we have no doubt the centre will be a landmark attraction for residents and visitors alike,“ Donal O’Leary, Faithful+Gould director, said in a statement.

Faithful+Gould has worked on other lifestyle projects in the Middle East including Al Zahia Mall in Sharjah, the Ritz Carlton Dubai, Yas Island Marina Hotel, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Beach Resort Dubai and Kempinski Hotels & Residences in Oman.