Benoy provides some high-class retail therapy to UK's export recovery

The multinational firm, which was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in London, has been at the forefront of expansion into Asia and the Middle East and has even masterplanned the most prestigious new development in Mongolia.

Now it is celebrating the opening of a state-of-the-art shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and five years of ground-breaking work in Singapore.

The Galleria on Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, has just opened its doors, and Benoy, in partnership with Elkus Manfredi, was appointed architect for the project, a 130 unit 33,000m² GLA super-luxury retail and dining destination, sitting on the spectacular waterfront with stunning views across the new promenade.

The Galleria is set in the grounds of the opulent Sowwah Square scheme, and inspiration for the design came from the exclusive and unique brands that will occupy the centre.

The Galleria boasts one of the highest concentrations of luxury brands in MENA, including Burberry, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Prada. The Great Room houses an impressive collection of labels, which are displayed in impressive double height shop fronts, enclosed by a glass skylight.