The upcoming Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi has been granted detailed planning approval by the Urban Planning Council (UPC), it has been announced.

The $1 billion leisure, shopping, entertainment and dining destination was given the final go-ahead required to take the project to the next stage, the UPC said in a statement.

“The UPC’s granting of detailed planning approval comes only six months after the mall’s concept plans were approved – a rapid turnaround for a project of this scale,” it said.

“More than 100 senior Abu Dhabi government and business leaders gathered today for a special event to mark this significant milestone, pledge their ongoing support for Reem Mall, and mark the continued momentum that the project has built over the past 18 months.”

Shane Eldstrom, Chief Operating Officer for Reem Mall, said the project had seen “incredible progress” over the past 18 months.

“The UPC has been working closely with us throughout the planning process, to ensure that the project responds to the needs of local communities, that it is safe, and that it meets the highest standards of energy and environmental design,” he added.

The UPC said it met regularly with the Reem Mall development team to incorporate design enhancements put forward by its Urban Development and Estidama Sector. 

“The UPC also had to ensure the project fit within other relevant master plans, including the Al Reem Island Integrated Concept Master Plan, which was approved in April 2015, and the mixed-use Najmat Abu Dhabi community on the south of the island in which the mall is situated,” it added.

Reem Mall is expected to open in 2018, and include the world’s biggest indoor snow play centre and some 450 stores including 85 food and beverage outlets. It is being developed by the Kuwait-based NREC and UPAC.