What’s On has news of a metro system on Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi, helping ferry people to Al Maryah Central shopping mall in Abu Dhabi.

Following Dubai’s tram launch in November last year, is a metro finally in the works for the capital’s residents?

It has been reported that a new public transport line will link both shoppers and residents on Al Maryah Island to the island’s newest mega mall – Al Maryah Central.

Sources from Gulf Related, the developers of the mixed-use project, have suggested a metro stop will be connected to the new mall.

In fact the website for the island’s masterplan states there will be a “transit centre with an underground metro stop as well as a street-level Light Rail network” in Phase 3 of the development.

“Located at the centre of Al Maryah Island, and acting as a meeting point for old and new Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Central will be naturally integrated into the heart of the community,” said Dr. Karim El Solh, CEO of Gulf Capital and Co-Managing Partner of Gulf Related.

Construction on the project began in November of last year and will feature a 2.3 million-square foot complex housing flagship stores Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s in addition to other retail outlets. The development will also include over 90 dining options, a 20-screen cinema, health-club, outdoor ampitheatre and two towers featuring a five-star hotel and luxury residences.

Scheduled to open in Spring 2018, the complex will be connected to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, however it is not clear if the metro will be ready by the expected completion date.

Al Maryah Island has been designated as Abu Dhabi’s Central Business District and has been modelled on mixed-use 24-hour financial districts around the world.