Abu Dhabi, UAE – Makers District, an 18-hectare masterplan development on Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, revealed as a new waterfront community being designed specifically to cultivate creativity through residential, hospitality, commercial and retail space.

The-Artery will sit at the heart of Makers District, and is the first building to be unveiled by IMKAN, an Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer.

An innovative flexible art space that will offer makers a place to both create and showcase their work, The-Artery will span 26,000 square metres and is a multi-use building that integrates makers space with a parking garage.

Speaking at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, Walid El Hindi, CEO of IMKAN, said: “IMKAN is setting out to create a dynamic, integrated and engaging community that captures the collaborative spirit of the maker movement. This journey begins with The-Artery, which will be a regional creative powerhouse in the heart of Abu Dhabi.”

Led by a strong research base, with a heavy focus on identifying new trends and emerging opportunities, IMKAN aims to introduce creative solutions while bringing disruptive change to the region’s real estate landscape.

The developer has awarded The-Artery design to BIG, an architectural design firm based out of Copenhagen and New York. Architectural firms MVRDV from Rotterdam and 10 Design from Hong Kong will also be involved in Phase 1 of the development. 

El Hindi added: “IMKAN is committed to creating soulful places that enrich people’s lives both in the UAE and overseas. As we make progress with the Makers District Abu Dhabi, our intention is to roll out the concept in Egypt, Brazil, Morocco, the UK and Montenegro.” Construction on The-Artery is anticipated to start later in 2017. Makers District is scheduled to be operational by 2020.