Dubai: The 11km Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah was officially opened on Monday for tourists and residents in the area.
The Dh150-million project by Nakheel stretches along the crescent, facing a growing number of hotels and resorts, such as Atlantis, the Palm.
Ali Rashid Lootah, chairman of Nakheel, opened the Boardwalk, pointing out the new destination is one of a series of new projects under way on the island.
“It’s already proving a popular spot for jogging, walking, and sightseeing among both residents and tourists, with many more visitors expected as Dubai’s peak tourist season gets under way,” he said.
The Boardwalk, which is accessible through 37 gates, will provide visitors with a variety of food trucks, cafés and kiosks along the crescent.
“There is a capacity for 30 food trucks — so far, five have been commissioned, five are in the pipeline and the rest will be brought in before the end of the year,” said Lootah.
Around 350 parking spaces along the Boardwalk are also available for visitors, free of charge. The Boardwalk welcomes visitors to enjoy a walk or jog along the beach, but it is not equipped for cyclists as it prioritises pedestrians.
The six-metre-wide promenade — more than double the width of the previous crescent path — was constructed after re-engineering and building over the rocks of the island’s protective breakwater. Lootah pointed out that while there are no plans to expand the six-metre wide walkway, additional cafés and facilities will be introduced.
“The Boardwalk provides a fantastic view of the beach, and is the perfect place for leisure. It is one of the longest consistently connected walkways in the UAE and the region,” said Lootah.
He pointed out that there are plans to build four new promenades — 1.6km-long each — two on either side of the Palm’s trunk connecting the area’s apartment buildings with Palm West Beach.
“Another project by Nakheel to build a 1.6km promenade in Jumeirah Beach Residence is also in the pipeline.”
Construction on the crescent started in 2014.
