Dubai: The second phase of Dubai’s new destination for regional and international designers, the Dubai Design District, also known as d3, is on track for completion in mid-2018, according to Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, COO of d3.

The second phase is 5 per cent complete, and involves the construction of the “Creative Community”, which includes workshops, showrooms, design studios and exhibition space for fashion and design-related events, according to Al Shehhi. “We started the enabling work [and] construction of the “Creative Community. It will be completed by mid-2018,” he said on the sidelines of a press conference in Dubai on Wednesday.

The third phase of the project is being designed and work on this is expected to start in 2017, he said, adding that it is scheduled for completion in 2021.

It will create “hotels, as well as entertainment, luxury retail and food and beverage [outlets],” Al Shehhi said, and will overlook a 1.8-kilometre waterfront.

High-end retailers

The first phase, which was completed late last year, involved the construction of 11 commercial buildings, totalling 1.5 million square feet.

Tenants that have committed to moving in include high-end retailers like Hugo Boss and the Chalhoub Group. Food and beverage outlets make up 40 per cent of the retail space allotted in phase 1.

The district is part of Tecom Group’s themed developments portfolio. Located adjacent to the Business Bay area, it is expected to further position Dubai as a design hub in the Middle East, and will help develop the emirate’s fashion, design and luxury sectors.