UAE | General

Walkers and investors stay away from pedestrian street

The first pedestrian street in Dubai continues to wear a deserted look with investors reluctant to open shops, despite costing Dubai Municipality Dh4 million to set up.

  • By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 February 22, 2007
  • Gulf News

  • The pedestrian street located behind the Twin Towers in Deira lacks activity and some parts have been vandalised.
  • Image Credit: Ahmed Ranzan/Gulf News
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Dubai: The first pedestrian street in Dubai continues to wear a deserted look with investors reluctant to open shops, despite costing Dubai Municipality Dh4 million to set up.

The municipality converted one of the busiest streets in Deira behind the Twin Towers on Baniyas Road into a pedestrian plaza over a year ago, with the intention to provide a quiet place for residents and visitors to relax, but it has not worked out as planned.

Private sector investors have not jumped at the opportunity to open coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment services, Gulf News has learnt.

"We have been trying to attract investors to set up coffee shops and restaurants or have some entertainment facilities for residents and visitors but so far we could not get interested parties to liven up the place," said a senior official at Dubai Municipality. He said the civic body was negotiating with a number of parties, as well as coffee shops in the area by asking them to open their businesses on the street.

Shaded

What distinguishes this 2,400 square metre area is that it is shaded during much of the day by the high-rise buildings. It also enjoys continuous air circulation thanks to the open areas at both ends. "We, therefore, understand that this is an ideal location for setting up this facility where people can have lunch and coffee breaks or spend time together," the official said.

Based on this project, the official said, there was a plan to set up similar pedestrian streets in the city but the civic body did not get a positive response.

Residents and shopkeepers also expressed reservation on converting such a busy road into a pedestrian street.

"We have lost at least 50 car parking spaces in the already congested area and it has also added to traffic congestion due to diversions," commented a shopkeeper in the Twin Towers.

The pedestrian precinct includes a small amphitheatre, a water fountain and a small sitting area. The street has been vandalised with damage to concrete tiles evident on the fountain and amphitheatre.

"The street is not even cleaned properly," said a resident.

The municipality hoped to attract advertisers to the area to generate revenue but so far there are no advertisements.

Are you aware of this pedestrian-only street in Deira? Have you visited it? Why do you think it has not done too well? Do you have any suggestions on how to make it more popular among residents?


Your comments


I live and work in twin towers and I am sorry to say this project was not planned properly as it only presented more traffic and has become a hangout for skateboarders.
Amir
Dubai,UAE

First time I hear about this street. I think that Deira is generally NOT associated with relaxation at all. The traffic would break your nerves down before you even get to that street
M
Dubai,UAE

I think the pedestrian only street is a wonderful thing. It works well in cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris. But, here, I think it is the attitude of the people. Everyone's engrossed in making money or worrying about lack of money. No one has time to sit and relax over a cup of coffee by road-side. People of Dubai wake up. This is a lovely city, let's fill it with life.
Rajesh Keswani
Dubai,UAE

I frequent the street on my visits to Dubai, perhaps I'm one of the very few people who do bother. Its a lovely place to go for a walk especially since its heavily shaded and cooler as compared to the main roads, why hasn't it picked up as a frequent spot for pedestrians is beyond me. Perhaps if some well known coffee shop would take the risk and start a business there would we see some activity.
Ali
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE

I was not aware of this pedestrian-only street in Deira until I read about this today.
Faseeh
Dubai,U.A.E

I got to know about this venture today morning only through Gulfnews. This is a wonderful idea. I think DM needs to advertise it widely to intrigue interest of general public and investors. Lastly, DM should offer initial discounts to investors so that they are prompted to liven up this space.
Jasvinder Singh
Dubai,UAE

My office is next to the above mentioned pedestrian street and I am working in Dubai for the last 12 years. The municipality is spending a lot to maintain the facility in neat condition. However a bunch of kids on their skate boards do their stunts on top of those concrete benches (covered with expensive marble or tiles) and destroys them in a week after every repair carried out by Municipality. Two days back there was a competition going on for skateboard freaks with at least 20 pro camera men taking pictures with both still and movie cameras.
Manoj
Dubai,UAE

I have visited this street several times, and yes it always wears a deserted look. To attract more people and commercial activity, the DM needs to tie up with theatre groups and ensure that the amphitheatre is busy at least on weekends. Street plays and other entertainment will attract people here and once the people are there, the businesses will follow. The pedestrian plaza is a great idea, it only needs proper nurturing to bloom.
Shabbir
Dubai,UAE

It's a good step and the municipality needs to be congratulated for thinking of it. They should not lose hope this is a good trend and is sure to pickup. This is step towards a cleaner world. The authorities should start and mass campaign to educate and inform people of this concept and it's advantages.
Bob
Dubai,UAE

Why shop here when you can park for free and walk as far as you like in air-conditioned comfort in Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta or Madinat Jumeirah?
Paul
Sharjah,UAE

I have visited the place and i believe the reason it is not popular because it is next to two big waste bins. I only passed by there one time and the smell from this waste bins is not good.
Peter
Dubai,UAE

Damned if you do and damned if you dont! The municipality invests a decent-sized amount towards building a nice pedestrian area geared towards attracting foot-traffic and providing the nearby residents with a pleasant surrounding and people can't get themselves to look past the lost parking spots.
Gabriel
Abu Dhabi,UAE

The municipality must tempt the businessmen in putting-up shops in the said pedestrian alley by giving them some incentives, maybe by lowering municipality and rental fees. Also assured them that the municipality will put round the clock security to their business establishments.
Mike O
Dubai,UAE

Please offer rent free first year and create shades and flower pots or beds to beautify the spot and security, It will pick up like any other place in Europe. If you want to know more please send me a drawings etc., I can supply you all the info. at no cost. Best regards Raj
Raj
Murrurundi,Australia

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