Dubai: One of the first major projects slated to open on Deira Islands by the first quarter of 2018 is a two-kilometre night souq, consisting of 5,300 shops and nearly 100 quayside cafes and restaurants.
Following the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) announcement on Saturday that a Dh150 million bridge project is currently under construction – linking the existing roads to the Deira Palm – residents will soon be able to witness the change in the landscape as Nakheel’s development projects start taking shape.
According to the RTA, the bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
With infrastructure works taking place around the four man-made island, which were reclaimed from the Arabian Gulf, the total project spans an area of about 17 million square metres.
The project, which is considered the biggest development project undertaken in Deira, encompasses the construction of hotels, hotel apartments, multi-purpose buildings and marinas. The area is expected to be inhabited by about 250,000 people.
Projects at Deira Islands
“Nakheel’s 15.3 square kilometre waterfront destination will transform Dubai’s Deira district into a world-class hub for tourism, retail and entertainment,” said a Nakheel statement to Gulf News on Sunday.
“The project will add 40km, including 21km of beachfront, to Dubai’s coastline and contribute significantly to the Government of Dubai’s tourism vision by paving the way for the development of hundreds of new hotels, serviced apartments, mixed-use buildings, retail attractions and parks.”
Nakheel said that it has already invested more than Dh8 billion in infrastructure and coastal work contracts at Deira Islands, where work is ongoing in order to prepare the islands for development.
Food and beverage outlets will be located to the front of the island, with the back portion taken up by a host of retailers. The Deira Islands will be easily accessible by road via bridges and by water.
One of the first development projects to open up to the public will be the Night Souq with a modern twist that covers a two-kilometre stretch along Deira Island’s waterfront, which will be within walking distance of the Deira Islands Mall. According to officials, the three-story mall will be built on an area of 745,814 square metres that will feature a state-of-the-art atrium space with retractable roofs.
Other projects lined up also include a number of retail and entertainment destination projects, such as the Deira Towers and Boulevard.
At least three hotels have already been confirmed to rise on the Deira Islands, as Nakheel recently confirmed its joint venture with Spain’s RIU Hotels and Resorts for a 750-room beachfront hotel, at a project value of over Dh620 million. Other planned joint projects include a 550-room Centara resort and waterpark and a 500-room AVANI resort with Thailand’s Minor Hotels and Resorts.
Key features of the Deira Islands
- The project has added 21km of beachfront to Dubai’s coastline
- A night souq with over 5,000 shops
- The Deira Islands Mall, covering more than 745,000 square metres
- At least three hotels have already been confirmed to rise
Source: Nakheel
