Dubai's first pedestrian-only street will be ready in two months to provide a place for shoppers, traders and tourists to unwind in the busy central business district of Deira.
The as yet unnamed street, one of the busiest and coolest in Deira, has been closed to traffic as it is being converted into a pedestrian precinct, said an official at Dubai Municipality.
Work on the Dh4 million project started in August last year and is expected to finish in September. It is part of the municipality's plans to redesign and upgrade commercial business districts.
"The project involves converting the existing road, to the northeast of the Twin Towers and parallel to Baniyas Road, into a recreational facility where traders and shoppers can spend their free time," the official said.
What distinguishes this 2,400 square metre area is that it is shaded during most of the daytime because of the high-rise buildings.
It also enjoys continuous air circulation thanks to the open areas at both ends, he said.
"We therefore understand this is an ideal location for setting up this facility where people can have lunch and coffee breaks and casual chats or spend free time together," he added.
Based on the success of the project, the official said, there will be more of the same in the future.
The pedestrian precinct will include an amphitheatre, a 130-metre high water fountain and refreshment outlets. There will be landscaping with date palms and green areas.
