Damac planning luxury shopping strip in Dubai

Damac Properties has revealed plans for a 1.3 kilometre shopping and entertainment strip in Dubai, which will aim to recreate the success of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the Champs Elysees in Paris.

The luxury real estate developer said Akoya Drive, which will pass through Akoya by Damac luxury golf community off Umm Suqeim Road, will be one of the longest shopping strip experiences in Dubai. It will be similar in length to ‘The Walk’ at Jumeirah Beach Residences.

It is set to feature high-end food and beverage outlets, retail shopping, meeting points and a host of family entertainment offerings, including an outdoor ice-skating rink, cinema screen and interactive children’s play area.

By the time it is completed 80,000 people will be living within 16 kilometres of Akoya Drive, according to Damac.

“Akoya Drive is what everyone in Dubai has been waiting for,” said Damac Properties senior vice president Niall McLoughlin.

“We expect AKOYA Drive to be the new place to meet friends, entertain and get away from it all. This new haute spot with shopping, dining and entertainment will provide a real central point for those living in Arabian Ranches, through Motor City, Jumeirah Village and the surrounding areas.”

Damac said the current stock of retail space in Dubai is just under three million square metres, with an additional 840,000 square metres set to be added by 2016.

McLoughlin explained how Akoya Drive will stand out. “Akoya Drive will blend the most exclusive brand designs with a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that takes you away from the fast pace of the city," he said. "There will be no better place to while away the hours with your friends and families.”