Deira Islands first project to open in 2017

Two-kilometre night souq to be one of the first major projects opening on Deira Islands in Q1 2017.

The first project slated for opening will consist of 5,300 stores and nearly 100 quayside cafes and restaurants, according to Nakheel in a Gulf News report.

Considered to be the biggest development project undertaken in Deira, the islands include the construction of hotels, hotel apartments, multi-purpose buildings and marinas.

Infrastructure works are taking place around the four man-made islands, spanning an area of about 17 million square metres.

Once completed, the area is expected to be inhabited by about 250,000 people.

“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 spokesperson from Nakheel in a statement to Gulf News.

“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.”

Presently, at least three hotels have been confirmed for development on the Deira Islands, including Nakheel’s joint venture with Spain’s RIU Hotels and Resorts for a 750-room beachfront hotel, at a project value of over US $169 million (AED620 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.