Dubai Retail opens outdoor shopping promenade

Dubai Retail, a subsidiary of Dubai Properties Group and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai’s first and only outdoor retail avenue by the sea, is currently operational.

The 1.7 km long shopping promenade currently hosts nearly 170 retailers and is set to soon reach the 305 mark.

European fashion giant Zadig et Voltaire, Saks Fifth Avenue and Aiyanna of London are some of the top range brands that have opened for business at the beachfront development. In addition, several food and beverage stores such as Ruby Tuesday’s, one of America’s leading casual dining brands, have marked their entry into the region for the first time. Other eateries that have opened shop at JBR’s unique retail component include Chilis, Coco’s, Da Shi Dai, Fashion Lounge, and Zaatar w Zeit.

Haiyan Mujarkech, CEO of Dubai Retail, said: “We regard the commencement of business at The Walk as a significant milestone as it is the first of a series of initiatives from Dubai Retail. This takes us a good step forward in our objective of creating distinctive destinations for Dubai’s community that reflect rich overtones of an all-encompassing lifestyle.

“Dubai Retail’s ambitious developments will offer pioneering retail concepts while consolidating the emirate’s premier position as a trading hub. Combining market knowledge with industry expertise, Dubai Retail aims to grow as the leading provider of retail solutions in the region and abroad.”

Dubai Retail will host a Ramadan Tent at The Walk in September 2008. Set in an ambience that is evocative of the region’s traditions, and serving a wide assortment of Arabic and North African cuisine, the ‘Hala Walla’, which means a warm welcome, will serve as an ideal venue for residents and visitors to socialize in the evenings.

Mattew Reay, Director – Mall Management, Dubai Retail, said: “The Walk at JBR has been designed to essentially meet the needs of over 20,000 residents and visitors in the 40 towers. Even while conceptualising The Walk at JBR, integrating the right selection of retail and hospitality brands was our topmost priority. We are delighted this objective is clearly validated by the world class brands that currently define the promenade, such as the recently opened Saks Fifth Avenue, Starbucks, Nautica, and Damas Jewellers, and the soon to open Virgin, The Butcher Shop and Paul’s Café .”

The Walk hosts a spectrum of outlets in food and beverage, home furnishing, décor and art galleries, men, women and children’s apparel, fashion and accessories, health and cosmetics, jewellery, culture, leisure and sports, supermarkets, as well as a variety of services.