Damac Extends Size Of Mega Shopping Strip In AKOYA

Dubai-based luxury property developer Damac has announced the extension to the planned shopping strip within its AKOYA development, making it one of the longest outdoor shopping destinations in he region.

The Drive at AKOYA, which is styled like La Rambla in Barcelona or Piccadilly in London, will be extended to 2.5 kilometres from its initial length of 1.3 kilometres, the company said in a statement.

The strip will now include convenience community retail, high street retail and food and beverage outlets in addition to multiple entertainment attractions.

The extended drive will also feature Catwalk, a community convenience retail centre located near the entrance of the AKOYA development and anchored by a Waitrose supermarket.

”We have seen such a positive response from our customers to The Drive at AKOYA that we have decided to evolve the concept further,” said Niall McLoughlin, SVP, DAMAC Properties.

“This includes the lengthening of the experience in addition to the mix of attractions. We are confident that The Drive at AKOYA will become one of the most popular attractions for everyone living in Dubai and for all visitors from abroad.

“The activities linked directly to the strip will form a unique destination for shoppers, walkers and joggers, family members from different ages and people.”

Damac said that select units on the extension of The Drive, which has a starting price of Dhs550,000, will go on sale at a VIP launch on Wednesday, October 29.

More than 80,000 people will live within 16 kilometres of AKOYA Drive by the time it is completed.

Following the property market recovery over the last year, many developers are complementing their launches with mega retail offerings.

Government-owned Meraas is developing a similar attraction called City Walk at the junction of Al Wasl and Al Safa road in Dubai.

The first phase of the project will have around 350 metres of retail frontage, incluidng a 1.3 kilometre-long promenade of retail, hospitality and entertainment facilities when fully completed.