Damac’s Beverly Hills and Barcelona-inspired shopping strip The Drive by Akoya in Dubai is to be extended.
The developer said the project will now, due to high demand, extend from 1.3 kilometres to 2.5km — making it one of the longest strips in the region.
“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, senior vice president, Damac Properties. “This includes the lengthening of the experience in addition to the mix of attractions.”
The high-end shopping street is set to include an artificial ice rink, outdoor cinema, nine-hole putting green and children’s play area.
Damac said recently that it would use “fans and cooling techniques” to make the attraction more bearable in the hot summer months.
The new extended version will start from the “Catwalk”, a community convenience retail centre located near to the entrance of Akoya and anchored by a Waitrose supermarket, Damac said in a statement.
“It will then take you along the various attractions including the outdoor ice-skating rink, outdoor cinema, the miniature golfing attraction and the interactive children’s entertainment area,” it added.
“It will pass the hotels from Naia by Damac and Damac Maison and then stretches further through a large spectacular curve hosting low rise golf view apartments featuring markets reminiscent of old Dubai before reaching a unique food and beverage experience presented through strategically located outlets directly overlooking the golf course of the Trump International Golf Club, Dubai.”
Damac has so far declined to say how much the project will cost, but expects it to be completed by 2018.
Akoya by Damac is a 42 million square foot community located off Umm Suqeim Road.
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