Abu Dhabi - A brand new European style walkway was opened in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, giving both residents and tourists the chance to experience a new experience of shopping and dining outdoors in the capital.

Inaugurated by Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, The Walk at Al Seef aims to create a family friendly environment, with shops and restaurants catering to young and old alike.

“We believe The Walk at Al Seef will offer something completely unique to Abu Dhabi as it offers dining and retail in an entirely family-friendly environment that has been designed to incorporate the cafe culture feeling of Europe,” said Angus Woodhead, general manager of Al Seef Retail

“The well-known brands and outlets have been carefully chosen to offer affordable and quality family dining as well as great options for people keen to lead a healthy lifestyle,” he added.

Angus explained that the concept behind the walk was three years in the making, as developers believed the area could provide a new destination to visit in Abu Dhabi.

“It was a vision that came about three years ago. The idea for this walk is to make it an attraction not only for tourists, but for residents as well, whether they are locals or expatriates. The Department of Culture and Tourism Authority identified this place as a hidden gem.

“It is an incredibly family friendly place, people can come walking, shopping, or dining. There are no cars here, and so people can just enjoy the very Mediterranean and European style atmosphere,” he added.

Woodhead also said that the new walk was looking to support local businesses, with 80 per cent of the shops being locally owned.

“Eighty per cent of the shops at the walk are owned by local entrepreneurs who are either opening their first or second shop.

“We’re very keen to support and back local businesses, we want to let them come and use this space as a place to start themselves up, and to make the walk like an incubator for them,” he added.

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