Grand in scale... spectacularly beautiful ...uniquely world-class ... these are standards that define every project by Nakheel. While The Palm Trilogy and The World are projects that continue to astound, Nakheel unveils yet another iconic feat in its latest waterfront project--the Dubai Promenade. Ali Bin Damithan, Senior General Manager, Dubai Promenade sits with H and shares the next marvel from Nakheel for Dubai.
With the new Dubai and the majestic Gulf of Arabia for its backdrop Dubai Promenade will dazzle its guests with nth degree luxury from hotels to retail, residences, office towers and marina. Ensconced in picturesque surroundings, Dubai Promenade provides the perfect setting. One can simply enjoy the view, relish gastronomic delights, satiate one's love for shopping or stroll on the beach. Dubai Promenade promises all this and more for keeping its discerning guests in thrall.
Iconic Hotel
Set for completion by the first quarter of 2012, the waterfront project is divided into clusters for hotels, offices, residences, retail and marina. It will be the centre stage of another unique structure - the wheel-shaped hotel that is to be the first of its kind in the world.
"We want to provide a whole new experience to visitors and guests to this iconic hotel. Staying in any room of the hotel will provide the best views of new Dubai and will definitely provide a whole new experience guests will cherish for a lifetime," enthuses Damithan.
The circular hotel will add 200 keys to Dubai's hospitality industry. "The location itself drove us to come up with this design. Standing there, we found that this wheel design is the best design for the location," reveals Damithan. "We know it's not going to be easy to execute it, that's why we are selecting world-famous architects and consultants to build this structure."
A masterplan has been approved for another 200-room boutique hotel will add to the luxury hotel cluster. "We are in the concept design stage," says Damithan. The boutique hotel will be a combination of elegance and convenient lodging.
With the feel of a secluded, private resort, Dubai Promenade is totally accessible. It is conveniently connected to Dubai Marina's "Marina Walk" and is located in New Dubai that is home to the city's best entertainment, retail and hospitality offerings. The waterfront will host an exclusive 70-berth marina.
The Promenade Retail Link
How can shopping be ignored? More than 26,000 square metres of shopping space will be configured for an enjoyable indoor and outdoor shopping spree. The Pier will also be accessible to the public where breathtaking views are destined to enthral guests enjoying their meal at any of the cafés. The Waterfront dotted with fine restaurants and shops will run the entire length of the Promenade that overlooks the 70-berth Marina.
These cafes, restaurants and specialty shops will form a buffer between the public and private areas of Dubai Promenade.
Residential and Office Towers
The focal business point of the waterfront project will be The Office Tower billed as the ideal place to conduct business. There will also be three towers 40 to 45 floors high which will provide a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units for residents in the area. Each unit will evoke either a classical or contemporary interior design and each tower comes replete with amenities and four levels of parking. Ten thousand people are targeted to reside in the area.
"It's going to be a perfect seafront community and would be perfect for people who are looking for a place like this," says Damithan.
The residences are elevated above sea-level. A homeowner ramp provides direct access to the residences through its exclusive entrance that leads to the car park. Other than that, alternate transportation options will also be available, providing easy access for guests and residents.
"It's a unique project in terms of having mixed clusters like five-star and boutique hotels, marina, residential and office towers. We're talking of a promenade where people can stroll, dine and enjoy the view of the marina where its private beach also provides the best view of the Arabian Gulf, the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab."
"Dubai Promenade will further enhance the emirate's international profile through its centrepiece wheel-shaped hotel. The hotel's unprecedented shape and structure will be spectacular and no other skyline in the world offers anything like it"
"When master planning Dubai Promenade, we were keen to create a feeling of open space, capitalising on the waterfront views. As well as being a premium location for offices and retail, public access to the promenade will provide a unique location for families to stroll and enjoy seafront views"
By Mirzi D Moralde
© Hospitality 2008
