27 April 2016
Urban living development will be first of its kind in the region

· Gate Avenue at DIFC connects all elements of the Centre's Master Plan, establishing the district as a leading global destination

· Introducing an inspiringly -curated retail and leisure offering, the development will create a unique cultural experience in the region

· Development will be a significant step towards accomplishing DIFC 's 2024 growth strategy, paving the way for the sustained development of the Centre

· Spanning a build-up area of 660,000 sq. ft., Gate Avenue at DIFC will feature more than 150 boutiques and retail outlets, and a modern and emblematic mosque

Dubai, UAE - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) today announced the launch of Gate Avenue at DIFC, a much-anticipated project for the financial hub.

The project is set to emerge as a premium lifestyle destination offering vibrant and world-class amenities to the financial centre's diverse community of professionals, residents and visitors. Gate Avenue at DIFC will also provide seamless connectivity to all building podiums within the district.

Speaking on the unveiling of Gate Avenue at DIFC, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre, said:

"The announcement of Gate Avenue at DIFC is a significant step towards accomplishing our 2024 growth strategy that paves the way for the sustained development of the Centre. The project will be a significant value-add for professionals and residents currently working and living in the district, and create an even more attractive proposition for prospective clients and tenants, as we build on our already world-class infrastructure platform.  This, in turn will elevate DIFC's status as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world."

Introducing the Gate Avenue at DIFC Experience

Incomparable to any project in the region, Gate Avenue at DIFC will offer 660,000 sq. ft. of Build Up Area (BUA), incorporating all aspects of living, including business, leisure and residential. 

A continuation of the DIFC's success story, which has already positioned the Centre as a premium business destination, the new retail offering will add a new dimension to the district, creating a holistic experience for professionals, residents and visitors alike.

The new destination will integrate the essential elements that make DIFC a remarkably rich international environment, and boast more than 150 of the region's most distinctive and sophisticated dining, shopping and cultural experiences - all encapsulated in one iconic setting.

Gate Avenue at DIFC will amplify the financial centre's lifestyle offering with its aesthetic appeal that seamlessly connects three integrated zones. Each zone will feature distinctive elements, connected by an open-air Promenade Level.

The North Zone will offer access from DIFC's popular Marble Walk at the Gate Building, and serve as a meeting point for professionals within the district, featuring exclusive retail offerings, high-end stores and luxury outlets.

Transitioning from the North Zone, the Central Zone will feature a plethora of high-street brands, a variety of beautiful indoor restaurants as well as sumptuous al fresco eateries. With easy connections to the Financial Centre metro station, the Central Zone will also comprise convenience retail stores to cater to the metro traffic.

Primarily tailored to the residents of the financial district, South Zone will focus on the community within DIFC and feature family amenities that help foster the community-living experience. Visitors can experience kids' edutainment and leisure activities, or enjoy family-friendly dining areas.

Providing the ideal platform for Dubai's art and culture scene, Gate Avenue at DIFC will host a series of art and design installations, live music performances, visual activations and festivals - ensuring a whole new experience at every visit.

Unparalleled Connectivity

Gate Avenue at DIFC will link a network of residential and commercial buildings across the 110-acre financial district.  Visitors and residents will be able to enjoy a leisurely walk across the refreshing walkway on the Promenade Level, or through the beautifully-designed air-conditioned avenue that bridges the district.

In addition, the development will bring together a diverse, multicultural community, as well as leading retail brands, culinary concepts and art events.

The central location, in the heart of Dubai, will allow visitors ease of access by public transport - supported by a convenient link to the Financial Centre metro station - or by car.  The development will provide additional parking spaces around Gate Avenue at DIFC, to accommodate high volumes of visitors to the district.

Central to the Promenade Level will be an emblematic mosque, a beacon of modern Islamic design that will host a total of 500 worshippers daily and for Friday prayers.

Distinctive Architectural Design:

An integration of aesthetics and functionality, lush greenery will adorn the facades of niche retail outlets located along the approximately 1km Promenade Level pathway. 

The unique parkland setting of the Promenade Level will also reflect a rising crescendo of energy levels - from the premium, sophisticated vibe of the North Zone to the vibrant, social setting of the Central Zone, through to the high-tempo, family-friendly environment of the South Zone.

Miniature Gates, built in the image of the iconic Gate Building will be located along the walkway, framing unique aspects of the Dubai skyline and serving as a canvas for digital projections.

With construction expected to begin this year and set for completion by the end of 2017, Gate Avenue at DIFC is set to become the much sought-after destination for businesses, professionals, residents and visitors.

-Ends-

About Gate Avenue at DIFC:
Convening the world's most coveted retail brands, culinary concepts and art events, Gate Avenue at DIFC is an integrated and vibrant lifestyle community that enhances synergies to create a uniquely-curated mix of experiences. Located in the heart of Dubai, the development will connect the entire financial district, which will aesthetically and artistically link all building podiums within DIFC. 

Buzzing with business, lifestyle offerings and exclusive entertainment options, Gate Avenue at DIFC will be home to Dubai's most sophisticated and premium urban environment that boasts a rich cosmopolitan community for the region's most aspiring people. 

A thriving destination, Gate Avenue at DIFC will feature three zones - the North, Central and South - all connected by an outdoor Promenade level that delivers a luxurious community hub for professionals, residents, and visitors.

Offering 660,000 square feet of build-up area, Gate Avenue at DIFC will bring visitors a selection of more than 150 dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Connecting new ideas, experiences and people, the flourishing destination will be the substantiating element that transitions the financial centre into a leading global destination, while reinforcing its commitment to being an attractive place to advance, engage and enjoy.

For further information, please visit our website: www.GateAvenue.difc.ae, or follow us on Twitter/Instagram @GateAvenue

For media enquiries, please contact:
Hajar Al Ketbi
Dubai International Financial Centre
Vice President - Public Relations & Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 4 362 2440
Email:   Hajar.AlKetbi@difc.ae

Sonali Rekhi
APCO Worldwide
Associate Director
Mobile:  +971 55 6264986
Email:   srekhi@apcoworldwide.com

© Press Release 2016