164,700 sq ft of gross leasable area
Phase one to see over 50 stores opening, including cafés
Leisure and retail destination for residents and tourists
Dubai, UAE; December 15, 2007: Emaar Malls Group LLC, the shopping mall subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has opened phase one of Souk Al Bahar, a stylish leisure and retail destination set within the context of a traditional Arabian souk, or market. With its exclusive location in The Old Town Island, Souk Al Bahar lies at the heart of the prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai development.
Blending a unique mix of the old and new, and celebrating Arabic heritage with contemporary and modern overtures, Souk Al Bahar features winding corridors, high archways and tranquil areas overlooking Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building.
"Souk Al Bahar will be the ideal destination for Dubai's tourists and residents to shop, dine, socialise and relax in a new and vibrant atmosphere in the Downtown Burj Dubai," said Mr Rashid Zakaria Doleh, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group. "With its confirmed unique mix of over 100 speciality stores spread over two levels, when complete, Souk Al Bahar will offer its visitors an incredible waterfront experience with arguably the best views in Dubai of the Burj Dubai."
Phase one of Souk Al Bahar will see over 50 stores offering an eclectic mix of handicrafts, souvenirs, fashion and accessories and homewares in addition to several popular cafés including Starbucks and Caribou Coffee. A 5,587 sq ft Spinneys has opened and is the largest of the three supermarkets serving the Downtown Burj Dubai community.
By mid-2008 when Souk Al Bahar is fully operational, a key attraction will be its strong dining offer with a dynamic selection of over 22 restaurants and cafés overlooking the Souk's extensive waterfront promenade. By the end of 2007, well over 50 per cent of retailers will be open with a continuous rollout of retail and food & beverage launches in the following six months.
Phase one will be complemented by roaming entertainment every weekend during the month of December. Complementing the launch is the 'coming alive' of the Boulevard which will transform the area into an outdoor community festival with themed weekend events and live entertainment.
"Souk Al Bahar will be the best all-round leisure and entertainment destination that will appeal to residents and tourists of all ages," added Mr Doleh. "As the greater Downtown Burj Dubai community comes alive, Souk Al Bahar will emerge into the public eye as Dubai's next hotspot destination and a must-see on every visitor's agenda."
Accessibility is another key feature of Souk Al Bahar apart from its picturesque 'island' atmosphere in the Burj Dubai Lake. It is conveniently situated between what is now known as 'new Dubai' and city centre areas encompassing Deira, Satwa and Bur Dubai, attracting Dubai's largest residential populations to its central location. In September 2008, Souk Al Bahar will be greatly enhanced by the opening of The Dubai Mall and the direct bridge connecting the two malls will open up an unparalleled shopping and entertainment experience.
Souk Al Bahar complements the existing retail offer in The Old Town quarter of smaller souk-style retail areas such as Dukkan Al Manzil and Dukkan Qamardeen, and is anchored by a luxury hotel, The Palace.
Emaar's prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai community is where some of the world's most ambitious developments are planned including Emaar Malls Group's flagship project, The Dubai Mall and Burj Dubai, the tallest free-standing structure in the world. When complete, the retail and leisure destination will be home to several of Dubai's finest shopping, dining and entertainment avenues through the daytime and evening hours.
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About Emaar Malls Group LLC:
Emaar Malls Group LLC, is the retail and shopping mall subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, a leading property developer based in Dubai, and drives its diversification into shopping malls. This is in line with Emaar's Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Emaar has announced investments in shopping malls of over US$4 billion (AED 15 billion) with 12 million sq ft of retail property in operation or under development in the emerging markets of the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia and is on target to become one of the largest developers of shopping malls in the world.
At the forefront of these developments is the flagship The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest malls in the heart of the Downtown Burj Dubai. Opening in late 2008, The Dubai Mall will be a premier lifestyle and entertainment destination. Emaar Malls Group is also developing two other malls in Dubai; Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque shopping and entertainment development on The Old Town Island which opened in December 2007, and the Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping mall for residents of the Dubai Marina community opening in mid-2008. Recently, Emaar Malls Group unveiled Cairo Gate, Egypt's largest shopping mall and leisure destination at the Cairo-Alexandria Project site, a mixed-use development spread over 160 acres.
About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest property development companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Emaar Properties, which has a strong presence in 36 global markets, has expanded into shopping malls in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world through a two-pronged approach of geographic expansion and business segmentation. For more information visit www.emaar.ae.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East & North Africa
Tel: (+971 4) 335 5969;
Fax: (+971 4) 335 6080
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, n.william@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2007
