DUBAI- Gate Avenue at the Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, the new premium urban retail, leisure and cultural development, has made significant construction progress ahead of its opening in 2018.

Substantial completion of the projects first phase is on track for the first half of 2018. A significant number of retail units have been handed over to tenants for design and fit-out work has started with some of the units.

The concrete structure is now 95 percent complete with 40,000 cubic metres of concrete poured to date, and blockwork installation on the project is 80 percent complete with over 45,000 cubic metres of concrete blocks installed. Stone paving and planting of the soft cape is also well underway, while 140,000 linear metres of cables, wires and trays have already been installed.

Nabil AlKindi, Chief Real Estate Officer of the DIFC Authority, said, "Gate Avenue at DIFC will transform the centres existing urban infrastructure, connecting various facets of the financial district through sleek and beautiful architecture featuring over 200 retail, lifestyle and entertainment outlets. The progress we have made on its construction is significant and the project is well on track ahead of its opening in 2018. DIFCs 2024 Strategy envisions a thriving community of 50,000 professionals based in the Centre, and Gate Avenue at DIFC is a milestone in this journey as well as a new landmark at the heart of Dubai."

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.