Retail resort takes shape at DFC.

(From Gulf Construction)

Dubai Dubai Festival City, the Middle East's largest privately-funded, mixed-use development taking shape on the banks of Dubai Creek, is set to open five major components over the next year, starting with the launch of the flagship Toyota showroom at the project's automotive park this month. Other showrooms that are are being built include those for Lexus, Honda, Volvo, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge, completing its automotive park offering by December and redefining the car buying experience in Dubai

The launch of the city-within-a-city's two new schools in September, the American Universal School and Deira International School, will complete the development's educational offering. November will see the opening of the UAE's largest Ikea store at DFC's centrepiece destination, Festival Centre - a 2.6 million sq ft retail, entertainment and hospitality epicentre fronted by the Dubai Creek views

Phil McArthur, director of leasing and marketing, Dubai Festival City, recently highlighted to over 50 managers for some of the world's leading brands the new developments that are shaping Festival Centre which is being fashioned into an 'urban retail resort'

To be fully completed in September 2006, the Festival Centre will cater for every need by seamlessly integrating a variety of experiences, including 400 shops representing some of the world's leading brands

To help create this distinct urban retail resort, Dubai Festival City has rekindled its relationship with original masterplan architects, Jerde Partnership, which brought its flair and vision to the Festival Centre layout

"In conjunction with Jerde, we have created a retail and entertainment destination infused with water and generous public spaces that will confirm Festival Centre's place as a highly sought-after meeting, dining and shopping magnet," said McArthur. "In addition, special features such as our 'Sometime Pond' in the heart of the shopping centre -which ...