Dubai’s Jebel Ali area is set to have a new retail park opening in the third quarter.
The Outlet Village, modelled on a Tuscan hilltop town, will be adjacent to Dubai Parks and Resorts, equidistant between “old” Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to its developer, Meraas, it will offer discounted high-end brand merchandise all year round in a medieval Italian town setting.
The 25,000 square metres of gross leasable area is inspired by San Gimignano, which was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site because of its medieval tower houses.
“We are thrilled to add another remarkable concept to Dubai’s thriving retail landscape,” said Omar Ghalib AlBustami, a director at Meraas. “The Outlet Village brings together striking aesthetics inspired by a rich past with contemporary lifestyle, inviting visitors to explore the contrast between old and new.
“We have spared no effort to evoke the charm of San Gimignano and ensure that this distinctive shopping experience includes much-loved and prestigious brands to perfectly match the needs of today’s sophisticated customer.”
While many retailers experienced a fall in sales last year and this year, the UAE retail market set to increase value by 7 per cent this year at US$53.7 billion, over last year, according to data from consultancy Euromonitor International.
Dubai retained its position as the second most important international shopping destination globally last year, behind London.
ascott@thenational.ae
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