The first phase of a project to transform one of Dubai’s most historic districts is nearly complete, officials said. Construction of one of the main parts of the Deira Enrichment Project is in its final stages, with handover of residential and business units expected in the next few months. Five of the 20 districts being built in the first phase will be open to residents and visitors this summer. They will comprise shops, offices and residential apartments. The project includes waterfront residences overlooking The Creek and an extension of the Deira Souq. Ithra Dubai, the project's master developer, said the bustling centre would add to the “rich tapestry” of one of Dubai’s most popular neighbourhoods. Launched in 2017, the expansion project set out to mix the past with the present. When complete, 55.7 hectares under phase one will house more than 50 mixed-use buildings including eight hotels, 2,200 residential units and 40 restaurants. Visitors will be able to enjoy the outdoors with four neighbourhood parks and eight swimming pools. Along the coast of Dubai near Port Rashid, mid-rise modern buildings will help to breathe new life into an historic area. Lachlan Gyde, executive director of asset management at Ithra Dubai, said the impending completion of districts one, two, three 11 and 13 was a significant milestone. Mr Gyde said the project was an “embodiment of the Dubai Vision” and its modern architecture promotes environmental sustainability. With waterfront apartments, interconnected plazas, two Dubai Metro stations and a water taxi station, the development will expand into the busy Deira Souq, which will become the centre of the district. Paying homage to the tradition of trade in Deira, the development will expand the souq to become the district's centrepiece.
