Dubai Parks and Resorts on course for 2016 opening

Riverland Dubai signs on big names as retail and F&B tenants.

26 November

Riverland Dubai, a component of Dubai Parks and Resorts, has announced the first retailers that will join the new dining, retail and entertainment destination set to open in October 2016.

Riverland Dubai is a themed retail, dining and entertainment waterfront district which will be the entry point to Dubai Parks and Resorts' theme parks.

With leasing having commenced in May this year, Riverland Dubai will offer around 220,000 square feet of dining and retail space spread across a one-kilometre-long waterfront.

The leasing team has worked to attract new concepts to Dubai such as America's Famous Dave's barbecue and Mr Greek as well as South Africa's Galito's Flame Grilled Chicken. The water-side restaurants will also serve offer food options, including Tortilla (Mexican), Simit Sarayi (Turkish), 800 Degrees Pizza (Italian) and many more.

A multitude of other well-known venues will also open in Riverland Dubai, including UAE establishments such as Irish Village; Big Chefs and Emirati restaurant Milas. Jamba Juice, Fuzziwigs Candy Factory and Starbucks will also set up shop.

Retail stores set to open include beachwear brand Havaianas and Sun Eye Optics.

Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts, said: "All visitors to Dubai Parks and Resorts will pass through Riverland Dubai. In building this destination, we have been inspired by many different cultures and countries. So, it is important that the brands chosen also represent this and appeal to different nationalities, tastes and requirements of our guests."

Klaus Assmann, vice-president of retail and hospitality, said: "We started leasing the 50-plus outlets available in May and in less than four months, almost 50 per cent of the units have been leased."

Dubai Parks and Resorts is set to be the region's largest theme park destination. Riverland Dubai will be both the main entrance to the resort and a connecting point between all three theme parks - Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park and the Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed hotel.

Guests will begin their journey at Dubai Parks and Resorts by strolling through Riverland Dubai's medieval French village. The visitors will next experience 1950s America.

Next, visitors will experience India Gate, characterised by 1930s-inspired architecture. Finally, guests can relax at Peninsula, an area inspired by 19th century architecture. Surrounded by the river, guests can enjoy casual dining options. This is where festivals and concerts will take place.