The Yard: A new lakefront destination has just opened in Dubai

The National -- Meraas, the developer behind Last Exit, City Walk, La Mer and more, have just opened a new alfresco hangout in Al Khawaneej.

The Yard is a 350,000 square foot development that's connected to Last Exit D89, and while the shops and restaurants there aren't all open yet, the lake is full, the landscaping is done and it's now open to the public.

Meraas say the whole area will eventually spread out over 2.8 million square feet (to put that into perspective, Dubai Mall has an internal floor area of 5.9 million square feet).

The Yard has a lake, with two pedestrian bridges, as well as a 550-metre shaded walking trail and landscaped picnic areas.

There will also be both al-fresco and indoor eating options, a regular farmer's market and a mix of shops. Most of the retail outlets aren't open just yet, but the Last Exit trucks are there, and we will let you know the full list of eating options once they are all operating.

There's an 18-metre tall windmill at The Yard, as well as a wishing well, farm animals and plenty of street art murals.

Also, for the romantics among us, there's a 'Promise Bridge' where you can attach a padlock in honour of a loved one (how nostalgic and 'Instagrammable' all at once).

Plus, there's plenty of free parking too.

This opening, along with the new Mirdif 35 mall that features boutique shops and cafes, including Qahwaty Coffee and Maska gift wrapping, certainly signals a livening up of the traditional Khawaneej area of Dubai.