Meraas Adds Mega Retail Unit, Canal To Its Theme Park Project In Dubai

Dubai developer Meraas has announced plans to add a major retail unit and a canal to its mega theme park development Dubai Parks & Resorts project.

The company said that it will offer retail outlets, casual dining options, quick service restaurants and other entertainment facilities at Riverpark, a large entrance plaza that will interconnect three of the five theme parks in the project.

Riverpark, which will be a part of the first phase of the project, will be spread across an area of 120,000 square metres and will have a total built up area of 20,000 square metres. It will also feature a large arena for hosting community events, street entertainment and a range of outdoor activities. Meanwhile, a tram route and service roads around the plaza will ease commute, the company said.

Meraas is also building a kilometer-long canal through the development, which will have cafes and retail outlets lining its side and water taxis to make commute easier for visitors, a statement said.

“With Dubai looking to double visitor numbers by the year 2020, we believe the innovative retail, entertainment, food and beverage options showcased at Dubai Parks & Resorts will give tourists several compelling reasons to visit the mega destination,” said Raed Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks & Resorts.

Dubai Parks & Resorts is a Dhs10 billion complex of five theme parks announced by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2012 and is situated in Jebel Ali.

The complex includes a theme park focused on India’s Bollywood cinema industry, an adventure park featuring Hollywood brands, a marine park, a children’s park and a night safari.

The development will also include a family themed hotel Lapita.

Al Nuaimi said that Riverpark will serve as a central meeting point for visitors across the three themed amusement parks as well as guests to Lapita.

“The precinct is sure to find resonance with visitors keen to sit back and unwind after an eventful day at the theme parks or to simply enjoy a fun evening with family and friends,” he said.

Meraas announced earlier this year that it will open three theme parks, the Hollywood themed Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai in the first phase of the project.

The initial phase of the mega project, for which the ground work began in February 2014, is scheduled for completion in 2016.