As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope.
Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape and luxurious dining options to boot. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport the venue is also one of the most accessible attractions in Dubai with a visionary design that looks to the future in every sense of the word.
Offering shopaholics a wide range of global brands the Dubai Festival City encompasses more than 600 stores with an impressive 25 flagship outlets of the world’s leading brands. Highlights for fashionistas include Esprit, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Adidas, Nine West, Paris Hilton and Billabong boutiques while the Mont Blanc, Diesel Accessories, Guess Accessories and Just Accessories outlets are also popular among frequent shoppers. Ladies can indulge in their footwear fetish at Chic Shoes, Nocoli and Forever 21 where the latest trends off the runways of Europe are available under one space for convenience. Home to its very own Ferrari flagship dealer the venue also houses large IKEA, Toys ‘R’ Us, Plug Ins, Ace Hardware, Paris Gallery, Magrudy’s and Samsonite showrooms as well.
Movie fanatics can catch the latest thrillers at the locale’s Grand Cinema Complex which boast 12 screens. Bowling fans can also try their hand at the sport at Bowling City while those who wish to discover the Festival City’s most scenic corners can head down to the Canal Walk where one can dine alfresco while enjoying a waterside location. The terraced pathways of the Canal are also breathtaking as the entire space also encompasses a large number of abras. The 250m long Festival Marina, the venue’s signature yachting centre is also found here in addition to a number of elegant restaurants.
Littered with almost a hundred bistros, cost cafes and plush restaurants including the country’s signature Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City is a foodie’s dream come true. Tipped to have the largest collection of waterside restaurants in all of the Middle East the locale’s true star is the Marina Restaurant Pavilion with its idyllic eateries and riviera-like placement.
Travellers in search of a Dubai airport hotel should look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Renowned as a 5 star hotel Dubai counts among its best accommodation providers this luxurious rest offer plush living quarters for holidaymakers and those on business.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.