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DIFC's Gate Avenue on track for H1 2018 opening

Construction work on the Gate Avenue at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is nearing completion, and the project's first phase is on track for its opening in the first half of 2018, officials said on Wednesday.
Speaking during a media tour of the site, Nabil AlKindi, chief real estate officer at the DIFC Authority, said that construction on the Dh1 billion urban infrastructure development continues to be on schedule. Upon completion, the site will be a premium urban retail, leisure and cultural development destination, that will prove popular with residents and tourists alike. Set in the heart of DIFC, the Gate Avenue will feature wide open spaces and plenty of walkways that build on the connectivity that the area is already known for.
Highlighting the construction progress, AlKindi noted that the concrete structure is now 95 per cent complete with 40,000 cubic meters of concrete poured to date. Blockwork installation on the project stands at 80 per cent completion with over 45,000 cubic meters of concrete blocks installed. Stone paving and planting of the soft cape is also well underway, while 140,000 linear meters of cables, wires and trays have already been installed. A significant number of retail units have also been handed over to tenants for design, and fitout work has already started with some of the units.
"We wanted to ensure that the destination did not look empty or half complete when we officially open to the public," AlKindi said. "This is extremely important when you consider the retail elements of the destination. We are looking at a good mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings in the portfolio. There were challenges along the way, but we have worked with different entities to overcome them."
He added: "The Gate Avenue at DIFC will transform the centre's existing urban infrastructure, connecting the various facets of the financial district through sleek and beautiful architecture featuring over 200 retail, lifestyle and entertainment outlets. The progress we have made on its construction is significant and the project is well on track ahead of its opening in 2018. DIFC's 2024 Strategy envisions a thriving community of 50,000 professionals based in the Centre, and Gate Avenue at DIFC is a milestone in this journey as well as a new landmark at the heart of Dubai."
Spanning across 660,000 square feet of built up area and 880 metres in total length, Gate Avenue at DIFC will link the podium levels of all buildings located in DIFC, from the Gate Building to Central Park Towers. Upon completion, the flagship development is set to enhance the DIFC's position as a first-of-its kind destination with over 200 dining, boutique, retail and entertainment options, as well as the-state-of-art mosque.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com