DUBAI
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday visited “The Yard” project, Meraas’ new multi-purpose destination at Al Khawaneej area.
The project is part of Dubai’s comprehensive development plan, which aims to introduce new high-end tourist and service destinations to be implemented according to the highest standards that guarantee the integration of services provided to visitors to meet their needs.
Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied Shaikh Mohammad during his visit.
Abdullah Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas, briefed Shaikh Mohammad on the upcoming third phase of the project and the completed first and second phases.
Al Habbai said the project contributes to Dubai’s objective of enhancing the happiness of people in the emirate and further raising its quality of life.
Shaikh Mohammad toured The Yard, which includes the 350,000-square-foot Last Exit D89, a rustic courtyard, a farmer’s market, a bakery, air-conditioned and open-air restaurants, dining spaces, a unique mix of shops, a lake, shaded walking trails and expansive landscaped picnic areas.
The third phase of The Yard’s development, which will expand its total area to 2.8 million square-feet, will include many public and entertainment facilities. Featuring a design inspired by its surroundings, the new project includes cinemas, sports facilities, a shopping centre, a hypermarket and tracks for walking and jogging.
Blending a rural farm environment with urban accents, The Yard has a distinctive visual identity with playful murals that provide an ideal destination for families. The Yard reflects Meraas’ strong commitment to create family-friendly destinations and connect communities. An 18-metre-tall windmill, a water mill, a wishing well, decorative vintage pickup trucks, farm animals and birdhouses further augment the appeal of the destination.
