Dubai Design District (d3), a new freezone business park being developed by UAE-based Tecom Group featuring a mix of residential, hospitality, retail and office space has announced the opening of The Block, a recreational facility for d3’s community, at the Waterfront, the city’s first canal side recreational development.

Located opposite the Design Quarter, the open-air destination offers a range of different outdoor and leisure areas including a basketball and volley ball court, a skate park, outdoor gym, climbing wall and the first urban beach in the city.

CEO Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi said: “We are delighted to open The Block, an extension of our evolving community that firmly positions d3 as an innovative lifestyle destination. The space is unique to the region and can be used to host events for the d3 community. We welcome everyone to come and explore our ever-growing creative neighbourhood.”

Featuring an imaginative design, The Block is accessible by water taxi and offers the d3 community a space to relax and unwind in. Boasting a range of new eateries, the facility also allows visitors to bring their own picnic baskets.

The ramps that are situated in the park also permit BMX bikes. In addition, the facility includes a dedicated section for Callisthenics, while allowing visitors to rent out essential equipment for kickboxing, table tennis and badminton.

In support of d3’s efforts to embrace sustainability, The Block was developed with an ecological mindset, re-cycling 27 tonnes of concrete that was used in the canal area during construction. Landscape Architect, Desert Ink, one of d3’s creative partners was commissioned to design the newly-opened waterfront recreational area.

The Miami Vibes Food Festival is currently underway at The Block until April 14, offering a variety of cuisines from 30 street food vendors. The Candy Land themed festival will host live performances from local artists and DJs on weekends, in addition to showcasing a unique collection of art installations.

Entrance to the destination is free of charge with parking available. The destination is open daily until midnight.

Dubai Design District, (d3), a member of Dubai Holding, is a destination dedicated to design. Created to provide a home to the region’s growing number of designers, creatives and artists, d3 has fast become the hub for inspiration and innovation. Located in the heart of Dubai, just minutes away from Dubai Mall the thriving community provides a platform where individuals can unite, collaborate and create.  

The Design Quarter at d3 is fully operational with over 400 creative partners and retailers. Visitors can discover an authentic shopping and dining experience with unique lifestyle boutiques, fashion ateliers, art galleries, design workshops and home grown restaurants. d3 has also become a popular events space, attracting international crowds and artists to cultural exhibitions such as Dubai Design Week, Fashion Forward and Sole DXB.

The Block, at d3 Waterfront is now open to the d3 Community and its visitors. d3’s recreational facility, is a space to relax and unwind, as well as escape and get fit. It features a skate park, basketball and volleyball court, climbing walls, an urban beach as well as outdoor seating and entertainment areas.-TradeArabia News Service