Emaar Malls Group has opened phase one of Souk Al Bahar, a stylish leisure and retail destination set within the context of a traditional Arabian souk, or market.

With its exclusive location in The Old Town Island, Souk Al Bahar lies at the heart of the Downtown Burj Dubai development. 

Blending a special mix of the old and new, and celebrating Arabic heritage with contemporary and modern overtures, Souk Al Bahar features winding corridors, high archways and tranquil areas overlooking Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building.

“Souk Al Bahar will be the ideal destination for Dubai’s tourists and residents to shop, dine, socialise and relax in a new and vibrant atmosphere in the Downtown Burj Dubai,” said Emaar Malls Group chief executive officer Rashid Zakaria Doleh.

“With its confirmed unique mix of over 100 speciality stores spread over two levels, when complete, Souk Al Bahar will offer its visitors an incredible waterfront experience with arguably the best views in Dubai of the Burj Dubai.”

Phase one of Souk Al Bahar will see over 50 stores offering an eclectic mix of handicrafts, souvenirs, fashion and accessories and homewares in addition to several popular cafés including Starbucks and Caribou Coffee.

A 5,587 sq ft Spinneys has opened and is the largest of the three supermarkets serving the Downtown Burj Dubai community.

By mid-2008 when Souk Al Bahar is fully operational, a key attraction will be its strong dining offer with a dynamic selection of over 22 restaurants and cafés overlooking the Souk’s extensive waterfront promenade.

By the end of 2007, well over 50 per cent of retailers will be open with a continuous rollout of retail and food & beverage launches in the following six months.  

Phase one will be complemented by roaming entertainment every weekend during the month of December. Complementing the launch is the ‘coming alive’ of the Boulevard which will transform the area into an outdoor community festival with themed weekend events and live entertainment. 

“Souk Al Bahar will be the best all-round leisure and entertainment destination that will appeal to residents and tourists of all ages,” added Doleh.

“As the greater Downtown Burj Dubai community comes alive, Souk Al Bahar will emerge into the public eye as Dubai’s next hotspot destination and a must-see on every visitor’s agenda.”

Accessibility is another key feature of Souk Al Bahar apart from its picturesque ‘island’ atmosphere in the Burj Dubai Lake.

It is conveniently situated between what is now known as ‘new Dubai’ and city centre areas encompassing Deira, Satwa and Bur Dubai, attracting Dubai’s largest residential populations to its central location.

In September 2008, Souk Al Bahar will be greatly enhanced by the opening of The Dubai Mall and the direct bridge connecting the two malls will open up an unparalleled shopping and entertainment experience.

Souk Al Bahar complements the existing retail offer in The Old Town quarter of smaller souk-style retail areas such as Dukkan Al Manzil and Dukkan Qamardeen, and is anchored by a luxury hotel, The Palace.

Emaar’s prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai community is where some of the world’s most ambitious developments are planned including Emaar Malls Group’s flagship project, The Dubai Mall and Burj Dubai, the tallest free-standing structure in the world.

When complete, the retail and leisure destination will be home to several of Dubai’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment avenues through the daytime and evening hours.

Emaar Malls Group, is the retail and shopping mall subsidiary of Emaar Properties, a leading property developer based in Dubai, and drives its diversification into shopping malls.

This is in line with Emaar’s Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. Emaar has annou