Nakheel, a leading Dubai-based developer, today confirmed high-end British supermarket chain Waitrose as the first anchor tenant at Al Khail Avenue, its new mall to be constructed at Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle.

Waitrose will occupy 35,000 sq ft at the new shopping, dining and entertainment hub, which has attracted strong interest from retailers since its launch this week, the developer said.

Omar Khoory, director of Nakheel Retail, said: “We have held more than 100 meetings from interested retailers since Al Khail Avenue opened for lease five days ago.  We are delighted to announce Waitrose as our first confirmed tenant, and expect to announce more big name brands soon.”

Al Khail Avenue is being leased through a bidding process, under which retailers are invited to send proposals to Nakheel by January 29.

Located at Nakheel’s Jumeirah Village Triangle community, alongside Dubai’s Al Khail Road, the mall has 1.5 million sq ft of available retail, dining and entertainment space.  It will feature 350 shops including Waitrose, department stores and speciality outlets, a multi-screen cinema, entertainment zone and a diverse range of cafes and restaurants including al fresco dining. There will also be a five-level car park for more than 4,400 vehicles.

Nakheel expects to issue a construction tender in Q1 2015, with project completion anticipated in 2018.

Al Khail Avenue is the latest project in Nakheel’s growing portfolio of retail developments.  Others are Nakheel Mall, Deira Islands Mall, Circle Mall, The Pointe, Deira Islands Night Souk and Warsan Souk, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart and neighbourhood retail centres across Dubai.

More information on leasing opportunities at Al Khail Avenue can be availed by calling +971 4 390 3333 or at www.nakheel.com  -TradeArabia News Service