His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Waterfront Market in the Dubai district of Al Hamriya on Friday, following its recent soft opening.

The new state-of-the-art facility covers an area of over 100,000 square metres and includes a fish market and auction area, a fruit and vegetable market, and a meat and poultry market, as well as stores for dry goods, spices, dates, honey and many more items. The market also features a hypermarket, a mix of retail stores, office space and a beautiful promenade area for cafes and restaurants.

Sheikh Mohammed said that he was pleased with the market, which is considered a new shopping and tourist attraction that overlooks the Gulf. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised on the importance of indoor shopping centres in serving the needs of the public and providing a perfect atmosphere for families.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director of the Dubai Protocol and Hospitality Department, and several senior officials.

Along with the fresh food markets, there will also be a bazaar for retail, creating a one-stop shop for all customers. The facility also includes banks, restaurants, coffee shops, a dried fruit and herb market, as well as an open promenade where shoppers can go for leisurely strolls.

Sheikh Mohammed inspected the adjacent fishing boat and water taxi piers, as well as the taxi reception area that will cater to tourists visiting the market, which also has an underground parking for 1,200 cars.

The Waterfront Market was developed by Ithra Dubai, which is wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Following its construction, the facility was handed over to the Dubai Municipality, which will manage it.

Source: Khaleej Times