HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited The Yard, a new multi-purpose destination developed by Meraas in Al Khawaneej, Dubai.

 

The project is in line with Dubai's overall development plan for creating high-quality tourist destinations that are implemented in accordance with the highest standards, said a Wam news agency report.

 

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation.

 

Group chairman of Meraas Abdulla Al Habbai briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the upcoming third phase of the project and the completed second and third phases. Al Habbai said that the project contributes to Dubai’s objective of enhancing the happiness of people in the emirate and further raising its quality of life, the Wam report said.

 

Sheikh Mohammed toured The Yard, which includes the 350,000-sq-ft 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 landscaped picnic areas.

 

The third phase of The Yard’s development, which will expand its total area to 2.8 million sq ft, 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-m-tall windmill, a water mill, a well, decorative vintage pick-up trucks, farm animals and birdhouses further augment the appeal of the destination, Wam said.