Wadi Walk bucks Dubai's high-rise trend

The apartments are now up for grabs as part of the Wadi Walk community at City of Arabia, the spectacular $5bn retail, residential, commercial and entertainment destination lying at the gateway to Dubailand.

Currently under construction by Greek firm Terna, Wadi Walk will be a charming, vibrant waterfront community characterised by stylish Mediterranean style low rise apartments, outdoor cafes and attractive retail outlets which combine to create an attractive lifestyle proposition at City of Arabia. It is expected to be ready by the end of 2009.

Ilyas Galadari, Chairman of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, project owners of City Arabia, explained why house-hunters eager for alternatives to Dubai's multitude of skyscrapers are showing strong interest in the latest batch of stunning apartments to become available at Wadi Walk.

He said:

"There are very few developments like Wadi Walk in Dubai low-rise buildings which offer Mediterranean living, with scores of wonderful boutiques and bistros nearby. Dubai has placed a great emphasis on high-rise buildings, which provide us with stunning skylines, but this really is a rare jewel in the city's crown."

His brother, Mustafa, who is Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, added, "We have made available a limited number of one and two-bedroom apartments in zone five. These sold very well in zones one to four and are expected to be snapped up quickly, particularly by single people and couples."

On the ground floor of Wadi Walk, retail outlets, cafés, restaurants and convenience stores will open on to tree-lined walkways furnished with sun shades. There, residents and visitors will have freedom to stroll and relax, as seasonal entertainers conjure up an atmosphere reminiscent of London's Covent Garden or a Parisian street scene.

Acting as the focal point of the development, Wadi Walk's meandering eight-kilometre canal will be kept to a deep blue colour and pristine quality by 11 water filtration plants sunk within the basement. Visitors will be able to cruise the waterway aboard fleets of water taxis which are electronically powered to eliminate noise and pollution.

Phase one of Wadi Walk will contain six retail zones, providing space for more than 1,000 outlets, including fashion brands and general retail stores as well as a range of international eateries.

The development is designed to restrict traffic flow, with cars and other vehicles diverted to the rear of the apartment buildings where there will be ample car parking for shoppers or those dining out and relaxing along the waterway. Each of the apartments will have their own parking spaces.

Many visitors will arrive by Dubai Metro and transfer quickly to City of Arabia's own monorail for the short onward journey to Wadi Walk and other destinations.