[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Luxury real estate developer, DAMAC Properties has announced the development of AKOYA Drive, one of the longest shopping strip experiences in Dubai.

Similar in length to ‘The Walk’ at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) and reflective of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, The Croisette or Champs Elysees in Paris, AKOYA Drive will stretch 1.3 km through the AKOYA by DAMAC luxury golf community off Umm Suqeim Road and will include high-end food and beverage, retail shopping, serene locations to meet friends and a host of family entertainment offerings.

The strip will house an outdoor ice-skating rink, cinema screen and interactive kids play area. The area will be longer than 13 football pitches end to end, and create a vibrant focal point for the residents of AKOYA by DAMAC and the surrounding area. More than 80,000 people will live within 16 km of AKOYA Drive by the time is completed.

“AKOYA Drive is what everyone in Dubai has been waiting for,” said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President, DAMAC Properties. “We expect AKOYA Drive to be the new place to meet friends, entertain and get away from it all. This new haute spot with shopping, dining and entertainment will provide a real central point for those living in Arabian Ranches, through Motor City, Jumeirah Village and the surrounding areas.”