Festival City sees rise in footfall

by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 15 July 2007

Dubai Festival City has experienced a significant increase in customer footfall since the opening of the Business Bay crossing and the introduction of a toll charge for commuters using Garhoud bridge.

Festival City, which has some 2.1 million sq ft of retail space and is located close to Dubai creek, had been attracting fewer visitors than expected since it opened in 2006, a spokesperson for Dubai Festival City told ArabianBusiness.com.

But recent developments to the area's infrastructure appear to have made the development more attractive for people to visit, and the footfall is now increasing.

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"Last week we have witnessed a positive increase in traffic on Business Bay crossing, consequently followed by a significant increase in footfall at Festival Waterfront Centre," said Tom Miles, senior general manager of retail, Dubai Festival City. "Also, the new toll system is facilitating easy flow on Garhoud bridge to Dubai Festival City.

"Business Bay Crossing, with its three dedicated ramps to Dubai Festival City, is indeed a great benefit for our retail resort; the bridge is providing smooth access to visitors coming from Bur Dubai or Jumeirah neighbourhoods," he added.

Dubai Festival City is a waterfront resort with shopping, dining, entertainment areas, as well as residential and office areas.