Dubai - MENA Herald: Despite the abundance of air conditioned malls and plush shopping centers, consumers in the UAE are increasingly preferring to stay closer to home for family related activities such as dining out and daily shopping. A recent survey by leading Dubai-based real estate master developer and asset manager Dubai Properties (DP) has revealed that more than 80% of UAE shoppers would prefer to look for ‘hidden gems’ on their doorstep with a majority of survey respondents finding that unique local businesses are often overlooked or undiscovered.
The survey found that consumer-shopping habits in the UAE were shifting towards a more personalised, community experience where the preference would be to visit local shops and restaurants that offer something more ‘unique’ with a good price-value ratio, and a convenient location away from crowded malls and high-traffic areas. According to the survey:
84% of consumer’s surveyed want to be more involved in their local community
82% would like to buy from home-grown shops and restaurants more often
81% of respondents preferred a location closer to home for dining out and daily shopping
67% prefer to support home grown businesses over big brands
56% believe that home-grown stores offer something different and ‘unique’
Juma Bin Darwish, Executive Director Retail & Hotel Asset Management at Dubai Properties (DP) said: “The latest consumer shopping and dining habits suggest that shopping malls, once the hub of commercial life in the UAE, are quickly losing their edge in favor of ‘hidden gems’ conveniently located closer to home within a residential community or mixed-use commercial area. Keeping in touch with consumer trends and understanding the diverse needs of the city’s social diversification when it comes to shopping, dining and leisure activities is a key component in DP’s aim to become a world class asset operator of sustainable communities. As the city welcomes more and more residents into its fold, DP will continue to evolve and develop its retail offering in renowned destinations such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, DUBAILAND and Culture Village.”
Located in the heart of Business Bay, Bay Avenue Retail Promenade is on of DP’s most unique and sough-after retail areas that combines extensive casual dining options, convenient everyday shopping, charming outdoor spaces and great sports facilities.
The promenade stretches from the base of The Executive Towers, making it a great location for shopping with over 100 retailers open daily from 10am – midnight, including stationery shops, fashion boutiques, supermarkets, salons, spas, childcare facilities, banking services, and telecom and service providers.
Overlooking the Dubai downtown skyline on Sheikh Zayed Road, with plenty of parking and a short walking distance from Business Bay metro station, Bay Avenue also includes a wide range of F&B outlets and restaurants serving international cuisine including Tazzina Café, Mosaic Gourmet, Umi Sushi, Appetite and Café Barbera, to name a few.
Another of DP’s unique retail areas is the mixed-use, low-rise Bay Square development in Business Bay consisting of 13 buildings including an upcoming hotel, the Double Tree Hilton. Capturing the serene lifestyle of a piazza, Bay Square provides a pedestrian-friendly venue that attracts businesses, families, young workers, hip-restaurants and shops. With amazing dining destinations such as Circle Café, La Brioche and Pantry Café, Bay Square offers a new location where Dubai residents and visitors can enjoy the perks of being downtown in a piazza environment.
