Just in time for Valentine’s…
Meraas, the people behind developments including La Mer, The Beach JBR and Boxpark, have just unveiled a new destination that’s definitely worth checking out, called The Yard.
The 350,000 square-foot extension adds to the existing Last Exit D89 in the up-and-coming Al Khawaneej area on the outskirts of the city, near Mushrif Park.
As well as the typical extension of new restaurants, shops and landscaped areas, The Yard is also home to Dubai’s first ‘Promise Bridge’. Also known as a love locks bridge, it’s an ode to the original Ponts des Arts bridge in Paris where people can make symbolic pledges to their loved ones by attaching padlocks to the bridge, usually with their initials on them.
There’s a whole new area to explore in Dubai, and it’s now ready for visitors.
The Yard is a new destination in the rapidly developing Al Khawaneej area, and opens to the public today (Thursday January 25).
Encompassing Last Exit D89, which launched in 2017 as an initial phase, The Yard is billed as a “suburban hideaway”.
And this picturesque 350,000 sq ft extension, The Yard, is now open to the public, with the aim of growing it into a 2.8m sq ft “urban destination”.
The Yard comprises a rustic courtyard, an organic farmer’s market, a bakery, air-conditioned and open-air restaurants and dining spaces, a unique mix of shops, a lake with two bridges spanning it, shaded walking trails and expansive landscaped picnic areas.
The project, from Meraas, is family-friendly and is inspired by the surrounding neighbourhoods, known as Dubai’s agricultural heartland. The architecture, interiors and landscaping aim to “create a laid-back ambience for families from the local community and beyond to enjoy”.
An 18-metre-high windmill, a water mill, a wishing well, decorative vintage pick-up trucks, farm animals and bird houses make up the rustic and quirky décor.
There’s also a “Promise Bridge”, to lock padlocks on, while stepping stones lead visitors from the main courtyard to the lake and picnic areas, where they can follow breakfast, lunch or dinner with a casual stroll or brisk walk around the 550-metre walkway.
The Yard also features plenty of parking, drop-off points and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are also plans to host community events “that bring residents and visitors together to socialise, explore, learn, play, create and innovate”.
That’s our weekend plans sorted, we’ll see you there.
Al Khawaneej, near Mushrif Park.
