Residents increasingly prefer to stay closer to home for family related activities such as community events, dining out and shopping 

Dubai, UAE - February 18, 2017:  A recent survey  by leading Dubai-based real estate master developer and asset manager Dubai Properties (DP) has revealed that 84% of UAE consumer’s surveyed want to be more involved in their local community and that 82% would like to buy from ‘home-grown’ shops and restaurants more often. This trend towards more personalized community and shopping experiences, where family activities and neighborhood spirit take precedence over ‘big-brands’, crowded malls and high-traffic tourist attractions, has been the main focus of DP as it aims to become a world class asset operator of sustainable communities and continues to develop its retail and leisure offering in renowned destinations such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, DUBAILAND and Culture Village.

The survey found that majority of respondents felt that unique local businesses are often overlooked or undiscovered, and that by integrating these ‘hidden gems’ within a residential community, residents are far more likely to get involved with supporting their neighborhood stores and being actively involved in community events and activities.

According to the survey:

• 80% of UAE shoppers would prefer to look for ‘hidden gems’ on their doorstep
• 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 DP said: “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 transform its communities into family-friendly “it” destinations where residents and visitors can get together through a variety of event offerings and family-fun activities throughout the year.”

Located in the heart of Business Bay, Bay Avenue Retail Promenade and the mixed-use, low-rise Bay Square development are both popular retail, leisure and entertainments destinations in DP’s portfolio. Throughout the winter months, DP hosted a number of unique events and community happenings at the centre of Business Bay that brought together entire communities to enjoy the good weather and sample some of the neighborhood’s hidden delights.  

Sporting events proved particular popular with residents and visitors alike as hundreds of yoga-fans turned up for the “Piloga Think Pink” event at Bay Square to raise awareness for breast cancer in October, as well as the “Emirates Bikes Festival” at Bay Avenue which attracted large crowds of motor-heads who were kept entertained by the world championship for motorcycles stunts. 

Children’s activities were also a huge hit with the “Halloween Party for Kids” drawing in the crowds for a range of fun-filled Halloween activities and the “Movie Night for Kids” a firm favourite throughout November as children gathered to watch their favourite movies on the weekends. 

DP’s winter activities culminated in the “National Day Celebration” at Bay Avenue where families were invited to enjoy live traditional performances, participate in Henna stations, enjoy falcon the display and traditional food, and including activities and entertainment for kids. 

Dubai’s food lovers and culinary buffs are treated to the “Farmers Market on the Terrace” by Baker & Spice, which began in November and will continue till the end of May 2017. The market has more than 40 vendors and plenty of food stalls, cooking stations and take-home retail items as well as cooking demonstrations from Taj Hotel top chefs. 

DP’s additional activities for art lovers included a free outdoor Art Class at Bay Square that was open to students aged 10 years and over. Every Saturday, 10 art teachers embarked 20 students on a full curriculum with an introduction to all kinds of painting techniques such as acrylic, spray, oil, water colors, sketching and others.

Overlooking the Dubai downtown skyline on Sheikh Zayed Road, with plenty of parking and a short walking distance from Business Bay metro station, both Bay Avenue and Bay Square are home to a wide range of F&B outlets, salons and other amenities where Dubai residents and visitors can enjoy the perks of being downtown in an outdoor environment.