Foundation of the Dubai Festival City begins Dubai, Nov. 18, 2003 (WAM)-- Foundation work has begun on 2.5 million square feet of retail and entertainment space at the Dubai Festival City - the waterfront destination being developed on the banks of Dubai Creek. +This is the start of this huge construction component of Dubai Festival City which will result in one of the biggest and most varied retail and entertainment offerings in the Middle East,+ said Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of the Al Futtaim Group, which is developing the project. +After six months of foundation work, Dubai will be able to track, in particular, the development of The Crescent, which is set to be the jewel in the crown of the Dubai Festival City and will be completed in 2006.+ The Crescent is designed to be a waterfront entertainment and retail centre inspired by the finest festival marketplaces in the world, reports published in dailies said.. +Dubai's first High Street retail offering, which will have no less than 400 shops, cafes and restaurants, will be home to 10 international flagship retailers, leading into a two-level, enclosed retail environment which will be complimented by unique restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues,+ Omar Al-Futtaim added. +It will be a beautiful setting for meeting, dining and shopping and will be the main component to provide Dubai Festival City with its 'sense of place.+ At the heart of The Crescent will be the Grand Boulevard, Festival Square and an elevated entertainment zone,+ he said. WAM/AL DUBAI - Foundation work has begun on 2.5 million square feet of retail and entertainment offerings at Dubai Festival City - the waterfront destination being developed on the banks of Dubai Creek. "This is the start of this huge construction component of Dubai Festival City which will result in one of the biggest and varied retail and entertainment offerings in the Middle East," said Omar Al-Futtaim, CEO of the Al-Futtaim Group, which is developing the 'city-within-a-city.' "After six months of foundation work, Dubai will be able to track, in particular, the development of The Crescent, which is set to be the jewel in the crown of Dubai Festival City and will be complete in 2006." The Crescent is designed to be a waterfront entertainment and retail centre inspired by the finest festival marketplaces in the world and just two kilometres from Dubai International Airport. Its unique architectural design, dominated by generous civic plazas and waterfront experiences, has been created by the award-winning American architectural firm, HOK. 15 18 CCCCQQE