The Dubai Metro has sold 92 per cent of the retail outlets in the two Red and Green Lines and the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)?is inviting bidders to participate in the tender for the remaining eight per cent.
Despite the economic downturn, the first bid sold off 92 per cent of the outlets that included, shops, kiosks, restaurants and ATM?locations. However, the winners of the tender have not been announced yet, according to Peymen Younes, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Department at RTA Corporate Support Services Sector.
"The tender winners have been finalised, but we will announce the names at a press conference later," said Younes.
The second phase includes general retail services, food and beverage outlets and convenience stores. Younes said that could include restaurants, pharmacies, stores, and definitely banks. ATM locations are separately leased.
"We are not calling on individuals to bid for the spaces. In fact, companies bidding to acquire space need to be very well-established in town, and financially stable," he added.
Younes said retailers often bid on a number of locations instead of one.
"The remaining eight per cent will be open for bidding from established retailers rather than individuals." Younes said the retail outlets would not only cater to passengers. "Since people are in and out all the time, and the stations are open for 24 hours, we are expecting to attract non-commuting visitors to our retail space."
"We have got to benchmark with the top-standards shopping malls in Dubai. It is also crucial for us to make sure that the services offered at the Metro match its top-notch quality." Younes did not specify the locations of the remaining outlets. "They could be anywhere."
Starting the bid on June 18, RTA has requested a bank guarantee of Dh120,000 valid for 180 days.
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