Dubai Parks and Resorts says it has leased out about two-thirds of the available units at the Riverland area of its under-construction leisure development, exceeding company targets.

The Dubai-listed theme park developer said that in just eight months, it has leased over half of the 220,000 square feet of dining and retail space at Riverland, with a total of 34 lease proposals.

New retail tenants include coffee shop The Brass, the UK-originated family dining venue Giraffe, Taste of Italy, N Burger, Tom’s Deli and the European restaurant Parle.

Others announced at the end of 2015 include: Famous Dave’s barbeque, Mr Greek, Galito’s Flame Grilled Chicken, Tortilla, the Turkish restaurant Simit Sarayi, Jamba Juice, 800 Degrees Pizza, Starbucks, Shake Shack and Japanese restaurant Katsuya, Irish Village, Big Chefs and Emirati restaurant Milas.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the new restaurants, cafes and retailers who will be joining us at Riverland Dubai,” said Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

“In just eight months the management team has done an excellent job in securing a number of high-profile and exciting tenants for two-thirds of the 50-plus outlets available at Riverland Dubai. This means that we have exceeded our 2015 target of leasing out 50% of the available space and are on track to open with both unique and internationally recognised tenants. The overwhelming positive response we have received from the market demonstrates the appeal of Riverland Dubai as a destination.”

The wider theme park development, set to open in October, will include Legoland Dubai, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks Dubai attractions.