The Downtown region of Dubai is a bustling metropolis made up of numerous districts, each with its own concentration. Downtown Dubai is the epicenter, serving as both a worldwide commercial hub with major corporate offices and a dynamic tourist destination with iconic buildings such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Under the direction of Emaar Properties, the Dubai government set aside 2,500 square meters of land in 1997 for the development of mixed-use complexes mixing residential and retail spaces. This district has a rectangular shape and is bounded by the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road. Nearby districts include Al Wasl, Business Bay, Zabeel, and Trade Centre.