Dubai’s Burj Binghatti, Abu Dhabi’s museums, Sharjah’s floating theatre – here is a closer look at all the upcoming projects that will shape the UAE in the next 10 years.
The UAE is currently embarking on the development of several ambitious megaprojects, poised to shape the future of the nation and redefine its position as a global and regional leader.
The upcoming megaprojects of the UAE are also a testament to the nation’s continued efforts and commitment to shaping its future.
That being said, here is a look a some of UAE’s upcoming megaprojects that will transform the nation over the next 10 years:
Etihad Rail unveiled a prototype of the passenger train, showcased on UAE’s 51st National Day, which was on December 2, 2022.
“It is a privilege for Etihad Rail to serve the nation, and we were honored to be showcased in UAE’s National Day Celebrations. This national showcase provided the perfect opportunity to give the UAE public a glimpse of the future, unveiling our first prototype passenger train,” said in a tweet.
The rail, on completion, will be utilised initially to transport heavy goods, before carrying over millions of passengers by 2030 – thus, reducing travel time between cities.
The national railway network is currently working closely with the Federal Transport Authority and various transport authorities across UAE to continue its development of existing networks to improve passenger connections.
Set to surpass the Dubai’s 393-metre Princess Tower as the world’s tallest residential tower, the Burj Binghatti is a collaboration between property developer Binghatti and luxury jewellery company Jacob & Co.
He added that the residential tower will be “the apex of the luxury narrative in this evocative construction, a signature feature that add further grandeur to the city’s skyline.”
Abu Dhabi’s much-awaited new Midfield Terminal will open towards the end of 2023, according to a report by Momberger Airport Information.
Moreover, there is a “road tunnel leading from the midfield to the present terminal, which would facilitate easy connections for passengers. The midfield terminal can also be expanded with a satellite boarding concourse. Another tunnel, which can accommodate an APM is already present,” the report said.
Abu Dhabi is now home to the world’s largest marine-based theme park, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Open since February 8, 2023, the 183,000-square-metre venue will be a research and rescue center and will also be home to over 150 marine species, and will be led by marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals, rescue experts and educators.
Built on five indoor levels, the venue will also have a rescue team, who will be available to support authorities 24/7.
Visitors at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi can take advantage of immersive and interactive exhibits.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi reportedly contain over 58 million litres of water.
Set to open by Q2 2024, the Dubai Wasl Tower is an asymmetrical, twisted, tower with a height of 302-metres.
In October 2022, Arabian Business reported that structural works on the 56th floor of the tower have been completed and the façade has progressed to level 13, citing Wasl asset management group.
A new skyscraper will add to Downtown Dubai as Shamal Holding has announced its plan to open Baccarat Hotel and Residences in 2026. The building, which will have glass façade is designed by Studio Libeskind and interior design studio, 1508 London.
Launched initially in New York in 2015, the Baccarat Hotels and Residences will be the first-of-its-kind in Dubai.
Binhabtoor added: “Dubai is known for its luxury hotel portfolio, and we are confident that this mixed-use development will be a new highlight for both residents and visitors. We are working closely with a range of partners as we curate this unique development.”
In addition, reports suggest that a Baccarat hotel has also been confirmed to open in Riyadh’s Diriyah giga-project.
A new skyscraper will add to Downtown Dubai as Shamal Holding has announced its plan to open Baccarat Hotel and Residences in 2026. The building, which will have glass façade is designed by Studio Libeskind and interior design studio, 1508 London.
Launched initially in New York in 2015, the Baccarat Hotels and Residences will be the first-of-its-kind in Dubai.
Binhabtoor added: “Dubai is known for its luxury hotel portfolio, and we are confident that this mixed-use development will be a new highlight for both residents and visitors. We are working closely with a range of partners as we curate this unique development.”
In addition, reports suggest that a Baccarat hotel has also been confirmed to open in Riyadh’s Diriyah giga-project.
Abu Dhabi’s new project Saadiyat Grove, which is valued at $1.5 billion, will be built on the emirate’s Saadiyat Island, CRTKL’s associate principal Geoff Ford told Arabian Business in October 2022.
CRTKL is a global cultural agency, which specialises in architecture, planning and design.
Additionally, the Saadiyat Grove will also see spaces dedicated to visitors and residents such as libraries and galleries.
The project’s construction is already underway and is set to open to visitors in less than five years, CRTKL’s Ford said.
Due to be completed at the end of 2025, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is local
Located at the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will be home to rare natural history specimens on Earth.
The museum, which will also be a “scientific research and teaching institution,” and an educational resource to learn about the planet.
The museum covers a total area of over 35,000 square metres, and was designed by Mecanoo “to resonate with natural rock formations”.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be located at “the heart” of the Saadiyat Cultural District, and is a collaboration between the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
The museum, which is set to open in 2025, will include collection displays, exhibitions, commissions, research and publications will promote expansive views on the global histories of modern and contemporary art, according to the Abu Dhabi Culture website.
The Zayed National Museum, when complete, is dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, often known as the founding father of the UAE.
The museum, designed by Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, will narrate his story, celebrate his achievements, and feature galleries of his values and beliefs.
Visitors can also learn about “changes to the environment over millions of years and the formation of resources that, through time, have influenced society, trade and economic development,” the website reads, adding that they will also “explore evidence of the human habitation of this area from 200,000 years ago to the present,” in addition.
A new floating development, titled ‘Vertical City’ is proposed to open in 2030.
Designed by Italian architecture firm Luca Curci Architects, the concept of the zero-energy building was first presented at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai in 2019.
On completion, the self-sustainable towers that float on water, will house 25,000 individuals and will use renewable resources such as wind turbines and solar panels.
“We will build a new way of living. More sustainable. With more interconnected communities programmes. Deleting suburbs. Reducing poverty”, said Luca Curci.
Residents and visitors can access the tower by land, water or air.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences were first launched in Q1 2022, and is a collaboration between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Aldar Properties.
According to Abu Dhabi Off Plan website, this is an ultra-luxury residential development which is set to be featured on the upcoming Saadiyat Grove community, located on Saadiyat Island.
Some 2-bedroom apartments are built with a maid’s room, a walk-in closet, a powder room as well as a storage closet.
Residents can also take advantage of an in-house laundry, housekeeping, pet spa and grooming centre, a “complimentary shopping bag drop off to residences, a package/courier delivery, pre-occupation provisions for deliveries, refrigerator stocking and groceries, reservation assistance for travel, car rental and fine eateries, catering and event planning, a personal fitness trainer, art conseiller, 24/7 concierge service and valet service, doorman and bellboy.”
The Dubai Urban Tech District, is developed to be located on the emirate’s Creekside of Al Jaddaf, and will built on 140,000 metre-square of land.
Aside from dedicated office spaces, the Urban Tech District — which will follow a zero-carbon policy — will also feature facilities to host onferences, training, research, seminars, business incubation, and various other amenities.
Sharjah will soon be home to a new open floating theatre project, in line with a series of ambitious projects that will transform Sharjah’s east coast, Kalba.
“The theatre, with its distinctive and wonderful destination being linked to the corniche, will provide a complete view of the Kalba Corniche and the Arabian Sea,” the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported in July 2021.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi inspected plans for several projects, including the theatre, the report said.
A design inspired which stemmed from Sheikh Dr Sultan, the theatre is shaped like a sea shell, and is in the midst of water basins.
Formerly known as Deira Islands, the Dubai Islands is a “man-made archipelago” off Deira’s shores, the Nakheel website reads.
Developed by Nakheel, the project is currently in progress, and will cover 17-square metres across five isles and will be home to “emerging upmarket residences, hotels, lifestyle projects and marinas.”
The projects “main marvel,” according to the Visit Dubai website will be Deira Central, which will see a wide range retail, entertainment and living offerings.
The Dubai Islands will also be home to the upcoming Deira Mall, which is set to become “one of the city’s biggest shopping centres.”
The Abrahamic Family House is an upcoming unified complex located in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi which will feature a mosque, a church and a synagogue.
The complex will act as “a cultural and architectural beacon of peaceful human coexistence that represents each of the Abrahamic faiths,” according to a statement by the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
He added: “The Abrahamic Family House epitomises interfaith harmonious coexistence and preserves the unique character of each religion. It personifies Abu Dhabi’s vision for human fraternity and embeds coexistence into the already diverse cultural fabric of the UAE. Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE efforts in realizing the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principles.”
When complete, the three geometric houses, will welcome visitors from across the world, allowing them to “worship, learn and engage” in dialogue.
Moreover, the complex will host daily programs, activities, international conferences and world summits to “promote harmonious coexistence within communities.”
The Heart of Europe will be located on Dubai World Islands, and when open, will be a “self-sufficient upscale resort”, according the official website.
Developed by Dubai property developer, Kleindienst, the resort will is just six kilometres off the emirate’s shores.
The Heart of Europe, which has been designed using ancient Feng Shui practices, will be home to 100 to 1,500-year-old Spanish Trees, a smart police station, climate-controlled “Raining Street”, a zero-emission sustainable ferry, a coral institute, tropical gardens, among others.
Set to open in 2023, The Link by One & Only One Za’abeel will become part of Dubai’s cityscape.
Designed by Japanese architectural firm, Nikken Sekkei, the building will feature two glass towers. Its highlighted feature is that the towers will be connected to one another by the world’s longest cantilevered building, called ‘The Link’.
The Link is also said to feature a glass-walled infinity pool, and will have 229 hotel rooms and suites as well as over 90 residential units.
The upcoming building is safely positioned over Dubai’s Happiness Bridge and “undergoing its final technical preparations for its epic ascent.”
The Meydan One Mall will be located beside The Link by One & Only One Za’abeel, which will see over 550 retail outlets, as well as a 13,200 square-metre hypermarket.
The mall will also feature a “grand civic plaza” which will accommodate over 30,000 occupants. The plaza will include a “floating stage for concerts and events. It will also feature Meydan One Mall fountains, fronted by a dynamic boardwalk with extensive restaurants and cafés offering residents and visitors an exquisite experience,” the developer said in a statement. The dancing water fountain will span across 25,800 square metres.
The mall will also have a parking capacity for 12,600 vehicles, the developer said.
Dubai will soon be home to the world’s biggest agritourism destination, creating 10,000 jobs.
Agri Hub by URB will ensure the emirate’s food security with ample offerings around entertainment and adventure, the developer said in a statement.
The exact location will be confirmed in 2024, with construction due to begin in 2025.
Set to open in 2023, is the superyacht-shaped hotel Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab.
The new resort, which will feature “386 rooms and suites, four penthouses, as well as 83 luxury hotel apartment suites set amid private landscaped gardens,” Jumeirah said in a statement.
The resort will complete Jumeirah’s “oceanic trilogy,” which already has the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the sailboat-inspired Burj Al Arab.
All rooms at the resort will offer guests a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Abu Dhabi’s Jubail Islands sits between the emirates Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
The upcoming project, spans 4,500 hectares and is already home to a massive mangrove park.
The first 300 villas will be built by the Arabian Construction Company, and will be ready by the fourth quarter of 2023.
Dubai will soon be home to a 93-kilometre, climate controlled highway, titled ‘THE LOOP’. The new highway is aimed at connecting over 3 million residents using a “healthy mode of transport, access to key services and locations by walking and cycling within minutes,” sustainable architecture firm URB said in a statement.
THE LOOP include:
THE LOOP is in line with emirate’s ambition of becoming a 20-minute city, which allows residents to access destinations and essentials within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.
Dubai will soon be home to the world’s first fully functional 3D printed mosque, the emirate’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (IACAD) revealed on Friday.
Located in Bur Dubai, the 2,000 square metre mosque’s construction will begin in October, and will accommodate 600 worshippers. The mosque is set to open in 2025.
IACAD is currently coordinating with Dubai Municipality for final approvals on the design.
Ciel Hotel, is set to be the world’s tallest hotel in 2023. The building, which has a remarkable height of 365 metres, will add to Dubai Marina’s skyline, and is managed by Dubai-based property developer The First Group.
A five-star luxury hotel, the Kempinski Floating Palace, is exactly what it sounds. The floating building, which is expected to open in 2023, will feature a glass pyramid-topped main building, which is structured in four parts.
“Cruising at a maximum speed of 6 nautical miles, the villas are equipped with solar panels and are designed to be environmentally friendly,” Kempinski said in a statement.
Source: Arabian Business
