Target 2020: 10 amazing projects coming up in Dubai

Dubai is a unique destination combining attributes of an excellent and dynamic center for business with all the attributes of a tourist paradise, offering visitors an unbelievable number of attractions, dining venues and high-quality hotels. The emirate’s ambitions continue to soar higher than the world’s tallest building the Burj Khaifa for on its anvil are many exciting new futuristic projects which Aviamost Russian reveals in this edition

From the eternal tranquility of the desert to the lively bustle of the market - Dubai presents visitors a kaleidoscope of attractions and in a relatively small area has an astonishingly wide variety of landscapes. Within one day, the tourist can see everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to the golden beaches and green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts of the ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping centers.
In recent years, much has been done in Dubai, to transform it into the most sought-after tourist destination. Thanks to its bustling hospitality sector offering luxury as well as budget accommodation, the city is able to cope well with the influx of tourists throughout the year, attracted by its famous festivals as well as numerous exhibitions. It is a futuristic metropolis with modern infrastructure. Its winning bid to host the Expo 2020 has added further impetus to its plans for mega futuristic projects that boggle the mind with their scale and cost, designed to place it firmly in the world’s limelight.

Dubai developers are getting ready to complete several new megaprojects much before Expo 2020. The choice of Dubai as the venue for Expo 2020 is a major milestone, and it will certainly lead to an exponential growth of a wide range of industries, including hospitality, tourism, commerce, shipping and logistics, as well as real estate.
The construction industry in Dubai is always on the rise, as the government of the emirate plans consistent construction of new residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment facilities to improve the quality of life for residents of the city and at the same time providing guests with all the new entertainment and the must visit and update existing ones attractions. Dubai Municipality has recently announced that it is currently in the stage of planning, design or implementation of around 68 new projects for a huge sum of AED4.5 billion. It envisages the completion of projects such as the Dubai Safari Park worth AED 299 mln, the fish market costing AED 269 million and the Dubai Frame at a value of AED 160 million. At the same time, an upgrade is being carried out of several parks, a number of new constructions, including an African Village and others.
The fish market is currently 85% completed, the Dubai Frame by 75%, and the rest of the work at these facilities will be completed by the end of the year. The opening of the fish market is expected in September, and the Dubai Frame will be inaugurated in time for the celebration of the 44th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. Also, in November of this year, it plans to open a new zoo and furniture market, which is already 90% ready and by the end of the year its construction will be completed.

It seems that the Government has taking care of the smallest details by methodically implementing its plans. It is important that a country with ample wealth, to meet the desires of the people, also cares about satisfying the most basic "needs" of its population, as we have seen in most countries around the world. Since there are no major problems, such as unemployment, poverty and a high crime rate, in the UAE and Dubai in particular, the government has been able to focus on other things, to improve the lives of its citizens and expats.
What else is planned by the end of this year? Market Heritage, Hatta Heritage Souq and Motel, Dubai Paralympic Club (Dubai Club for Special Sports), Community Center in Hatten (Hatta Community Centre), villas in Hatta and Al Gouzée and Dubai Center for Wetlands.

Among the ine major projects planned by the end of next year are the African Village as part of the Dubai Safari park, Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre and the Zayed University project. Apart from this, twenty-five horticultural and 11 service projects are underway, including projects of parks and Palma Koran (Quran Park and Palm Park). And do you think that Dubai going to stop there? Of course not! Projects under consideration include a library Mohammed Bin Rashid (Mohammed Bin Rashid Library), College of Electronics Mohammed Bin Rashid (Mohammed Bin Rashid Electronics College) with a total value estimated at AED 1.3 billion. Do we not wish all governments were as focused and dynamic as the UAE and Dubai’s governments?

According to the website of Alliance Business Advisor, almost $7 billion were invested in the economy of Dubai to fund its mega projects. Also, due to the fact that Dubai is approximately four hours from a large number of developing countries, during the Expo 2020 there is expected to attract an inflow of 20 million tourists. Investment of this magnitude is expected to clearly have a positive impact on market segments such as construction, tourism and recreation, as well as in the labor market.

Such a huge influx of visitors will lead to a significant demand for additional space in the hotel business in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi. Economic experts expect record figures in the growth of the economy that will exceed the previously expected 4%. Over the next 6 years the UAE’s economy is expected to see an inflow of investment of about $20 billion and in total - more than $60 billion in 2020. Growth in the construction sector is expected where the demand will be nearly 2 million sq. meters of additional space and commercially it will help to create 300 thousand jobs, accounting for 20% of the labor market. According to recent estimates, almost the entire infrastructure for the World Expo 2020 will be completed by 2019.

So let's see what mega building initiatives of Dubai are on the anvil ready to transform the tourist map of Dubai in the coming years.

Aladdin City

Fabulous visions, realized through a unique combination of metal, glass and concrete, will soon appear in the coastal area of ​​Dubai. The so-called "City of Aladdin" will be built right on the water in the area of ​​Khor Dubai. Construction on this amazing architectural marvel is scheduled to start in 2016. The complex "Lamp of Aladdin" will include six buildings, three of which are scheduled to be designed in the style of ancient Arab lamps. All Aladdin City towers will be connected by a stationary road-bridge for cars. The new buildings, whose total area exceeds 365,000 square meters, will accommodate a large modern hotel, shopping centers, boutiques and offices.

The height of the Aladdin City towers, as reported by the architects, will be 25, 26 and 34 floors. In each of them there will be a functional car parking amounting to a total of 900 parking spaces. 

Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame has been listed among the world’s best new attractions of 2015, according to a UK-based newspaper.  The Dh160 million tourist attraction is taking shape near the Star Gate play area in Zabeel Park, chosen as the location after extensive surveys of what site would offer the best views of new Dubai and old Dubai through the frame.

The project comprises of a 150-metre-high, 93-metre-wide structure being built to resemble a huge picture frame, through which landmarks representing modern Dubai such as Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa can be seen on one side, while from the other side, visitors can view older parts of the city such as Deira, Umm Harare and Karama.  Dubai Municipality has said the frame is likely to be completed in the second half of this year.

Shaped like a giant window frame — is 35 per cent complete and is expected to be ready in the second half of 2015, Dubai Municipality said. There will also be a viewing gallery on the top offering panoramic views. An elevator made of glass will offer unblocked views as visitors travel up and down the sides of the frame.

Officials hope it will draw 2,000,000 visitors a year, joining a long list of iconic Dubai landmarks recognised internationally, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower; and the Burj Al Arab, a “seven-star” hotel built like a ship’s sail. At ground level, there will be multimedia presentations telling the story of Dubai’s rapid transformation from a small fishing and trading town by the sea to a modern metropolis with all its trappings. A museum of sorts for old and new Dubai will showcase relics and objects representing the past and present of the city. There will also be a cafe at the top, offering stunning views while guests have refreshments.

Dubai Eye Ferris Wheel
Ferris Dubai Eye (Eye of Dubai) boasting a diameter of 210 meters is set to be the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. This ambitious project is part of the Bluewaters Island. Construction of the Dubai Eye is set to begin this spring as part of a larger development project located off the Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline that hopes to draw more than three million visitors to the area a year.

The 1 billion AED (€204 million) Ferris wheel, meanwhile, will be a major tourist attraction for the Bluewaters project that will feature a mix of retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones.

Riders on the Dubai Eye will get a sweeping view of the Dubai coastline, as well as a bird’s eye view of landmarks like the sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab, the Palm Jumeirah and the tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa.

Another major attraction for the area will be a souk encircled by a promenade of alfresco dining outlets, retail stores and a traditional market atmosphere, along with a luxury five-star hotel.

Museum of the Future
Museum of the Future will not only be another architectural masterpiece that will complement the magnificent panorama of the city, but also one of the leading research centers in the world. Implementation of this futuristic project will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. HH said the museum is the "first step of many to come" to fulfill a mission to make the UAE a global innovation engine. The total investment in the implementation of this ambitious project is AED 970 million and the museum is expected to be opened in 2017. It will be located next to the iconic architectural complex Emirates Towers in Dubai on its main arterial venue, Sheikh Zayed Road. According to Sheikh Mohammed, the Museum of the future will be an incubator of ideas, design projects and innovation. The museum aims to change its exhibits every six months to keep pace with changing technology, aiming "to always be 10 years ahead of today."

Mall of the World
Mohammed Bin Rashid launched yet another mega project - Mall of the World, developed by Dubai Holding a temperature-controlled pedestrian city in Dubai. The project is set to develop the world’s largest mall, largest indoor park, cultural theatres and wellness resorts with a capacity to host over 180 million visitors annually.

Mall of the World, a project developed by Dubai Holding, will have the following key features:  World’s largest mall will occupy 8 million sq. ft. and be connected to 100 hotels and serviced apartments buildings with 20,000 hotel rooms; It will have temperature-controlled covered retail street network spreading over 7 km; It will feature the largest indoor family theme park in the world; The project will have a Wellness district catering to medical tourists in a 3 million sq. ft.

HH Mohammed Bin Rashid said, “We announced recently that we plan to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision”.  HH also said, “We are confident of our economy’s strength, optimistic about our country’s future and we continue to broaden our vision”

Al Gergawi said, “The project will be built in phases in alignment with the gradual growth of family tourism in Dubai”.

It is expected that the city will be able to receive up to 180 million visitors each year.

Taj Arabia
One of the most ambitious real estate projects in Dubai, is the Falconcity of Wonders, which will present copies of the eight wonders of the world, estimated by the company-developer to cost more than $12 billion. At this attraction one can visit the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Leaning Tower, the canals of Venice and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. In addition to the "Wonders of the World", the complex will house 35,000 residents, a large shopping center and park.

A universal symbol of love, India’s famous Taj Mahal located in the city of Agra is now accessible to the world right here in Dubai. With over 400 super luxury hotel rooms, thousands of sq.feet of high end retail, service apartments, it offers a one of a kind residential units and the best gourmet experience all under one roof.

Designed and built to echo the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, the Taj Arabia, shall serve as a hot spot for most of the tourist activities available in Dubai.

Dubai Opera House

Dubai developer Emaar General announced the launch of one of the most anticipated projects of Dubai Opera House. Construction work on a 2,000-seat multi-use venue in Dubai which aims to rival the world-famous Sydney Opera House will be completed in two years, according to the main project contractor.

The Dubai Opera House is being built as part of plans for The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, and will be used for opera, theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, film, sports events and seasonal programmes.

Dubai Opera House comprises 66 floors and 200 luxury apartments. From it you can enjoy views of the skyscraper "Burj Khalifa", the musical fountain The Dubai Fountain and Burj Park.
It is planned that the building of the opera will take 2000 people. It is set to host opera and theater performances, a variety of concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings and other recreational activities.

Also, throughout the Opera District will feature luxury hotels, residential complexes with ordinary flats and apartments with hotel services, restaurants and shopping centers, recreational areas and a landscaped promenade.

"Pearl Dubai"
Dubai Pearl is a world class, mixed-use, 22 million sq ft integrated development being developed by Pearl Dubai FZ LLC and located on one of the artificial islands off Dubai’s coast. Overlooking the Palm Jumeirah Island in the heart of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, the development sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban communities in Dubai. Dubai Pearl offers a 24 hour living, walkable community where people can work, play and live in one destination. Dubai Pearl will redefine the pulse of the city by providing premium residences and offices, international retail and the highest quality dining, entertainment and leisure facilities.

Dubai Pearl’s prime location will offer an unparalleled combination of free-hold in the convenience of a free zone with luxury, energy efficient sustainability and state-of-the-art technology. The development will ultimately provide a home for approximately 29,000 people. Dubai Pearl's initial handover is scheduled to commence in 2018.

The Project is a unique mixed use integrated luxury development which will feature branded podium and tower residences, branded hospitality, retail, leisure, and entertainment and intelligent offices.
 

Meydan One
Dubai developer Meydan has launched a new record-breaking mega project to be constructed in Dubai, it was announced early August 2015. Once completed, the Meydan One development will boast a selection of world firsts, including the tallest residential tower, the longest indoor ski slope, and the biggest gymnasium as well as an artificial ski slope in the dome, and the world's largest dancing fountain. The residential tower will be able to accommodate more than 78 300 people. Nearby will be a huge shopping center, with a removable roof that will open during the winter months, and will include more than 300 restaurants, cafes and kiosks, as well as nightclubs, dancing fountains, stretching for a the channel length of four kilometers and a marina for 100 yachts.

Completion of the first phase of construction, located between the streets of Meydan and Al Khail Road, is scheduled to be completed by 2020, when the population of Dubai will surpass the 3.4 million.

Dubai Creek Harbor

A joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, Dubai Creek Harbour will be both a financially viable and ecologically responsible city built with future generations in mind. Offering the best infrastructure, it is a place where people will live, work and play, a community where families can reach their aspirations for generations to come.

As the metropolis of tomorrow, Dubai will go beyond its symbol as a city of superlatives to become a model for future global cities. Rivers and oceans have had a major influence on many cities around the world, with waterfront developments commanding a premium on value. Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons, by Emaar and Dubai Holding, will expand the city’s heart, enabling sustainable growth and reconnecting it to its roots.
Dubai Creek Harbour project sits abreast of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which has sheltered around 450 animal species within its 620 hectares for a quarter-century. As Dubai Creek Harbour develops, this sanctuary will remain sacrosanct, with a new visitor centre bringing a message of sustainable biodiversity to new generations. This world-class development will offer spectacular views of the creek and Dubai skyline.
As a financially viable and ecologically responsible city, built with future generations in mind, it will use the very latest innovations at hand to minimise environmental impact. Planned on an open site, Dubai Creek Harbour will combine the city with the natural contours of the creek. With no legacy ties to infrastructure, this new Dubai will leapfrog many of the world’s other global cities. The masterplan is an order of magnitude larger than Downtown Dubai and will support its commercial and cultural development. The area encompasses commercial districts linked by leisure developments that expand into further residential neighbourhoods and parks that will ensure Dubai competes with the world.
Finally, we turn to the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, "We will achieve this (the goals set by the Strategy of the Dubai Tourism Development 2020 - AR) in three key areas: family tourism, global events and attractions, the status of Dubai as a business destination. Our vision is clear, the infrastructure is ready, and confidence in our people is high. The future does not wait for those who are wavering. We want everyone to work as a team to achieve our ambitious goal with a firm determination and belief that everything is in our power”. It is this brilliant vision of its leaders and their encouraging words that continue to fuel the UAE’s grand futuristic ambitions.