The United Arab Emirates is no stranger to breathtaking and stunning architectural projects. In the last few years alone, we've seen incredible arrivals such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ain Dubai, Dubai Frame and, of course, Dubai Expo 2020. But there's much more to come. Ahead of the opening of the Museum of the Future this week, we bring you all the UAE projects we can still look forward to.
Here are 12 UAE mega-projects we're looking forward to...
Museum of the future
The long-awaited Museum of the Future will open its doors on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Through distinctive themes, the Museum of the Future will offer visitors a gateway to the year 2071. Traditionally, museums present the past, but the Museum of the Future is different, allowing visitors to venture through space and time into an unknown future. All five senses will be activated in this immersive space, as visitors move from a galactic experience exposing humanity's future in space, to the future wonders of ecology, to a more interpersonal and human experience through the future of wellbeing. There will be a separate area in the museum where visitors can interact with the best future products and innovations in the world of technology, sustainability, transportation, health and space. Tickets cost 145 Dhs..
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Another attraction we're looking forward to, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, is due to open its doors sometime in 2022. Located in Al Jaddaf, the library will house over 4.5 million books, both printed and electronic, when completed, and will also include several spaces for events, activities, education and cultural festivals, as well as exhibition spaces and a 500-seat amphitheater. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will also house the headquarters of the International Council for the Arabic Language, and publish the Mohammad Bin Rashid Dictionary of Contemporary Arabic.
Atlantis, Le Royal
The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences is set to open later this year. The Dhs 5.15 billion property will feature 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites. The 43-storey hotel will also feature 90 swimming pools, including a stunning rooftop infinity pool suspended 96 metres above The Palm on level 22. The hotel will host exclusive restaurants led by internationally renowned chefs, including Gastón Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres.
Meydan One
Dubai's ever-expanding collection of new malls will be strengthened by the opening of Meydan One. When it opens, Meydan One mall, located in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, will be home to the world's longest indoor ski slope, a one-kilometer run located in Meydan One mall's 12,000-square-meter winter village. The mall is also aiming to claim the title of world's largest dancing fountain, with a record 25,800-square-meter water feature. However, construction appears to be in its early stages, so we'll have to wait a while before we can check out this project.
A Za'abeel
You may not know the name, but you've certainly followed the rise of One Za'abeel, a duo of skyscrapers linked by The Link, the world's longest cantilever. This architectural marvel includes the usual list of modern residences and high-end shops, but also a new One&Only urban property - One&Only One Za'abeel. Also not to be missed is The Link at One Za'abeel, a panoramic lobby housing world-class restaurants, celebrity chefs, a swimming pool (pictured above), wellness facilities and entertainment.
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
It's fair to say that the city has been watching with curiosity as the giant pink arch of the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi hotel (previously to be a Fairmont property) rises. It has become an architectural icon even before its launch, which was originally scheduled for 2020, but will finally arrive this year. Although there's no update on the official opening date, it's expected in the coming months, and the brand has already set up its Instagram page - although it's yet to feed it with sneak peaks of what we can expect.
Al Reem Mall
Reem Mall describes itself as "the world's first omnichannel shopping mall". The details of what this actually means get complicated quickly, but from what we understand, the mall will offer a "blended retail" approach, which allows you to make digital purchases (via app or website) alongside conventional purchases in a "bricks-and-mortar" mall. Data on your shopping habits can be used to invite you to take advantage of personalized promotions. Milat Sayra Berirmen, Head of Digital Experience at Reem Mall, said, "At Reem Mall, we're leading this transformation by creating a completely new retail concept - the world's first fully digital mall, supported by an integrated logistics center."
Snow Abu Dhabi
Snow Abu Dhabi, with its enchanted forest theme, is billed as "the world's largest snow park" and will open in 2022. The attraction will span an immense 125,000 square feet, divided into different fantasy zones. We can expect to see themed characters and 13 thrilling rides and attractions, including an enchanted tree, a snowflake garden, a crystal carousel, an ice maze, a toboggan run and much more. It doesn't matter if the weather is frightful. The park will be maintained at a temperature of -2°C, with a snow cover of 500 mm (more than enough to make snowballs), offering a year-round place to relax in our beloved land of eternal sunshine.
Zayed National Museum
Once completed, the Zayed National Museum will be an architectural marvel, a fitting home for the inspiring story of our great nation and its visionary founder. Located on Saadiyat Island, already home to so much cultural significance, this breathtaking structure will feature a 123-metre-high tower. The main gallery will be devoted to a collection of objects highlighting aspects of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the man, and his leadership during the unification of the country, and beyond. There will also be galleries devoted to exhibitions on falconry and conservation, land and water, history and society, science and learning, faith and Islam, and it will house the great Sheikh Zayed Library. Work began in 2019 and the museum is scheduled to open between 2023 and 2025.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
When completed, the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, will add a jagged speck to the skyline of the Saadiyat cultural district. True to the spirit of the Guggenheim, the building's plans feature a contemporary design that is unconventional yet singularly beautiful. It contains nods to its host country, such as the funnel-shaped protrusions that occupy parts of the exterior and were inspired by the region's historic wind towers. Like outside, like inside. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will exhibit a collection of modern and contemporary art, from some of the most important creators of the 20th and 21st centuries. Galleries surround the central atrium on four levels, linked by glass bridges, offering over 13,000 square meters of exhibition space. It was confirmed last year that the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open in 2025.
Anantara Mina Al Arab
If Ras Al Khaimah is not traditionally compared to the island honeymoon destination, it may soon be with theaddition of the Anantara Mina Al Arab. Scheduled to open in 2022, this superb Anantara eco-resort will be located in the new Mina Al Arab district, along the Ras Al Khaimah coast. When completed, it will feature 306 rooms, suites and - what really caught our eye - underwater villas(Maldivian style). There will also be an on-water restaurant serving Thai cuisine, as well as a seafood grill, and a beach and pool bar.
Wynn Resorts Ras Al Khaimah
A slice of Las Vegas heads for Ras Al KhaimahWynn Resorts plans to open its first integrated resort in the MENA region in the adventurous emirate. The multi-billion-dollar resort will be built on Marjan Island and will feature over 1,000 guest rooms, world-class shopping, state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a vast array of entertainment, an arcade and other amenities. Those wishing to feast on the Wynn's sumptuous buffets, marvel at its shows and store in its boutiques will have to wait a while, as the resort is not due to welcome guests until 2026.
