The past year has seen the launch of a number of new large-scale leisure projects in Abu Dhabi, including the WB Hotel, the Yas Bay waterfront, the National Aquarium and other attractive attractions at Al Qana, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, which has become an exciting little gourmet district, and the protected area of the Al Wathba fossil dunes, which is the subject of our selection of very interesting heritage projects.
But there's still plenty to do in the months and years ahead. Here's a sneak preview of what's in the Abu Dhabi engineering pipeline.
House of the Abrahamic family
Located on Saadiyat Island, the House of the Abrahamic Family is a mega-project with an incredibly inspiring message. Inspired by the document on human brotherhood, overseen by the High Committee for Human Brotherhood and "closely followed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam", the House of the Abrahamic Family will include a mosque, a church and a synagogue in the same space.
The building was designed by architect Sir David Adjaye to illustrate "the values shared by Judaism, Christianity and Islam". The venture was first announced in 2019 by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, but this latest update has given us the names of the worship centers. Within the Abrahamic Family House, you'll find the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. The aim is for the project to symbolize and inspire tolerance, conviviality, brotherhood, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
LXR Hotels & Resorts
It's not just James Bond villains who appreciate islands, they're also a favorite haunt for sun-seeking holidaymakers, which goes some way to explaining why LXR, the independent luxury arm of Hilton Hotels, has set its sights on Abu Dhabi's Al Nawras Island, with the ambition of transforming the island into a leisure metropolis complete with its own golf course.
Scheduled to open in 2023, the Al Nawras Island resort has been designed to draw inspiration from the destination, with 80 spacious villas set between beach and waterfront. Other features include three swimming pools, tennis and padel courts, a spa, two signature restaurants, two bars, a beach club, a kids' club and an aquatic center with playground.
Etihad Rail
For those whose hearts beat at the call of travel, there's something particularly romantic about the idea of a train journey, especially when it traverses the kind of geography found in the United Arab Emirates. That feeling of crossing borders, of hurtling towards the horizon with otherworldly plains flashing past the window.
And we could be experiencing it here sooner than you think, following a new update released by the UAE's rail program. Yes, according to the latest projections, the UAE's "Sanpiercer" (not the official name) passenger service will connect 11 cities in the seven emirates by 2030. From the beautiful renderings above provided by Etihad Rail, we can see that the elegant conical-nosed train presents a very similar image to other high-speed networks around the world.
It looks like there will be at least two cabin classes to choose from, spacious bathrooms, comfortable seating and a galley. There's no information to suggest that there will be private suites on board, but we dare to dream. Instead of getting the answer from Francis Bourgois, the great specialist in train wisdom, we contacted Etihad Rail directly to find out more about the train. Expect them to arrive on the What's On platform very soon.
Museum of Natural History
One of the biggest cultural news stories of the year is the confirmation by the DCT of the creation of a natural history museum in Abu Dhabi. This will be the fourth museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District (after the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim), and is scheduled to open on Saadiyat Island in 2025.
In addition to attractive exhibits designed to highlight the 13.8 billion-year history of the universe, the site will also include a scientific research center "that will undertake studies in zoology, paleontology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences". The project was announced by Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and promises to "contribute to finding solutions for the future of our planet". We also have confirmation of the context of two of the flagship objects of admiration - Stan, a 67-million-year-old tyrannosaur skeleton, and the seven-billion-year-old Murchison meteorite (both specimens will be on view at a special Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition between April 6 and May 12 this year).
Redevelopment of Mina Zayed
Mina Zayed, named after the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, is a 40-year-old port community that has been instrumental in Abu Dhabi's meteoric growth as a commercial center. The three-million-square-meter illumination project aims to create a mixed-use destination for housing, tourism and entertainment, in addition to building on the area's reputation as a colorful shopping center.
Once the project is completed, visitors will be able to enjoy enhanced retail experiences, such as a brand-new fish market, a seasonal market and a revamped plant souk. The redevelopment involves the participation of Modon Properties and Aldar Properties, meaning that the concept and execution of the new facility is in the best hands.
Yas Creative Center
Located a short distance from Yas Bay's gourmet district, this twofour54 project is ready to welcome a thriving community of creative activity. Here you'll find a walkable campus, smart sustainable landscaping, innovation incubation spaces, an amphitheater, studios and production facilities.
When complete, this world-class, future-proof center of ingenuity will be armed with a team of over 900 freelancers, a smart ecosystem that prioritizes data, technology and resource efficiency, and will be located in a location that offers ultra-convenient commute times to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Traditional souk
Abu Dhabi developers Al Qudra have unveiled plans to transform a 245,000 sq. m. portion of Abu Dhabi's W64 zone, overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, next to the future Al Qana project on Khor Al Maqtaa, into a sophisticated, white-walled leisure and entertainment complex. And looking at these renderings of the traditional Souk, the scale and quality of the concept give us legitimate reasons to marvel.
From the shady lanes of the Emirati-style market to the open, verdant courtyards, the waterside hotel and the lively new restaurant district, this project is in some ways synergistic with the neighborhood it joins, yet truly different.
Louvre Abu Dhabi residences
The Louvre Abu Dhabi represents the cultural epicenter of the emirate, but after some truly stunning news announced by local developers Aldar, it could soon represent the epicenter of your living room too. Once completed, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar will be a residential complex of 400 apartments, with an iconic address, stunning ocean views and the status of neighbor to one of the world's most impressive collections of art and historical artifacts.
The structure will include Le Salon Détente - a lounge for residents featuring works of art selected in consultation with Louvre Abu Dhabi experts; a 12-seat Private Cinema for a private theatrical experience; a wellness center - Spa Bien-être - which will of course include a gym, sauna rooms, spaces for yoga and meditation; and there will also be an indoor playroom for children, appropriately named the Creativity Room. It's all part of Saadiyat Grove, a 242,000 square meter, Dhs10 billion project that will also include retail and entertainment venues, other residential properties, two new hotels and workspaces.
Zayed National Museum
When 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, which is already home to so many important cultural events, the breathtaking structure designed by Foster + Partners will feature a 123-meter-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. Although we have no scheduled completion date, work on the building has begun as early as 2019.
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 digital shopping (via app or website) alongside conventional shopping in a "brick and mortar" mall.
Data on your shopping habits can be used to invite you to take advantage of personalized promotions. Milat Sayra Berirmen, Director of Digital Innovation at Reem Shopping Center, said, "At Reem Shopping Center, we are at the forefront of this transformation by creating a completely new retail concept: the world's first fully digitized shopping center, supported by an integrated logistics center."
Snow Abu Dhabi
Snow Abu Dhabi, with its enchanted forest theme, was scheduled for completion by the end of the year. It is billed as "the largest snow park in the region". Construction is underway within the $1.2 billion Reem Mall project on Reem Island. The attraction will span a massive 100,000 square feet, divided into different fantasy zones.
We can expect to see themed characters and 13 thrilling rides and attractions, including an enchanted tree, snowflake garden, crystal carousel, ice maze, 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.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is scheduled for completion in 2025. It will add a touch of elegance to the skyline of the Saadiyat cultural district. True to the spirit of the Guggenheim (and conceived in collaboration with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation), the building's plans feature a contemporary design, unconventional yet singularly beautiful. As on the outside, so on the inside.
Inside, you'll find 28 galleries spread over an area of 11,600 m², plus a further 23,000 m² of exhibition space in the building's characteristic cones and terraces. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will present a collection of modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on works from the West Asia, North Africa and South Asia (WANASA) region.
The museum has been tasked with providing a platform for artists from the WANASA region, commissioning works from artists at the forefront of creative innovation, and highlighting how "interconnected histories and cultures" have helped shape our world.
Commenting on the project, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "The museum will also play a civic role through its mission to generate wider interest in global modern and contemporary art, promoting diversity and inclusion in a meaningful cultural exchange. As we move forward with our plans, it is crucial to recognize the impact of this museum in realizing our vision for the Emirate's culture and creative industries."
Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi
It's fair to say that the city has been eyeing the giant pink arch of the Fairmont Marina Abu Dhabi hotel with curiosity. It achieved architectural icon status even before its inauguration, which was originally scheduled for March, but has been postponed until, well - we're not sure. There are rumors, and they're just rumors at this stage, that the management of the hotel has been handed over to another major hotel chain, which may or may not be part of the Accor group. And we understand that's enigmatic, but doesn't it befit that great mysterious arch that looks down on us from its seaside perch?
Cinemacity
One of the main family entertainment attractions at the Rabdan de mamouth leisure project, Al Qana, will undoubtedly be the 15-screen Cinemacity. This gigantic cinema complex is equipped with Abu Dhabi's largest cinema screen, measuring 26 meters. It will host the latest blockbusters, with a potential red carpet on the horizon. Recent updates also include the news that a lively outdoor amphitheater will also be positioned close to the cinema. Designed to host special events such as festivals, concerts and exhibitions. In addition to the amphitheater, the waterfront will be equipped to host light and water shows.
Pixel
Pixel will be the largest gaming center of its kind in Abu Dhab and will feature the latest evolution in location-based entertainment (LBE). In addition to futuristic VR technology, the site will also operate the region's first certified eSports academy (i.e. competitive gaming for novices). The announcement of Pixel's inclusion in the Al Qana project follows a memorandum of understanding between Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International Investment and developer of Al Qana, and Karim Ibrahim, CEO of Robocom VR. Commenting on the news, Fouad Mashal said, "In line with our vision to bring a world-class experience to Al Qana, our partnership with Robocom VR will position Pixel as one of the UAE's most sought-after VR and eSports destinations."
