Top 7 Mega Projects from the Future to Be Unveiled by Arab Oil Tycoons

These projects can overwhelm anyone who admires them due to their unimaginable luxury and grandeur.

While Saudi Arabia is grabbing attention with a series of colossal projects like the 170km-long glass city The Line, another Gulf nation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is also embarking on ambitious mega projects. Impressive structures like the world’s tallest residential building Burj Binghatti in Dubai, the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Floating Theater are all causing the world to marvel at what the Arabs are creating.

1. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Aquarium Opening in 2023

After San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio, the first SeaWorld aquarium outside the United States will open in Abu Dhabi this year. This amusement park is 90% complete, covering an area of 183,000 square meters, and includes habitats for marine creatures, interactive exhibitions, and immersive experiences for guests.

This world’s largest multi-species aquarium will be built across five floors with a massive capacity of 58 million liters of water, housing 150 species including sharks, rays, sea turtles, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will also be home to several bird species, from penguins to seagulls.

2. Dubai Wasl Tower Opening in 2024

Wasl Tower will be the world’s tallest ceramic-clad building (302m), designed by the Dutch architectural firm UNStudio. Its asymmetrical, twisting design offers convenience and energy efficiency, directing light inside while helping to cool the building and reduce air conditioning needs.

The tower will be operated by the Mandarin Oriental hotel group and is expected to contain over 250 five-star rooms. Additionally, the building will offer office spaces, private apartments, and public areas with notable amenities such as 17 elevators, a spa, a rooftop terrace, and an observation deck. An adjacent secondary building will house parking, a ballroom, and an outdoor swimming pool.

3. Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi Expected to Open in 2025

The Zayed National Museum is designed as a memorial to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first President of the UAE. The British architectural firm Foster + Partners is behind this impressive project.

Five lightweight steel towers will function as chimneys to draw cool air into the exhibition spaces below. Additionally, there will be a dedicated room for displaying falcons, honoring the late President’s love for this bird.

The Zayed National Museum will also provide a comprehensive overview of the natural and human history of the United Arab Emirates, encouraging greater understanding of the country’s culture and geography as well as its connections to the world.

4. Vertical City Dubai Expected to Open in 2030

Vertical City – a proposed energy-independent building project was presented at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai in 2019 and will be developed by Luca Curci Architects. Vertical City is designed to be a sustainable tower on water for 25,000 residents, with a no-waste policy and utilizing renewable resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and water.

This mega project will include 180 floors, standing at 750 meters tall, interspersed with numerous gardens and green areas. In addition to residential units like apartments and villas, Vertical City will feature offices, shops, and community spaces. Moreover, underwater parking, a spa, a meditation center, a gym, and hotel rooms with ocean views will be unique characteristics of this structure. “Vertical City” is expected to launch in 2030.

5. Sharjah Floating Theater Opening Date Not Yet Revealed

The design of the new floating theater in Sharjah is reminiscent of a giant shell revealing a beautiful pearl. Renamed ‘Al Mahara Theater’, this cultural destination will accommodate 1,000 people, offering unique views of the city’s landmarks while hosting world-class performances and plays. The theater’s design is based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The completion date for the project has not yet been disclosed.

6. Jubail Island Abu Dhabi Expected to Open in 2025

Jubail Island, valued at $1.36 billion (~32 trillion VND), located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, will be developed to be a “home” for around 5,000 to 6,000 residents. The residential community on the island will have a low density, featuring 800 villas ranging from 300 to 1,200 square meters.

“Jubail Island will cater to families, health enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and nature lovers, offering various water sports activities, providing a unique quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, with numerous residential, retail, hotel, entertainment, and educational services, the project is poised to make a significant contribution to the Abu Dhabi real estate market, aligning with the goals of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030,” said Mounir Haidar, CEO of Jubail Island Investment Company.

Some notable attractions include the Jubail Mangrove Forest Park, kayaking spots, and the Pura Eco Retreat, popular among nature enthusiasts. Land plots were handed over in June 2022, and villas are expected to begin handovers in October 2023.

7. Kempinski Floating Palace Dubai Expected to Open by the End of 2023

Dubai is set to open the Kempinski Floating Palace this year. Located in the Arabian Gulf, this will be the first five-star floating resort in the world, operated by the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe, Kempinski. With 156 rooms and suites, along with 12 luxurious floating villas and 4 fine dining restaurants, the large spa will offer travelers an unprecedented experience at sea.

The central part of the hotel is divided into four sections, with a glass pyramid connecting them in the middle. Twelve villas will be linked by floating bridges, with additional options for transportation via private yachts or helicopters.

The interiors of the floating villas are being designed by the luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, featuring infinity pools and various options ranging from two to four bedrooms. Remarkably, these villas utilize solar energy, smart technology for wastewater treatment, and air filtration, and can move autonomously at a speed of up to 6 knots. These floating villas will be available for rent or sale.

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