The United Arab Emirates (UAE) already boasts an impressive skyline. But a slew of upcoming UAE megaprojects will take its grandeur to a higher notch. From Ciel Tower to Surf Abu Dhabi, here are the infrastructure projects that will transform the country in 2024 and beyond.
Quality infrastructure
According to the Global Competitive Report 2023, published by the World Economic Forum, the UAE ranks fourth in terms of infrastructure quality globally. UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei recognized the importance of this milestone when he said, “The recognition is a testament to the ongoing efforts, planning, and substantial investments made by the government to develop the country’s infrastructure. In the past ten years, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure invested AED13 billion to execute 258 projects,” he stated.
“Our plan for the next five years involves the construction of 127 security, educational, service, and road projects at a cost of AED9 billion to meet the needs of various areas across the UAE. Following the directives of our wise leadership, the Ministry is keen to launch initiatives and projects that support the UAE’s development and competitiveness,” added the minister.
Upcoming UAE megaprojects
Here are 10 of the most anticipated and impactful infrastructure projects in the UAE.
Dubai Creek Tower
Originally planned to be the tallest building in the world, the Dubai Creek Harbor tower is being redesigned. According to Emaar Properties’ founder Mohamed Alabbar, the tower will now be smaller but will be more elegant, aiming to be the “female” counterpart of Burj Khalifa.
During the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Alabbar revealed, “In the coming months we will show the tower. I think we did something like male and female [towers], so Burj Khalifa will be the male and Creek Tower will be the female.”
Within the Dubai Creek Harbor, Emaar Properties also has plans to build a new mall. While it may not be the biggest, the upcoming retail hub will be unique.
“I hope that it will be the first time that cars can enter the mall. This will be very, very unique – [cars will be] electric only,” shared Alabbar.
Ciel Tower
Dubai Marina, a neighborhood known for its upscale allure, is poised to welcome a future architectural icon to its skyline: the Ciel Tower. According to First Group, its developer, the 365-meter structure will be the world’s tallest hotel. Housing 1,042 luxury rooms and suites spread across 82 floors, the hotel could be completed this year. It was initially scheduled for a 2023 completion.
Apart from the well-appointed accommodations, Ciel Tower will have many decadent amenities. These range from an observatory and lounge to a rooftop infinity pool complete with a bar. Another highlight is a 300-meter atrium. The vertically stacked landscaped terraces will serve as a communal space for guests.
Palm Jebel Ali
One of the standout infrastructure projects in Dubai is Palm Jumeirah, a palm-shaped group of artificial islands. In May last year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new master plan for a megaproject twice the size of the iconic archipelago.
Located some 20 kilometers south of Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali project will comprise 80 hotels, resorts and other amenities spread across 13.4 square kilometers. In September last year, the first villas sold out as home buyers sought to snag properties in the highly anticipated development. According to real estate agents at that time, these villas could be handed over in 2027.
Dubai Reefs
Dubai Reefs is a visionary project set to take shape in 2024. It will be home to a floating living lab, a marine institute that aims to bolster the city’s marine science and conservation capacity.
Apart from the said lab, Dubai Reefs will have residential and educational facilities. The whole community will run entirely on renewable energy. Living up to its sustainability brand, the project will also feature a climate-friendly food production technique called Regenerative Ocean Farming.
Once complete, Dubai Reefs will also have the world’s largest artificial reef at 200 square kilometers. It will house over 1 billion corals. The project, as a whole, will span 600 square kilometers of coastline along Palm Jebel Ali through the Dubai Islands.
Read: Biggest renewable energy projects in the Middle East
Surf Abu Dhabi
Among the upcoming UAE megaprojects, Surf Abu Dhabi is one of the most notable. As described by the Emirates News Agency, it will be “the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world.”
Scheduled to open in 2024, it is part of the Modon master plan for Hudayriyat Island. The master plan also includes the region’s first velodrome (an arena for track cycling) and the emirate’s biggest urban park.
Surf Abu Dhabi is also poised to boast many record-breaking features, including the longest ride and biggest barrel in the artificial surfing world. Additionally, it will have the largest man-made wave pool.
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Several art and culture hubs are underway in the UAE. And these include teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Now 70 percent complete, the multi-sensory art experience sits at the Saadiyat Cultural District. Once operational, guests will be treated to large-scale immersive artwork spaces courtesy of Tokyo-based art collective teamLab.
Apart from the modern technology-driven exhibits it will offer, the structure itself — covering 17,000 square meters of gross floor area — is a masterpiece.
“In designing the architecture, we focused primarily on incorporating the characteristics of a life form; to create an organic shape. We aimed to create an architecture in which both the internal and external are covered and connected by an organic architectural skin,” explained teamLab on its website.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences
The name Louvre is best known for its museums, including the tourist magnet Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Soon, a residential project will carry the prestigious brand, and it will have its home in Abu Dhabi.
Developed by Aldar Properties, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences will comprise 400 apartments and other enviable features. These include a 12-seater Cinema Privé, which offers an intimate theater experience, and Salon Détente, a lounge decorated with well-curated art pieces. A wellness center called Spa Bien-être will also rise. Creativité Room, an indoor kids’ playroom, is another key highlight of the residential project.
Buying a property here means being neighbors with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The complex will also have a sunset deck offering impeccable views of the renowned museum.
Aljada
Aljada loosely translates to “the district.” The megaproject will be a sprawling 2.2 square kilometer neighborhood that will redefine what living in Sharjah is like.
A mere seven minutes from the Sharjah Airport and 20 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, it will have four hotels, three schools and a 1.9 million-square-foot entertainment complex. The site will also have around 25,000 residential properties, mostly apartments, 500 square meters of prime office space and 165,000 square meters of leasable retail space. Green spaces totaling 250,000 square kilometers will encourage a balanced lifestyle. There will be tree-lined avenues, bike paths and skateparks, among others.
Wynn Al Marjan Island
While Wynn Al Marjan Island will open in early 2027, the mega casino resort is already creating buzz among property investors, transforming the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah into the next real estate gem of the UAE. The project will offer a taste of Las Vegas with its extensive gaming, entertainment and retail choices. The resort will also have over 1,000 rooms, an exclusive spa, restaurants and lounges.
The property, in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, will stand 305 meters above the ground. This venture represents Wynn’s inaugural project on a beachfront. Al Marjan, the artificial island that will serve as the resort’s home, boasts 7.8 kilometers of beachfront areas.
RAK Central
RAK Central is set to become the “largest commercial business district in the Northern Emirates.” Offering 3 million square feet of rentable office space, the project will be located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi Street in the Al Hamra District. Apart from Grade A offices, it will have over 4,000 residential apartments, three hotels boasting over 1,000 keys, lush parks, retail outlets and entertainment venues.
RAK Central will also have breathtaking views of the Al Hamra Golf Club and the Arabian Gulf. Construction will commence this year, and the main business complex could be completed by 2026.
Final thoughts
With several upcoming megaprojects lined up, the UAE cements its status as a leading name in infrastructure and construction globally. Beyond elevating the skyline of the country, these projects collectively portray the UAE as a nation with a strong commitment to development and innovation.
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