7 Amazing Dubai Projects: Three set to open before year-end

Three stunning projects in Dubai will be opened by end of 2016, propelling tourism and boosting economic growth.

Among the first to open in September 2016 will be the iconic Dubai Opera, the centerpiece of the Opera District in Downtown Dubai, followed by the Dubai theme parks and the Dubai Frame.

Emirates 24|7 brings you the latest updates on these projects.

Dubai Opera

Emaar Properties said on Wednesday its iconic Dubai Opera in Downtown Dubai will start to hold world-class performances later this year.

The developer’s website puts the completion date September 2016, revealing the concrete works are almost complete and the roof has been fully installed, while the electromechanical, façade, finishing and fit-out works are in progress at all levels.  

 
The Dubai Opera, located close to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Dubai Fountain, will be as iconic in appearance as the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

To seat up to 2,000 for a theatrical production and up to 1,000 for a gala dinner, the project takes design inspiration from the vintage dhows, which were integral to Dubai’s ancestors who took to the seas as part of their livelihood.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Dubai Opera is our tribute to our city and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a seat of arts, culture, performing arts and world-class events. An architectural masterpiece, it draws design inspiration from our own heritage, while the focus on bringing exclusive and accomplished performing arts places it on the league of the world’s finest.”

He added: “Dubai Opera adds a new dimension to cultural entertainment in the city, while adding value to the surrounding hospitality, retail, touristic and residential developments. With this sterling addition to the city, we are supporting our leadership’s focus on establishing Dubai as a ‘City of Happy, Creative and Empowered People.’”

Museum of the Future

Located in the Emirates Towers area, near Sheikh Zayed Road, the project will be completed by 2017 and will provide the best innovative environment in the world.

Visitors will be able to experience the future through cutting-edge simulations and interactive demonstrations. The museum will hold scientific conferences and offer advanced courses and specialised workshops on design and innovation covering the latest scientific developments, trends and designs as well as their practical applications.

Bluewaters Island

Buildings and infrastructure work is currently going on the Dh6-billion Bluewaters Island close to Jumeirah Beach Residence. The frames of Dubai Eye, billed to be the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, are already in place. Work on the wheel installation has not yet begun.

The Dh475-million bridge, connecting the island to the mainland, is nearing completion. Apart from the Ferris wheel, the development will have retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones. It is expected to attract more than three million visitors per annum. Built by Meraas Holdings, the project is set to be one of the largest tourist hotspots in the world.

Dubai Frame

Set to open, most likely, before year-end, Dubai Municipality intends to make Dubai Frame the number one tourist attraction globally.

“We are aiming to make it the number one attraction in the world,” Hussain Nasser Lootah had told Emirates 24|7.

Located in Zabeel Park, it comprises 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 Creek Harbour

Work has started on the mega development by Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, estimated to cost billions of dirhams.  Three times the size of Downtown Dubai, it is located alongside Dubai Creek and adjacent to Ras Al Khor. It will comprise 3,664 office units, eight million square feet of retail space, 39,000 residential units and 22 hotels with 4,400 rooms. A number of residential towers have been launched over the past one year. Though no exact date has been released, the developers are planning to launch the world’s tallest twin towers in coming months.

Dubai Water Canal

With the opening of the canal slated for 2017, the infrastructure work (bridges, utility lines, etc.) are nearing completion.

Work is gathering pace in Phase III of the project involving drilling work of the water canal, which is expected to be completed in September, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The contract of Phase III covers the drilling of a water canal stretching 3.2km, building the sides of the canal linking the Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf, extending from Shaikh Zayed Road and passing across Al Safa Park and Jumeirah 2 and terminating in the Arabian Gulf at the southern part of Jumeirah Beach Park.

Work on all three phases of the project are being carried out concurrently.

The development, launched in October 2013, will see the extension of the Dubai Creek by three kilometres and the canal connecting the Business Bay with the Arabian Gulf. The waterway will stretch three kilometers in length and width ranging from 80 to 120 meters.

Dubai theme parks

Dubai Parks and Resorts is set for an October 2016 opening. The company has said that they are at a very crucial milestone in the construction and development with 89 per cent of the ride production has been completed, 88 per cent of the overall facility structure works are done and 70 per cent of the overall infrastructure has been completed. The substation has already been handed over to Dewa.

The parks components include Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, Lapita and Riverland Dubai.

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