Dubai has long been famous as a land of luxury, possessing the tallest building and the largest aquarium in the world. Now the city’s government has announced plans to build the world’s first air-conditioned mini-city.
Dubai – the center of architectural records
On July 6, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially revealed the inspiring miniature city project, promising to turn Dubai into the world’s leading super-developed international destination and global leader in the retail industry, along with giant projects serving tourism.
Located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the world’s first climate-controlled pedestrian city is also a project of records: the world’s largest shopping mall, the world’s largest indoor park, a cultural theater and a health resort capable of serving more than 180 million visitors a year. The project also includes an above-ground parking lot with a capacity of 50,000 cars.
The nearly 4.5 square kilometer city will include a giant 743,224 square meter Mall of the World and the world’s largest indoor theme park, 100 hotels with 20,000 rooms, a medical resort, a 15,000-person event center and a theater – all under air-conditioned domes to avoid the scorching heat of Dubai’s desert land.
The Dubai Cultural District will be the hub for many of the UAE’s festivals and cultural events – built on the experience of Broadway in New York, Dubai’s The Celebration Walk shopping street will be similar to Ramblas Street in Barcelona or Oxford Street in London.
Under the green and environmentally friendly Smart Dubai model, the city will apply the most advanced technology to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“The growth in family tourism and retail is reinforcing the need to enhance Dubai’s tourism infrastructure as soon as possible,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
The project will be built “as Dubai gradually develops family tourism,” according to Dubai Holding Chairman Al Gergawi.
The limitless creativity of Dubai people
Dubai is proving that human creativity is limitless and reinforcing the belief that nothing is impossible. The unique project will “neutralize” the effects of Dubai’s harsh desert climate, through ingenious and extremely intelligent design.
Unlike other shopping mall concepts in Dubai and around the world, Mall of the World will become an open-air shopping street during winter, when the entire glass dome will be opened for visitors to enjoy the fresh weather.
Zoom InPerspective of the world’s first air-conditioned mini city – Photo: Business Week
“Our ambition is not just to do tourism seasonally, but all year round. Tourism is a key driver of the UAE economy, so that is the main reason we embarked on a project to create a comfortable climate-controlled environment throughout the summer months. We are confident about our economic strength, optimistic about our country’s future and constantly expanding our vision,” added Sheikh Mohammed.
The main goal is to attract shoppers from all over the world. Dubai hopes to attract 180 million visitors a year by providing a full range of entertainment, shopping and hospitality services to cater to the needs of every member of the family. The 7km long amusement park connecting all locations in the city will be open all year round.
Visitors can stay here for a week without having to leave the city or take a car.
Zoom InDubai Cultural District Theatre – Photo: emirates247.com
Zoom InThe world’s largest indoor park – Photo: emirates247.com
The developer also wants to boost the city’s growing medical tourism industry, which attracts 750,000 Americans a year. The city will dedicate 278,710 square meters to a healthcare complex, offering specialized surgical services and cosmetic treatments.
With its emphasis on tourism, the project will be a departure from today’s American-style shopping malls, which have failed to compete on price and convenience with online retailers.
However, the Mall of the World may face problems in Dubai’s real estate boom. Reuters reports that financial institutions continue to pour money into real estate, despite the UAE’s central bank warning in its recent annual stability report that the property market is overheating.
In 2008, another unusual project—building 300 artificial islands that would resemble a world map—became a symbol of Dubai’s financial crisis. If Dubai’s real estate market takes another hit, the Mall of the World could be in serious trouble.