Abu Dhabi approves 76 tourism-boosting developments, including a desert-based theme park
by Tom Anstey | 19 Mar 2015
Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) has approved plans for several new major developments in Abu Dhabi as part of a strategy to make the area more tourist friendly. They include a new African safari experience, waterfront developments and a shopping mall.
World Desert Oasis in Al Ain is one of 76 new projects, recently approved by the UPC aiming to enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a tourist destination. Designed to showcase wildlife and its natural environment, the 10.9sq km (4.2sq m) project is being developed by the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution of Al Ain (ZAPIA), and will be one of the multiple zones making up the larger ZAPIA Park, which currently includes the recently renovated Al Ain Zoo and upcoming Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre by CAP Chalabi Architekten & Partner. The new development will include an oasis garden, a botanical garden, a children’s discovery area, amphitheatre and an African World Desert.
The UPC also approved plans for new industrial parks around Al Ain airport. This will comprise 3.8sq km (1.4sq m) of residential and commercial development under the Wahat Al Zaweya masterplan, which would also include a resort, educational institutes and a ‘desert-based theme park’.
Several approved developments to the west in Al Gharbia have been granted planning permission, including Phase 1 of the Al Wajeha Al Bahria Project Plan – the first mixed-use waterfront development in Mirfa City – which consists of four retail buildings, 126 apartments and 10 villas.
Further to the plans, Ghayathi City’s town centre will undergo a full redevelopment to include new office, retail, residential space and a cinema under a scheme called Al Hai Al Tejari.
Finally, a new concept plan for Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi City also gained approval. Al Maryah Central will be a shopping, dining and family entertainment destination at the heart of Al Maryah Island, next to Richard Rogers’ Maryah Plaza development. Linked to The Galleria Mall, it will house international department stores, while neighbouring Reem Island is set to gain a 29-storey residential tower with a mix of apartments, amenities and retail.
“These approved projects bring us closer to achieving the goals of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and are very exciting for residents and tourists alike, as we look to develop and showcase Abu Dhabi Emirate not only as a great place to visit, but an attractive place to live,” said Mohamed Al Khadar, executive director, Urban Development & Estidama Sector, UPC.
“Of course, we are very careful and deliberate in our evaluation of all project proposals; each one must adhere to our regulations and guidelines and take into account environmental, economic, social and cultural factors, thereby ensuring that every new development is in line with Vision 2030.”
Richard Rogers’ Maryah Plaza development will be closely linked with the Al Maryah Central shopping mall development Credit: Richard Rogers
The Wahat Al Zaweya masterplan Credit: Wahat Al Zaweya
World Desert Oasis safari park in Al Ain is one of 76 new projects, recently approved by the UPC Credit: Al Ain Zoo
21 Oct 2014
Louvre Abu Dhabi project hits construction milestone
08 Oct 2014
Al Ain National Museum providing training to Abu Dhabi students
10 Jun 2014
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel with 'twisting' glass tower to open in 2015
24 Apr 2014
Plans revealed for Abu Dhabi sunken desert oasis by Heatherwick
17 Feb 2014
Abu Dhabi waterpark reveals pearl diving experience
Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) has approved plans for several new major developments in Abu Dhabi as part of a strategy to make the area more tourist friendly. They include a new African safari experience, waterfront developments and a shopping mall. World Desert Oasis in Al Ain is one of 76 new projects, recently approved by the UPC aiming to enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a tourist destination. Designed
CLD,HOT,TOU,TAW,VAT,HAM,PRO,DEV,INV,PUB
More news
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
by Megan Whitby | 08 Dec 2023
London has gained a substantial new urban spa in Belgravia following The Peninsula London’s grand unveiling of its subterranean Spa & Wellness Centre. Located beneath the new 190-room Peninsula London hotel, the facility’s opening marks the final stage of luxury Hong Kong hotel brand Peninsula Hotels’ seven-year project to create its London flagship. The newly built hotel was realised by British design studio Hopkins Architects and features heritage architecture to
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
by Megan Whitby | 24 Nov 2023
Luxury hotel and spa operator Mandarin Oriental’s second London hotel will launch next January with a brand new spa designed as a boutique sister location to its flagship UK spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Open to hotel guests, residents and the local community, the underground wellness retreat at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will welcome its first guests in early 2024. Facilities will include an indoor heated swimming pool, a sauna,
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
by Tom Walker | 20 Nov 2023
Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MoCAUP) has opened an exhibition which provides a retrospective of the research and practices of MAD Architects. Called Ma Yansong: Landscapes in Motion, the exhibition occupies an expansive space of more than 3,000sq m and takes visitors on a journey through 52 projects spanning almost two decades. MAD Architects is led by Ma Yansong, Dang Qun and Yosuke Hayano. The exhibition is
SHA Mexico to debut in January 2024 with genome-inspired design by Sordo Madaleno
by Megan Whitby | 20 Nov 2023
Spanish wellness brand SHA Wellness will open its Latin American flagship in January in Costa Mujeres, a secluded beach destination just north of Cancun. Joining SHA’s Alicante flagship, SHA Mexico’s opening will mark the first phase of SHA’s global expansion plans with an additional Abu Dhabi forest destination set to debut in 2025. The two upcoming properties are part of AB Wellness, one of three divisions which fall under the
Timbaland, music producer to the stars, joins forces with Myndstream to co-create music that improves health and wellbeing
by Megan Whitby | 15 Nov 2023
Timbaland, Platinum Grammy Award-winning producer, who's worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Madonna, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Drake and Björk, has announced a partnership with health and wellbeing music provider, Myndstream. The new partners will collaborate to produce an album of wellness music to help improve the health and wellbeing of listeners, whether that be to destress, relax, unwind or focus. They will be available for use by
Kerzner's new 'fitness hotel', Siro One Zabeel, opens for reservations
by Tom Walker | 09 Nov 2023
The first ever Siro hotel, marketed as the "ultimate fitness and recovery hotel", is now accepting reservations. Set to open its doors in February 2024 at the One Za'abeel development in Dubai, the property marks the debut for Siro – a new, fitness and recovery brand developed by Kerzner International. Siro One Za'abeel will offer guests experiences built around the brand's five specific "biohacking pillars" – fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery
Back in time – visitors experience 1960s healthcare in Black Country Museum's new living history centre
by Tom Walker | 01 Nov 2023
Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, UK, has opened a life-sized replica of a healthcare centre for infants, offering visitors an opportunity to discover how new and expectant mothers in the early 1960s were cared for and supported. The new Lea Road Infant Welfare Centre is housed in its own building, allowing visitors to explore a waiting room, doctor’s surgery, a dispensary and other exhibits – as well as meet
First look at Virgin Active's all-new luxury Wimbledon club with wellness offering
by Tom Walker | 29 Oct 2023
Virgin Active has opened the doors to its Wimbledon club following a comprehensive redevelopment and refurbishment of the site. The company said the property – described it as an 'all-new club' – has been meticulously planned to the highest standards. Facilities now include a 375sq m gym floor with10 Lifting Stations, Ski-Ergs, Echo Bikes, Eleiko weights and Technogym cardio equipment. A total of 10 personal trainers will also be available.
Morgan’s Wonderland reveals plans for largest expansion in its history
by Tom Walker | 24 Oct 2023
Morgan’s Wonderland – a Texas-based theme park which caters specifically to people with disabilities – has revealed plans to add attractions worth US$6 million in 2024. The major additions will include a 4D cinema giving, a passenger boat ride across the park’s eight-acre fishing lake, a zipline soaring above the lake and a wheelchair-accessible "bike ride". The 4D theatre, located at the park's Sensory Village, gives guests the sensation of
Hacienda Xcanatun’s new Angsana Spa brings the outdoors in with nature-centric design
by Megan Whitby | 20 Oct 2023
Banyan Tree Group has refreshed its luxury hotel in Mérida, Mexico, with a new Angsana Spa inspired by Asian and Mexican therapies. Located in four acres of lush green tropical gardens, the newly built wellness pavilion is part of Hacienda Xcanatun, Angsana Heritage Collection’s property-wide expansion project. The spa stands above a tranquil pond and blends discreetly into the surrounding natural foliage thanks to a design blending the boundaries between
Sports Illustrated Resorts to expand across US with active lifestyle at their core
by Megan Whitby | 19 Oct 2023
A network of Sports Illustrated branded resort and lifestyle complexes will launch in the US following a deal between Travel + Leisure Co and Sports Hospitality Ventures (SHV) – the hotel and resorts licensee for the Sports Illustrated brand in North America and the Caribbean. Each Sports Illustrated Resort campus is expected to feature a full-service hotel, a vacation club and residences, as well as a host of branded attractions
Conscious wellbeing inspires Knightsbridge’s newest urban retreat, The Hvn
by Megan Whitby | 16 Oct 2023
A new urban wellness retreat is set to launch in Knightsbridge, London, backed by a trio of professionals from the beauty and medical fields, including ex-Aromatherapy Associates interim CEO Muriel Zingraff. Designed for conscious wellbeing, The Hvn will launch on 17 October. The two-level facility will operate with a 360˚ integrated approach using heritage therapies – including traditional Indian, Japanese and Chinese medicines – functional medicine and medical aesthetics, acupuncture,
Jon Williams and Tom Edwards launch nature-inspired Forest House
by Frances Marcellin | 15 Oct 2023
Fitness entrepreneurs Jon Williams, CEO, and Tom Edwards, COO, have co-founded a new high-end club in central Watford, Forest House Health and Wellness, with a group of health and fitness specialists. Along with Williams and Edwards, the co-founding members are: Steve Lewis, chairman, Bharat Hindocha, CFO, Raj Rattan and Rob Marsh. The first club will be opening its doors to the public in June 2023 which will be the sixth
Private women's wellness club Kintsugi Space launching in Abu Dhabi this November
by Megan Whitby | 12 Oct 2023
Kintsugi, a new private wellness club concept, will launch its flagship destination on Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island in November. Unveiled in 2022, Kintsugi is a self-care-inspired concept designed to help its members heal, grow and embrace who they are. Its approach will draw on Western and ancient Eastern healing rituals. The brand’s name refers to the Japanese method of repairing broken pottery with paint mixed with gold powder –
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval
by Megan Whitby | 22 Sep 2023
Therme Group has received planning permission to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, after a four-year journey. Planning approval has been granted for the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, in Trafford in northern England. A project by Therme Group, the £250m (US$317.8m, €291.4m) resort’s design was recently updated to include a pavilion-style concept enveloped by a natural landscape. Construction is set to commence later this
Construction work to begin on Universal Resort Beijing's second phase 'by 2025'
by Tom Walker | 10 Sep 2023
Construction work on the second phase of the Universal Resort Beijing is set to begin by 2025. The expansion of the resort, which first opened in September 2021, will form part of the Chinese government's wider action plan to invest in Beijing's tourism infrastructure and to develop the city into a global destination. The second phase will add around 2.2sq km to the total park area at Universal Beijing and
Sparcstudio gives Center Parcs' Aqua Sana concept an extensive forest-inspired makeover
by Megan Whitby | 05 Sep 2023
Center Parcs is conducting a multi-million-pound spa remodel at its Elveden Forest holiday village in Norfolk, UK. Reimagined in line with Center Parcs’ Forest Spa concept, the spa will reopen on 29 September with 25 experiences. The new facilities will be spread across six zones and be inspired by some of the world's most extraordinary natural environments. Center Parcs says the redesign “reflects our woodland surroundings through the use of
Studio Apostoli plans wellness oasis in Mongolian national park
by Megan Whitby | 31 Aug 2023
Verona-based spa and wellness design firm Studio Apostoli has been appointed to support the creation of a wellness-centric eco-resort 40km from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Developed by Devjikh Tsog Khugjil, Tavan Jargal Resort is currently in the preliminary design and business planning stages. The vision for the 13-hectare development is to create a high-end wellness oasis tucked away in a protected national park that showcases Mongolian culture and the
Soho House to expand with new properties in UK, North America and Latin America
by Megan Whitby | 29 Aug 2023
Soho House is set to unveil seven new locations across the UK, North America and Latin America during 2023 and 2024. Founded by entrepreneur Nick Jones, the international private members club’s first destination opened in London’s Soho neighbourhood in 1995. It is now worth over US$2.8bn (£2.2bn, €2.6bn), according to Bloomberg. Soho House has grown into a successful global brand with 41 Houses in 17 countries, with locations ranging from
Art Processors win Fast Co Design Award for Sydney Opera House 50th anniversary synchronised show
by Tom Walker | 25 Aug 2023
An AV experience project, which turned the Sydney Opera House's famous 'sails' into huge video screens, has won the Experience Design category in Fast Company's 2023 Innovation by Design Awards. Created by Australia-based Art Processors, the From the Sails: Light Years project included an original film artwork projected onto the Sydney Opera House's western sails to mark the iconic landmark's 50th-year celebrations. The 17-minute film charts the building's history and
September reopening for Britain's oldest lido following £9m transformation
by Megan Whitby | 25 Aug 2023
The UK’s oldest outdoor public pool in the city of Bath will reopen to the public on 10 September following a £9m (US$10.7m, €10.1m) restoration project. Located on Hampton Row, Cleveland Pools was designed by John Pinch the Elder, designer of Babbington House in Somerset and Bishopstrow House, as well as parts of the City of Bath, and opened in 1815. It remained a popular open-air bathing spot for more
Rixos to open Turkish-inspired beachfront spa resort in Dubai Islands
by Megan Whitby | 25 Aug 2023
Work is underway to realise a new Rixos resort in Dubai following a partnership between UAE-based real estate developer Nakheel and Excelsior Real Estate. Set back in a secluded cove with direct access to a 700-metre beach, Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences will be home to a range of beachfront accommodation and residences as well as a signature Rixos spa and fitness centre, infinity pools and communal residential lounges.
Rosewood’s second Austrian Asaya spa to open in restored 15th-century castle
by Megan Whitby | 24 Aug 2023
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will unveil a brand new Asaya wellness spa in 2024 at a lakeside castle in the Austrian countryside. The spa will open at the luxury hotel and spa operator’s upcoming hotel Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, complete with eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Asaya is Rosewood’s signature wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The Asaya
1 Hotel Mayfair launches with Bamford Wellness Spa and biophilic design by GA Group
by Megan Whitby | 17 Aug 2023
1 Hotels, the eco-luxury brand and brainchild of Starwood Capital founder Barry Sternlicht, has opened its debut European property in the heart of the UK capital with design by GA Group. 1 Hotel Mayfair has been designed to set a new benchmark for lower-impact luxury in London and adhere to 1 Hotels’ sustainability-minded philosophy that “those that travel the world should also care about it”. The London location is gearing
Otherworld Philadelphia is a place where 'anything is possible'
by Tom Walker | 17 Aug 2023
A new immersive, interactive art experience – described as a place where 'anything is possible' – has opened in Philadelphia. Called Otherworld, the attraction occupies a 40,000sq ft space in a building located in north Philadelphia that previously housed a discount retail outlet, Formal Mills. Designed and built by Otherworld, the experience features 55 unique rooms that guests can explore, with a number of storylines interlinking and connecting them to
Mandarin Oriental opens first retreat in Greece and announces upcoming Sardinian property and spa
by Megan Whitby | 16 Aug 2023
Luxury hotel operator Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) has announced the opening of its first Greek property and spa, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Described as a sustainably-driven destination, the new beachfront resort in Messenia has been developed in collaboration with Temes – the property owner and a developer known for its commitment to sustainability. The design team behind the 99-key resort was Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio. Their brief
Third Space joins Six Senses at luxury development The Whiteley
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
Third Space has signed a deal to open a club at The Whiteley, the iconic West London landmark which is undergoing a £1bn transformation into a mixed-use development. The luxury fitness operator will take 34,000sq ft of space across three floors within The Whiteley, directly accessed via Porchester Gardens in Bayswater. Third Space currently operates 10 clubs across London and is rolling out its high-end brand following investment from KSL
GymNation – owned by JD Gyms – opens latest club in Dubai and plans Middle East expansion
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
GymNation, which was acquired by JD Gyms in 2022, has opened its latest health club in Dubai, bringing the number of sites in its UAE portfolio to 11. GymNation Downtown Dubai features more than 500 pieces of Matrix and Eleiko equipment across a 40,000sq ft space. There are also three group exercise studios, featuring programming from Les Mills and a dedicated combat zone and classes. GymNation has ambitious expansion plans,
Entertainment resort and waterpark planned for Tashkent, Uzbekistan
by Tom Walker | 09 Aug 2023
A world-scale, integrated resort is being planned for Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital city. Feature unique water attractions, a themed hotel, immersive dining, and live entertainment, the development will be located close to urban regeneration district, New Tashkent City and is being designed with both local and international audiences in mind. US-based design firm Legacy Entertainment has been appointed to design and build the resort's waterpark, which will anchor the project. No
Plans revealed for US$2bn Oklahoma theme park
by Tom Walker | 05 Aug 2023
Plans have been tabled for a US$2bn theme park and entertainment destination development in north-east Oklahoma, US. The development would be built in phases, starting with a large-scale caravan/RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025. The main development called American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, would then follow in 2026. Spreading across 1,000 acres, the resort would be located close to Route 66, the famous
company profile
Try cladmag for free!
Sign up with CLAD to receive our regular ezine, instant news alerts, free digital subscriptions to CLADweek, CLADmag and CLADbook and to request a free sample of the next issue of CLADmag.
sign up
features
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
To advertise in our catalogue gallery: call +44(0)1462 431385
features
cladkit product news
Mather & Co has transformed the visitor centre into the ultimate haven for ardent Coronation Street viewers
Experience designers, Mather & Co, have orchestrated a remarkable collaboration with ITV to unveil the new Coronation Street Experience, a
...
Alemanno believes the stones are well-placed in the spa environment thanks to their capacity to positively support physical and mental health
Fabio Alemanno Design has expanded its collection with semi-precious stones to enhance spas, wellness facilities, hotels and private residences. The
...
cladkit product news
The showerhead offers two modes; rainfall or waterfall
Italian architect Alberto Apostoli has renewed his partnership with Newform – an Italian wellness company – and designed A.Zeta. A.Zeta
...
The Clematis design
The Botanicals is Siminetti’s newest Mother of Pearl decorative panelling collection, inspired by the distinctive patterns found in botany and
...
cladkit product news
The new lock model allows facilities and building managers to create and manage access via an app or online portal
Codelocks has launched its first glass door smart lock to bring intelligent access control to modern spa, leisure, fitness and
...
Almost 300 drones were used to signal an environmental message above the Eden Project’s biomes, during the UN Climate Change
...
