Dubai plans air-conditioned city

UAE:  The world’s first temperature controlled city, covering nearly 4.5 million m2 (over 1,100 acres) is planned for the oil-rich city of Dubai.

Mall of the World will comprise the largest indoor theme park in the world, which will be covered by a glass dome that will be open during the winter.

The project, developed by Dubai Holding, will also house the largest shopping mall in the world with an area of 8,000,000ft2. This will take the form of an extended retail street network, different to the typical shopping mall concept currently available in Dubai. The 7km long promenades connecting all facilities will be covered and air conditioned during the summer and open during the winter, ensuring pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

Additional districts within the project will include a wellness dedicated zone catering to medical tourists, a cultural celebration district as well as a wide range of hospitality options, comprising 100 hotels and serviced apartments buildings, including 20,000 hotel rooms, catering to all types of tourists. The project will also include designated parking areas with a capacity to host up to 50,000 cars on the ground level.

Dubai Cultural District will be the hub for national and multinational cultural festivities and events in the UAE. A dedicated theatre district with host of venues similar to some of the world’s most renowned landmarks such as London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. The Celebration Walk, similar to the Ramblas Street in Barcelona will connect the cultural district to the rest of the Mall. Dubai Cultural District will include a range of conference, wedding and celebration halls with a capacity to host thousands of revellers, befitting the multicultural social fabric of Dubai.

Once completed, the City is projected to become a year-round destination, welcoming around 180 million visitors annually.