His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently visited Bluewaters Island to review the progress of the ambitious AED 6 billion development. The man-made island, situated off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence, is poised to become a major global tourism hotspot, aligning with Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020.
Key Takeaways
- The project aims to enhance Dubai’s profile as a premier investment and tourism destination.
- Bluewaters Island will feature a mix of residential, retail, dining, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment facilities.
- The development includes the "Ain Dubai," the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel.
- The project has created thousands of jobs and offers opportunities for youth.
Project Overview and Vision
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest quality in Dubai’s projects to bolster its standing as a preferred destination for investment and tourism. "We want our country to be known as a land of happiness and hope for both people and visitors, and for all those who have ambitions and dreams," he stated. He highlighted that creating a favorable environment for tourism and investment is crucial for economic diversification, requiring clear business plans and strategies to adapt to global changes.
Development Progress and Features
The Bluewaters project, developed by Meraas, has provided employment for over 16,000 people and involves collaboration with more than 1,500 local and international companies. The island will host two hotels, one with 178 rooms and 96 serviced apartments, and another with 301 rooms and 119 serviced apartments. Both hotels will offer luxurious accommodations, extensive amenities, and direct access to a 450-meter private beach.
The centerpiece of Bluewaters Island is the "Ain Dubai," an observation wheel standing over 210 meters tall, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline. A unique attraction for adventure enthusiasts will be the world’s highest rope climbing platform, situated at over 150 meters on one of "Ain Dubai’s" legs, operated with expert supervision for safety.
Residential and Connectivity Aspects
Bluewaters Island will also feature 10 apartment buildings with a total of 700 residential units, offering premium lifestyle amenities such as state-of-the-art gymnasiums, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, basketball courts, and children’s play areas. To ensure easy access, direct road links from Sheikh Zayed Road are under construction by the RTA. Additionally, a driverless Group Rapid Transit service will connect the island to Ibn Battuta Metro Station, complemented by a 265-meter pedestrian bridge linking to The Beach.
Accompanying Dignitaries
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by several key figures, including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group; Mohammed Ibrahim AI Shaibani, Director-General of His Highness the Ruler’s Court, Government of Dubai; Mohammed Ali Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties; and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai. Meraas Group Chairman Abdulla Al Habbai provided a detailed briefing on the project’s advancements.