Hot projects A roundup of new and recently announced tourism developments and attractions in the Middle East and North Africa
UAE
and lakeside recreation. Plans also call for the development of a series of glass-domed camps and lodges with panoramic views, open lounges beside man-made lakes, and tethered hot air balloons providing elevated vantage points of the surrounding area. Visitor amenities will include kayaking facilities, cafés, souvenir outlets and a Caravan Park, alongside an outdoor cinema, art exhibitions and programmed events. Hatta Master Development Plan, Dubai Dubai authorities are investing billions of dirhams into transforming Hatta into a year-round tourism destination built around nature, heritage and soft adventure – with new leisure infrastructure designed to extend stays and boost repeat visitation. The strategy aims to strengthen Hatta’s identity as Dubai’s mountain adventure destination, with a core focus on sustainability. At its heart is the Hatta Heritage Project, bringing history to life with museums, cultural centres, and immersive experiences showcasing traditional ways of life. Highlights include the Hatta Beach Project featuring a crystal lagoon,
Dubai Islands, Dubai
Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
Formerly known as Deira Islands, Dubai Islands is Nakheel’s latest large- scale master-planned development. Located near the Sharjah border, the project comprises five man-made islands spanning a total area of 17 sq km. With more than 20 km of new beachfront and a significant pipeline of hospitality projects, the district will house more than 80 hotels, marinas, parks and residential communities.
With Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi now open, Saadiyat Island’s impres- sive Cultural District is entering its long-anticipated “delivery” phase. The next headline opening is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, later this year. A statement destination in its own right, the mu- seum will house 30 indoor galleries spanning 11,600 sqm plus 23,000 sqm of outdoor exhibition areas across atriums, plazas and terraces. With a gross floor area of 80,000 sqm, it will be the largest Guggenheim globally, combining clusters of galler- ies with an art-and-technology centre, children’s learning spaces, archives, a library and conservation facilities.
Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, Dubai
artificial lake and pop-up beach, as well as the revitalisation of Hatta Heritage Village.
Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route (Route 1) is a 100km-long corridor that will transform Dubai’s desert landscape into an experiential tourism destination. Built around the international “scenic route” concept, the route will enable visitors to travel to heritage and natural landmarks including Saruq Al-Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village (already open), while taking part in soft adventure activities such as horse and camel riding, desert walks
Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai
Dubai’s largest manmade island, Palm Jebel Ali is a landmark up-and-com- ing mega project that builds on the legacy of its sister Palm develop- ments. Originally begun in 2002 and paused for more than a decade after the global financial crisis, the project was officially relaunched in 2023 and has since moved into active delivery under master developer Nakheel Properties. Spanning approximately 13.4 sq km – more than twice the size of Palm Jumeirah – the archipel- ago is formed of seven interconnected islands, adding more than 110 km of coastline and around 90 km of pristine beach frontage to Dubai’s coastal area. The masterplan includes mixed-use neighbourhoods, waterfront prome-
Sphere Entertainment Complex, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is set to get its very own Sphere Entertainment Complex, based on the world-famous Las Vegas attraction of the same name. Planned as a permanent, next-generation entertainment landmark and mirroring the scale of the 20,000-seat Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in 2023, the Abu Dhabi venue will host live con- certs and large-format “experiences powered by proprietary technology and original content”. The structure will combine advanced visual and audio systems with purpose-built architecture engineered specifically for immersive storytelling.
Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai
22 | ATM YEARBOOK 2026
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator