Taking a break from the breakneck developments of Saudi Arabia, let’s shift focus to another Middle Eastern gem where dazzling projects are second nature. Yes, I’m talking about Dubai, the city that never sleeps because it’s always building something. This time, it’s not a skyscraper or a stadium but a botanical wellness retreat in the heart of the city.
Sounds incredible, right? Get ready to have your mind blown, and your soul soothed as Dubai welcomes Therme Dubai, a spectacular $545 million wellness resort touted as the world’s tallest well-being retreat and home to the largest indoor botanical garden, complete with three 60-foot waterfalls.
Already intrigued? Wait until you hear the details. Approved by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan and developed in partnership with Therme Group, this futuristic wellness hub seamlessly blends leisure, healthcare, and entertainment. Rising nearly 330 feet and spanning 500,000 square feet, the bonsai-shaped Therme Dubai, located in Zabeel Park, is packed with amenities, including an interactive park centered around three key experiences, Restore, Relax, and Play.
From a Michelin-star restaurant and 4,500-square-meter indoor and terrace pools to an expansive play area with 15 waterslides and immersive art installations, there’s much more to do than just unwind. Designed to entertain 1.7 million visitors annually, Therme Dubai, conceptualized by global architecture firm DS+R (Diller Scofidio + Renfro), caters to all mindsets, offering adrenaline-fueled fun with waterslides on one end and a tranquil escape featuring saunas, steam rooms, and mineral baths on the other.
As the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, it will captivate visitors with over 200 plant species, fostering urban biodiversity and promoting a greener city. The resort is also committed to sustainability, recycling 90% of the water used in its thermal pools while meeting 80% of its fresh air and cooling needs through clean energy sources. This aligns with the Quality of Life Strategy introduced by Sheikh Hamdan in May last year. According to The National News, Dubai is set to develop more than 30 parks with new designs across the Emirate by 2027, further solidifying its reputation as a global leader in urban innovation and sustainable development.
