Musuem of the future
Dubai's museum of the future along Sheikh Zayed Road. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

Dubai: Coinciding with the celebrations of 50 years of the UAE's union are several remarkable launches and openings in Dubai. Here are some of the most anticipated landmarks set to open this year. 

Expo 2020 Dubai

omanpavilion_expo2020
At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Oman Pavilion will narrate the story of its precious commodity, the aromatic frankincense, whose tree inspired the facade of the pavilion for opening up avenues in trade, transportation and manufacturing for the nation. Image Credit: Twitter/@AdiArchitecture

With just a few months to go, Expo 2020 Dubai will start on October 1. It will be a celebration of human brilliance, achievement and an opportunity for people to connect from different corners of the world to experience the best of art, culture, geography, science, technology, innovation and invention and to set into motion millions of new thoughts and ideas that will make a lasting impact in our lives.

Throughout its history, the UAE has shown the world what is possible through its remarkable development. With Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai will go a step further in inspiring the next generation to spark innovations that will underline the next 50 years of human progress.

Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai Image Credit: Supplied

For now, Ain Dubai looks like it is in the final stretch of its construction. It will be Dubai’s first-ever observation wheel. Standing tall at 250 meters, Ain Dubai provides a bird’s eye view of the city's skyline. See the Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, the Palm Islands and views of old and new Dubai.

Ain Dubai
Image Credit: Dubai Media Office Twitter

The wheel consists of 48 capsules that can accommodate 1,900 visitors and each ride lasts about 48 minutes. The Ferris observation wheel also includes a few capsules specifically for dining experiences along with six other VIP pods that are for hosting events on special occasions.

Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future is set to open late 2021. Located in the vicinity of Emirates Towers, near Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the Museum of the Future will be an incubator for ideas and real designs, a driver for innovation and a global destination for inventors and entrepreneurs.

The museum’s motto is ‘See the future, create the future,’ which has been designed to reflect a new approach to government innovation. The institution will use design, technology prototyping and foresight to create real examples of change. The museum is the first of its kind and represents a leading example of entrepreneurial governments embracing change and creating futuristic visions for a better world.

Al Qana, Abu Dhabi

Al Qana Abu Dhabi
Al Qana Abu Dhabi Image Credit: Courtesy of Al Qana

Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and extending across 2.4 kilometres of waterfront, Al Qana is a new destination that is divided into seven different areas including immersive experiences from on-ground water shows, live performances and concerts, interactive gaming hubs, an e-sports arena and underwater aquarium adventures - all paving the way for it to become Abu Dhabi’s favourite destination.

It will also be home to a standalone cinema complex and anamphitheatre. The cinema will offer a unique experience and showcase the latest blockbuster films for the whole family to enjoy.

Once open, Al Qana will be home to the largest cinema complex in Abu Dhabi, the largest aquarium in the Middle East, with a turtle rehabilitation centre, a huge social, cultural and lifestyle centre, running and cycling paths, the biggest e-sports facility in the UAE and more. It's due to open in late 2021.

Legoland Hotel

Legoland Hotel Dubai
Legoland Hotel Image Credit: Courtesy of Legoland Hotel

Dubai will be home to the Middle East's first Legoland Hotel. Say goodbye to boring hotel rooms. This new concept is a perfect family hotel with Lego-themed play areas, kids entertainment, an outdoor pool and best of all it’s just steps away from Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park. All rooms and suites are Lego-themed and can host up to eight guests per suite or five guests per room.

The Legoland Hotel will be located at the entrance of Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park within Dubai Parks & Resorts. Legoland Hotel guests will be able to enjoy exclusive benefits when visiting Legoland Dubai.