Located off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and covering up to 40 hectares, this floating archipelago will become an aquatic research centre, eco park and leisure resort in unique surroundings. Connected to the mainland via an underwater rail system, guests will be able to reach the island in less than five minutes.Both the ‘hub’ and ‘spokes’ are supported on a multi-storey tethered concrete raft which is floating to avoid damage to the seabed.
This raft is covered with a lightweight tensile skin of ETFE to ensure that occupants are protected from the sun. Each spoke will house separate uses including hotels, a university, a yacht club and dive schools. The mast provides a cost-effective way of supporting the roof while also making the project visible from the shore.As a 24-hour destination, the island will offer both day visitors and hotel guests an extensive selection of leisure, entertainment and recreational activities, as well as housing a community of diving and research scientists in collaboration with one of the world’s leading universities.Visitors will be able to explore elements of our world that we know the least about and enjoy a huge variety of water sports - both above and below the water’s surface. Guests can ride roller coasters and water slides, take submarine rides around the Gulf and go scuba diving in safe, tropical waters.
