Here’s a sneak peak on what to expect this year.
1. The Year of Zayed
This year honours 100 years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nayhan, one of the founding fathers of the UAE and progressive leader that cultivated the Emirates into the prosperous, innovative, and united nation it is today. Sheikh Zayed is known to have set the foundations for the modern state of UAE upon his personal values of wisdom, unity, and generosity.
Thus, his legacy will be commemorated throughout 2018 with initiatives that promote his remarkable efforts in Emirati history, that skilfully balanced modernization while maintaining cultural roots and heritage.
2. World’s First Autonomous Flying Taxis
In 2017 we saw the first test ride of the two-seater flying taxi, officially named the autonomous air taxi (AAT). In collaboration with the RTA, 2018 hopes to see more of these aerial wonders soaring amidst the Dubai skyline. Customers will be able to call the AAT via app. Late and stuck in traffic? You’ll be able to call a taxi to fly over it!
3. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
In addition to the grand Louvre that opened in November, Abu Dhabi is anticipating a new addition to house another internationally acclaimed arts institution. Designed by world renown artist Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim will be opening in late 2018. It will be settled between the waters off a view of the Arabian Gulf adding to Abu Dhabi’s expanding luxury art scene.
4. Ain Dubai
As usual, Dubai seeks to add another world record breaker to the city. This time it is the Ain Dubai, a 210m high observation wheel that will give nothing but a spectacular of a view of the entire city. The Ain Dubai will be located at the Bluewaters Islands near Dubai Marina and will be the widest and tallest observation wheel of its kind, the duration of a single ride is double that of the London eye.
5. World’s Longest Zipline
Staying true to the UAE’s spirit of breaking world records, Ras Al Khaimah will be taking over Peurto Rico’s 2,200 metre ‘Monster’ zipline title with the northern Emirate’s own World’s Longest Zipline. It will be set in Jebel Jais and is described to be longer than 28 football fields. Open to experience this month, the exact length of the zipline is still a mystery so it seems like you’ll have to live it to believe it.Check out this enthralling video filling us with suspense on the new adrenaline junkie attraction!
6. World’s Tallest Hotel
Currently, the position of the ‘World’s Tallest Hotel’ is held by Dubai’s own JW Marriot Marquis, but this year Gevora Hotel will be taking over. At 78 floors and 528 rooms, the new addition to the endless lists of hotels in Dubai will be outstandingly large nestled on Sheikh Zayed Road. Perfected by various dining options, spa, and amazing pool deck, it’s a hotel you’ll want to spend at least on night of your life in.
7. Aladdin City
Dubai is bringing you a ‘Whole New World’. Recreating the world of Aladdin, the new buildings will mimic three golden lamps set on the perfect location on Dubai Creek. The towers will be connected by walkways with depictions of all the exotic fish, dragons, and magic to manifest the ambiance of Arabian nights. This new addition to the Dubai skyline is incredibly unique and will add another section of flair for the Dubai skyline.