Will there soon be gardens floating above Dubai?

Dubai is known for its unique architecture – from the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, to the artificial archipelago of The World Islands. Now the desert metropolis is planning another spectacular project: «Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky», a futuristic wellness temple with floating botanical gardens and thermal baths.

The building, designed by the Therme Group in collaboration with the renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), is to be built in Zabeel Park, right next to the Royal Palace. At a height of 100 meters and with a planned 1.7 million visitors a year, the resort is set to be a new landmark for urban well-being, as reported by CNN.

The design is reminiscent of a stacked garden landscape: several levels with thermal and mineral water pools, terraces and lush vegetation will rise above the city. Architect Elizabeth Diller describes the project as an interplay between warm and cool, wet and dry – from hot saunas to refreshing mineral pools. A place of relaxation during the day, the thermal baths are set to come to life in the evening with live music, art performances and events.

What is particularly noteworthy is the resort’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure. 90 percent of the water from the thermal pools is to be recycled, while 80 percent of the energy demand is to be covered by clean energy sources. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the thermal baths due to open in 2028.