Dubai is known for its stunning architecture, from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, to the artificial archipelago known as “The World.” The latest project promising to reshape the skyline of the largest city in the United Arab Emirates is Therme Dubai - Islands in the Sky, developed by Therme Group, a global wellness resort developer.
Soaring to a height of 100 meters, the structures within this ambitious project will feature suspended botanical gardens, cascading thermal pools filled with restorative minerals, and spaces for cultural and social events. The architectural design has been crafted by the renowned firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) and will be located in Zabeel Park, adjacent to the Royal Palace.
According to The Economic Times, the facility is expected to receive 1.7 million visitors annually, setting a new standard for holistic and daily wellness. Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group, described the project as "a heavenly oasis" rising from the lake, representing a stack of botanical gardens arranged within a tower. Hanea believes Dubai is positioned to prioritize wellness for future urban design, stating, "Dubai is a city which understands the future must be built with wellness at its core."
Each island within the development is said to serve as a platform for thermal pools, bridges, and lush green indoor and outdoor vegetation. Elizabeth Diller, founding partner of DS+R, elaborated on the concept, stating, "Each offers a distinct atmosphere and is oriented toward the spectacular view of the Dubai skyline."
Guests will experience unique environments combining warmth and coolness, wet and dry spaces, with the intense heat of saunas and steam rooms contrasted by the ambient temperature of thermal pools and cold mineral baths. By day, the atmosphere is meant to be contemplative and relaxing, transitioning to lively spaces filled with music, artistic performances, and events at night.
The Therme facility boasts impressive sustainability efforts as well, claiming to recycle 90% of the water used in its thermal pools, with 80% of fresh air and cooling needs met through clean energy sources. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the expected completion date set for 2028.
“Therme Dubai - Islands in the Sky” is not only significant on its own but part of a broader architectural surge within Dubai. The city is also witnessing the rise of the second tallest skyscraper globally, Burj Azizi, which is expected to be completed by 2028. Standing at 725 meters tall and comprising 131 floors, the building will include luxury apartments, a seven-star hotel, and a vertical shopping center. Azizi Developments claims this tower will break several records, including the highest hotel lobby, the highest nightclub, and the tallest observation deck.
Simultaneously, the upcoming Ciel Dubai Marina is on track to become the world's tallest hotel, horizontal to open this year with over 1,000 rooms and apartments across 82 stories. This hotel will stand approximately 365 meters tall, showcasing the ambitious scale of development currently underway.
With these monumental projects, Dubai continues to solidify its status as a global architectural leader, demonstrating not only aesthetic ambition but also integrating wellness and sustainability at the core of urban living.