Dubai is set to become home to the Middle East's first tropical Rainforest, as the Emirate continues its drive to attract tourism from all over the world. The tropical ecosystem has been announced by leading luxury developer DAMAC Properties. The educational and cultural dome will be housed within the company's AKOYA Oxygen master development community as one of the premium attractions within an expansive retail and entertainment zone. The Dubai Rainforest will be completed ahead of the World Expo 2020 taking place in the Emirate, and will become a key attraction within Dubai's integrated tourism plans. The project will join attractions such as the varied theme parks coming on-line, in addition to the world's tallest fountain, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Eye and the Dubai Aquarium as Dubai looks to welcome at least 20 million tourists a year by 2020. “Dubai is known around the world for attracting the biggest and best and the Dubai Rainforest joins that list of unique attractions which will support the growth of the city,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. “The Dubai Rainforest will fit perfectly into the ethos of AKOYA Oxygen – the greenest community in Dubai – and provide a new space for education and cultural events which will raise awareness of this exciting ecosystem.” The Dubai Rainforest will sit adjacent to the Trump World Golf Clubhouse, part of an open-air walkway of high-end retail and entertainment offering, for residents and visitors to the AKOYA by DAMAC community. AKOYA Oxygen is one of the most talked about master plans currently under development in Dubai. Spread across 55 million sq ft within Dubailand, AKOYA Oxygen will be a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The second phase of the project is currently available for investment, with villas and townhouses available within the green environment. The project is set around the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai – an 18-hole Championship-standard golf course, which is under design by world-famous golfer, Tiger Woods and will be managed by the Trump Organization. The retail and entertainment center will be the fulcrum of the AKOYA Oxygen development, housing the golf course clubhouse, the Dubai Rainforest and a selection of retail and restaurant outlets. The Dubai Rainforest will recreate the natural environment experienced in the heart of the deepest rainforests, which cover 6% of the earth's surface. The tall, dense jungle environment will be fully recreated with many plants species integrated into the iconic dome structure. DAMAC Properties will ensure the integrity of the project is a natural representation of the environment through collaborations with leading Amazonian rainforest experts. “The Dubai Rainforest will be a tropical wonderland, which tourists, residents and school groups can immerse themselves in and inspire a new generation,” added El Chaar. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the jungle, starting out on the ground level, before climbing into the canopy, learning about the flora and fauna throughout the habitat. Those with a thrill for heights will be able to fly through the treetops on a zip wire offering stunning bird's eye views of the environment. Those with a more serene temperament will be able to laze back within the peaceful surrounds of the Rainforest spa, offering hydrothermal treatments among the rock pools and steam baths. The Dubai Rainforest will also incorporate all of the latest outdoor and exploration equipment with a natural-looking rock face climbing wall set within the abundant nature. The Dubai Rainforest will also be opened to the true romantics, looking for a very unique wedding environment. Couples will be able to exchange vows in a beautiful Rainforest clearing, followed by a sumptuous feast with the wedding party. As of Dec. 31, 2014, DAMAC Properties has delivered almost 13,000 homes and has a development portfolio of over 38,000 units at various stages of progress and planning. Included are more than 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel apartments under development, which will be managed by its hospitality arm, DAMAC Hotels & Resorts. — SG
