Dubai is set to receive an unusual addition to its rapidly evolving cityscape.
Billed as a cultural and sport project, the Dubai Steps is a monument that looks like a giant staircase leading skywards.
Energetic visitors will be able to reach the summit by tackling 500 stairs which symbolize the challenges and progress of Dubai, it was announced today though the location of the project has yet to be decided.
Dubai Steps stood out among a variety of initiatives announced following a visit by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Dubai Municipality.
Other major projects include a vast convention center, a golf course at the new safari park, an industrial city, sewerage tunnels and a hardware and bicycles market.
Director General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Lootah and his assistants gave His Highness and his delegation a detailed presentation for each initiative.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the progress of the various ongoing projects which are part of his vision for a green and sustainable city by 2021.
His Highness also rubberstamped a new system that classifies green buildings in Dubai into four categories – gold, silver, bronze and platinum.
Lootah expects the classification system to be implemented in the first half of October. It will help slash carbon emissions in the emirate by 34%, equivalent to planting 36 million trees in the city in the first 5 years.
The Convention Center Project spans five hectares and includes Rashid main Hall with a capacity to hold 10 thousand people. There will be several sub halls, a congress, two hotels and offices, in addition to Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and parking for 2,000 cars.
The Gulf Safari project covers an area of 100 hectares, including a 70 hectare golf course and a service area extending over 30 hectares along with a golf-training academy.
The Vertical Industrial City is a fully integrated industrial city that spans 280 hectares, and includes three areas: industrial, apartments/hotels and a business park.
Meanwhile, the sewerage tunnels project is one the strategic projects to improve sustainability in the city. When completed in 2020, the project will reduce energy consumption by doing away with 121 sewerage pumping stations.
The Hardware and Bicycles Market in Warsan area covers an area of 11 hectares, and includes 100 shops and 53 showroom for bicycles.
The market extends over an area of 460,000 square feet and is set to be completed by the end of September. It also includes a section for the sale of construction materials, car parking and solar power panels.
Sheikh Mohammed said the projects were “necessary and strategic” for the future of the nation and the next generations.