An Urban Oasis: “Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky” Announced

(eap) The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Muhammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the municipality of Dubai and Therme Group have jointly announced the development of Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky. “Dubai is a city that understands the future must be built with wellbeing at its core. This partnership brings together two forces driving that future: Dubai’s bold vision for urban planning and Therme Group’s commitment to redefining urban wellbeing through innovation. Together, we are creating more than a destination.We are shaping how cities can integrate nature, water, and culture to elevate quality of life at scale. Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky will stand as a global model for what’s possible when ambition and expertise align,” emphasizes Dr Robert Hanea, Founder and CEO of Therme Group.

© Therme Group

Around AED 2 billion (over EUR 500 million) are expected to be invested in the spa destination, which is being designed by the renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro and will be located in Zabeel Park next to the Royal Palace in the heart of Dubai. The destination will cover an area of 500,000 square feet (more than 46,000 square meters) and will transform the Dubai skyline with an imposing 100-meter-high building. The design of the building is based on sustainable construction principles and uses modern technologies for water treatment, heating and cooling, according to the project description. The spa will recycle 90 percent of the water used in the thermal pools, while 80 percent of the fresh air and cooling requirements will be covered by renewable energy sources.

The main attractions will include a Michelin-starred restaurant, three 18-metre high waterfalls and spacious 4,500 square meter indoor and terrace pools. In addition, the spa will offer a fun area with 15 water slides and exciting art installations to enhance the guest experience. In total, the spa will comprise three main areas: The first is the “Play Zone”, a family-friendly area designed to combine fun, entertainment and activities for adults and children. The second is the “Relax Zone”, which is aimed at adults and will feature indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, mineral baths, steam baths and natural treatments with mineral water. The third area is the “Restore Zone”, which will focus on rejuvenation and offer visitors a quiet retreat equipped with saunas, steam baths and mineral baths. Therme Dubai is set to welcome 1.7 million visitors annually.

Therme Dubai is part of Dubai’s “2040 Urban Masterplan” – it is intended to further strengthen the tourism sector, but also to improve the quality of life of the local population. “The Dubai 2040 Urban Plan and Therme Group’s mission are deeply aligned. We both believe cities must evolve to enhance human wellbeing, connection, and environmental harmony. This collaboration is more than a development – it’s a new way of thinking about cities and their role in shaping a healthier future for all,” says Irina Matei, Chief Executive Officer of the Therme Dubai development.

Construction of Therme Dubai is due to begin next year – completion is planned for 2028. Therme Group currently operates Therme Bucharest in Romania and most recently added Therme Erding in Germany to its portfolio. Further locations are currently under development in Manchester (UK), Toronto (CAN) and Bad Vilbel (GER). ■