ZABEEL PARK PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION

Major landmarks of the project, which has attracted millions of dirhams worth of private investment, including an amphitheatre, a boating lake and lakeside buildings and other structures are already complete. The pedestrian bridge over Shaikh Zayed Road, which connects two of the three sections of the Zabeel Park, is part of the project and has added to the impressive skyline of Dubai.

With its 52m high central pylon, 16 wire ropes and an elegant, slender bridge girder with free spans of more than 65 metres, allows to cross the ten lanes and slip roads of Shaikh Zayed Road as well as the Zabeel Palace Underpass at the required slanting angle needed to connect Park A and B of the park project. The Dh6.5 million bridge was built by Dubai Municipality’s Roads Department and soon a sophisticated lighting system is to further enhance its looks.

The 47-hectare park, which will feature a space maze and a 3-dimensional cinema among other things, was built with financing from the public and private sector. The civic body invested about Dh200 million to develop the infrastructure of the park, while the private sector has so far invested over Dh300 million to develop high-tech facilities for visitors. With more projects lined up for development within the park, private sector investment is likely to exceed Dh500.

The municipality has awarded a number of projects for private investment, including the Dhs100 million Star Gate, an 'edutainment' facility with many educational and fun activities for both youngsters and adults, and a gymnasium at the Sports Club House, which was undertaken by another private company at a total cost of Dhs25 million.

Some of the major attractions of the project include a space maze modelled after the planetary system and other technology-based attractions, pedal-boat lake and lakeside restaurant, sports centre and exhibition gallery, minigolf course, skateboard park and jogging track, barbecue facilities, shaded seating and play areas and refreshment kiosks.

The Mega-bowl, a centrally located function area called, has been designed with an amphitheatre capacity of 2,000. Located at the summit of the hill lying on the central axis of the Megabowl is the panoramic tower, which will be 45 metres tall. Visitors will be able to ride in a viewing platform that will climb the tower to offer panoramic views of the park, which will include a grassed football area. The park will host activities of the Dubai Shopping Festivals of the future.