New island with urban buzz opens in Dubai

Dubai - Bluewaters blends island serenity with urban buzz as it offers residential, lifestyle and leisure spaces.

Dubai residents and tourists can add to their list a new winter spot that gives a perfect view of the New Year's Fireworks now, as Bluewaters island is open to public.
Home to the world's biggest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters blends island serenity with urban buzz as it offers residential, lifestyle and leisure spaces.
The island, located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), gives visitors the chance to enjoy a day on the beach before walking down the boulevard that offers a variety of 132 restaurants, cafes and shops.
On a terrace view at The Wharf, a lifestyle retail area set against the backdrop of Ain Dubai, visitors will have a full view of the JBR skyline that will allow uninterrupted views of the fireworks. More concepts and stores will be opening gradually over the coming months.
The North Boardwalk by The Wharf allows residents to have 2km run down the pedestrian bridge that connects the island to The Beach, JBR, on the coast of mainland Dubai.
Inside the island, visitors can enjoy a view of the endless ocean and swimming pools for only Dh100 for one-day access at Cove Beach at Caesars Resort Bluewaters. The second hotel, Caesar Palace Bluewaters will be open on Thursday.
Visitors will get a treat to Las Vegas-based shows - set to start in December - in the 500-seat theatre, The Rotunda.
A state-of-the-art conference centre, Caesars Forum, is located on the other end of the five-star accommodations that house 495 luxury rooms and 80 serviced apartments.
Bluewaters features several courtyards, intimate pedestrian spaces and scenic walkways that boast a green and lush landscape. Central and Sunset Avenues gently separate the three zones, while North and South Walks allow pedestrians to stand at the water's edge and gaze out at the sea, or the city beyond.
The latest destination by Meraas Holding also includes 698 apartments, four penthouses and 17 townhouses that offer unique sea views and a closer look on Ain Dubai. Its two hotels, housing units and service and recreational facilities are worth Dh8 billion of investments.
The opening date of the 210-metre-high Ain Dubai, which will offer a 360-degree view of the city and its coastline, is yet to be announced.
In a statement, Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman of Meraas, said: "We are set to achieve many engineering feats at Bluewaters and are delivering a destination which will establish a new benchmark for modern design. However, we are proud of the fact that it will bring people together and create enriching experiences to support the growth of Dubai as a global hub."
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai