‘Islands in the Sky’: High-rise bathing ponds and waterfalls design to transform Dubai’s skyline zircuit

Dubai is famous for its attention-grabbing architecture, whether it’s the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, or the actual “World” — an archipelago of 300 man-made islands in the shape of, as its name suggests, the world.

And now, a new project by Therme Group, a global developer of wellbeing resorts, promises to transform the skyline of the United Arab Emirates’ biggest city even further.

Rising to a height of 100 meters (328 feet), “Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky” will feature botanical gardens suspended from the air, cascading pools filled with restorative thermal and mineral waters as well as spaces for cultural and social events.

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), the structure will sit in the city’s Zabeel Park, beside the Royal Palace.

According to a news release issued by Therme, it’s designed to welcome 1.7 million visitors annually, “setting a new standard for holistic and daily wellbeing.” Dubai is a city that understands the future must be built with wellbeing at its core,” said Therme Group’s founder and CEO, Robert Hanea, in a statement.

“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.”

The firm behind the design refers to it as “an oasis in the sky” that rises from the lake as a series of botanical gardens stacked into a tower.