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Falcon City of Wonders is launched

DUBAI — An ambitious Dh5.5 billion ($1.5 billion) project within Dubailand, the 'Falcon City of Wonders' boasting buildings resembling the wonders of the world, was launched at a ceremony yesterday at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The ceremony was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dubailand is one of the biggest leisure, entertainment and tourism destinations in the Middle East region, spread over an area of 3 billion square feet.

The Falcon City of Wonders significantly complements the vision of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE’s Minister of Defence to turn Dubai into one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. Shaped after the falcon, which is symbolic of UAE’s heritage, the Falcon City of Wonders is a unique, purpose-built community project featuring structures based on the wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Light House of Alexandria. The project is divided into five overlapped phases, with the first phase expected to begin by the first quarter of 2006.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Director General of Dubai Development and Investment Authority said, “Falcon City of Wonders is one of the most ambitious projects to come up in the city of Dubai, and will significantly enhance the city’s appeal as a tourist hub. By capturing the spirit of ancient civilisations and recreating the architectural marvels of the world, at the same time combining it with modern facilities, the project offers a truly unique experience to visitors.”

“Falcon City of Wonders is unparalleled in the uniqueness of its concept and the broadness of its scope,” said Salem Al Moosa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Falcon City of Wonders LLC.

“The project will effectively be a land of civilisations, creating an exotic ambience for visitors.”

The project will bring together the wonders of the world under a single umbrella. While the Grand Pyramid of Giza will contain residential flats, offices and retail outlets, the Babylonian Gardens will comprise luxury apartments, restaurants and coffee shops. The Light House of Alexandria will consist of hotels and retail outlets. Luxury apartments and retail outlets will be the main features of the Eiffel Tower, whereas the Taj Mahal will comprise hotels and restaurants. The Great Wall of China will encircle the Pharaohs Theme Park located within the fun city.

Mahmoud Rayyan, Project Manager, Falcon City of Wonders said, “All the structures have been conceived following careful consideration with exhaustive attention to detail, to deliver a unique visitor experience. Falcon City of Wonders has already signed agreements with leading local and international design offices to develop concept design for the major constituent structures of the project.”