NEOM megaproject | Source: polskiprzemysl
Once renowned primarily for its oil, the Middle East has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent decades. The region has witnessed unprecedented mega projects, redefining its landscape and future ambitions.
These innovative urban developments present abundant opportunities, offering a sustainable and forward-thinking alternative to traditional land-based cities while shaping a new era of infrastructure and tourism.
Floating Cities at a glance
Floating cities are urban environments designed to remain afloat on water, and provide adaptable solutions to tackle challenges like climate change and rising sea levels.
Floating cities are not merely a solution to environmental challenges; they represent a chance for the Middle East to highlight its ingenuity. By blending cutting-edge engineering with timeless traditional design, these projects strive to honor cultural heritage while embracing the future of modern living.
NEOM’s Sindalah A new luxury travel destination | Source: prnewswire
Key Features
Image generated by Microsoft Designer | Source: medium
Self Sufficiency
Floating cities are designed to be self-reliant, leveraging their unique position on water to meet their own needs. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydraulic systems, harness the power of the sun, wind, and water to provide a sustainable electrical supply. Additionally, advanced water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and desalination, ensure an endless supply of fresh water by transforming saltwater into usable resources.
Environmental Resilience
Built with sustainability in mind, floating cities are equipped to adapt to environmental changes. They incorporate extensive green spaces, using the surrounding aquatic environment to support aquatic plant life and enhance biodiversity. Integrating these natural elements helps reduce carbon emissions and recycle CO2, making them a viable solution for reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Forward-Thinking Design
Floating cities embody a future-focused approach to urban living. Modular construction techniques enable buildings and entire city sections to be easily reconfigured, allowing for adaptable urban planning that evolves to meet changing needs and circumstances.
Why the Middle East?
Representational images of the futuristic city NEOM | Source: weather
The Middle East faces significant challenges, such as rising sea levels threatening low-lying coastal areas in Qatar and Bahrain. With its strategic location and vast coastlines, the region offers immense potential to explore sustainable water solutions.
The Middle East has consistently advanced urban innovation with groundbreaking projects like The Line and NEOM. Floating cities further expand this vision, adding to the region’s diverse infrastructure. These initiatives aim to redefine urban living, promote sustainability, and drive economic diversification.
Notable Floating City Projects in the Middle East
Oxagon: Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Hub
Oxagon: Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Hub | Source: neom
The world’s largest floating structure, Oxagon, is designed as an industrial hub redefining industries and communities’ coexistence. Its unique octagonal design, separated from the mainland by a shipping canal, will serve as a port city on the Red Sea. Strategically positioned to leverage shipping routes through the Suez Canal, Oxagon aims to drive economic growth while promoting sustainability.
Oxagon: Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Hub | Source: neom
Pangeos: The Floating Turtle City, Saudi Arabia
Pangeos: The Floating Sea Vessel | Source: portal.ncpi
Pangeos, a conceptual turtle-shaped floating city, is designed by Italian studio Lazzarini to house up to 60,000 people. Proposed near Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Economic City, it aims to be the largest floating structure ever built. Inspired by Pangea, it reflects resilience and unity, featuring luxury residences, parks, marinas, and commercial spaces.
30,000 cells of the vessel | Source: pangeosyacht
Floating Venice: The Venice of UAE, Dubai
Floating Venice Look | Source: dxboffplan
The Floating Venice, a luxury resort in The World Islands, was designed by Unica and developed by the Kleindienst Group. Inspired by Venice, it features canals, gondolas, and underwater vistas, blending European charm with Arabian Gulf luxury. This unique destination combines tourism and elegance, offering visitors a Venetian experience in the heart of the Middle East.
Floating Venice Proposal 3D model | Source: propsearch
The Pearl: The Island, Doha, Qatar
The Pearl: The Island, Doha, Qatar | Source: thepearlqatar
This artificial island blends urban living with coastal charm, featuring luxury residences, marinas, and retail spaces. While not entirely a floating city, it integrates functionality with aesthetics, offering a seamless urban experience. A testament to modern design, this man-made paradise embodies the art of living life to its fullest.
The Pearl: The Island Night scene, Doha, Qatar | Source: thepearlqatar
Upcoming Challenges
Will Dubai City look like this? | Source: timeoutdubai
High Construction Costs
Building floating cities requires significant investment in advanced engineering and specialized infrastructure, making the initial cost high.
Regulatory and Legal Issues
New regulatory frameworks, including property laws, governance, and environmental protection, are needed to manage floating cities and prevent ecosystem harm.
Public Acceptance
Gaining public support will depend on effective communication, showcasing the benefits, and creating spaces that align with cultural and social expectations.
Health and Safety Concerns
Living on water presents unique challenges, including ensuring access to clean water, managing waste, and preventing diseases. Robust health systems and continuous monitoring will be essential.
Risk of Natural Disasters
Floating cities must be designed to withstand potential natural disasters like storms, fires, or leaks, ensuring long-term safety and stability.
Final Thoughts
The boundaries between land and water are blurring in pursuit of a more harmonious way of life. As the Middle East embraces floating cities, it pioneers a transformative vision for urban living. While the potential challenges must be navigated, the resultant rewards could be immense. Floating cities symbolize resilience and ingenuity, positioning the Middle East as a global leader in futuristic and sustainable urban development.
Reference
https://www.thepearlqatar.com/en/See-Do
https://propsearch.ae/dubai/the-floating-venice
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/floating-cities-sustainability-maxwellianinc/
https://www.pangeosyacht.com/projects
https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/oxagon
Floating Cities: Unveiling the Future of Sustainable Urban Living
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20171128-the-future-of-floating-cities-and-the-realities
FROM DESERT TO DREAM: 5 MEGA PROJECTS THAT ARE SHAPING THE MIDDLE EAST’S IDENTITY AND THE WORLD’S
Floating Cities in the Middle East: The Future of Urban Living
https://greekreporter.com/2023/11/27/pangeos-saudi-arabia-floating-city/