City of Aladdin project gets under way in Dubai

Dubai Municipality embarks on ambitious tower project on Dubai Creek.

The City of Aladdin project in the middle of Dubai Creek was inspired by the ancient legends and heritage of the country. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

DUBAI // Work has begun on the City of Aladdin project on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, the municipality said.

The project consists of three connected towers with a traditional design inspired by “ancient legends and heritage”, which aims to utilise the marina area of the Creek. The towers will be spread over a distance of 450 metres and will consist of offices and hotels.

“The development of such a project in this area will have the effect of cultural and historical pride for generations to come, and contribute to the progress of the emirate,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director general of Dubai Municipality.

The project will be built in the ship dock using land reclaimed from the water. Air-conditioned bridges with moving footpaths have been designed to carry visitors between the towers, driveways and car parks.

“The idea was to basically avoid the entry from the crowded docks and enable visitors to enjoy walking over the port of conventional ships and watch the traditional harbour,” Mr Lootah said.

The towers are planned to be 34, 25 and 26 storeys tall.

Mr Lootah said City of Aladdin’s buildings were inspired by “tales of buildings and palaces with oddly shaped domes, or which are suspended in the air and clouds”.

“The shape of the bridge that links the buildings symbolises forms of exotic marine life such as dragons and snakes,” he added.

The municipality has applied for Dubai Creek and the surrounding area to be registered as a Unesco World Heritage site.

The project will be located outside that zone.