Dubai’s $2.17bn Bluewaters Island to feature world’s highest rope climb

Dubai’s upcoming Dhs8bn ($2.17bn) Bluewaters Island project will feature the world’s highest rope climbing platform, according to developer Meraas.

The addition would mean the site near Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence breaks another world record, with it already set to host the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel- the 210m Ain Dubai.

Meraas announced the climbing platform during a visit to the attraction by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

It will be positioned on one of the legs of Ain Dubai and stand at a height of 150m.

“The rope climbing platform will offer a unique attraction for adventure seekers. Climbers will be supervised by experts to ensure safety,” the company said.

Outside of the observation wheel, Bluewaters features 10 apartment buildings with 700 units, gyms, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, basketball courts and children’s play areas.

There are also two hotels – one with 178 rooms and 96 serviced apartments and another with 301 rooms and 119 serviced apartments – with direct access to a 450m private beach.

Read: Dubai’s Meraas launches four hotel brands, to open two resorts in Bluewaters

The island will be linked to the mainland via direct links from Sheikh Zayed Road, a driverless rapid transit service to Ibn Battuta Metro and a 265m pedestrian bridge from The Beach area.

No exact opening date for the island was given. Meraas said in March last year that 75 per cent of construction work had been finished and it would hand over the first residences by the end of March 2018.

Read: Dubai’s Meraas says record-breaking Bluewaters Island almost finished

During his visit to the site, Sheikh Mohammed said that it was critical to ensure that projects developed in Dubai and the UAE maintain the highest quality to enhance the country’s profile as an investment and tourism destination of choice.

“Creating a conducive environment for tourism and investment is key to the diversification of our economy. Equally important is having clear business plans and strategies to efficiently deal with changes taking place around us.”

He also said that ongoing projects will help create thousands of jobs and offer opportunities for the youth.

“Encouraging innovators and offering them opportunities are among our top priorities,” he added.