Master Plan for a Spectacular New City Unveiled in Dubai

Dubai (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has unveiled ambitious plans for an entire city to be built in the desert.

Respectful of the region's cultural heritage in both scale and form, this new metropolis has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the modern Arab world.

Extending over 800 million square feet, the project incorporates new homes, outstanding educational, financial and commercial facilities, iconic civic buildings and tourist landmarks.

Threading them together is more landscaped parkland than can be found in London and New York combined.

Set to become one of the world's most spectacular urban developments, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens will cost over US$60 billion to construct.

Dubai Properties will shortly begin work on the scheme, designed by the internationally renowned architect, Eric Kuhne of London-based CivicArts.

"His Highness Sheikh Mohammed should be applauded for his commitment to creating a new Dubai which will redefine the quality of civic life for all the citizens and guests of the Arabian Gulf. His vision can be compared to that of Shah Abbas I who created Nisf-e-Jahan; the elegant 16th century capital of Persia whose parks, gardens and libraries reflected the heavens," says Eric Kuhne.

Arranged around the city are ...