Dubai last month unveiled plans for a groundbreaking project that is set to become the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind wellbeing resort and interactive park that redefines urban wellness and leisure in the region. To be developed in collaboration with Therme Group, which is renowned for its internationally acclaimed wellbeing resorts, Therme Dubai promises an “Islands in the Sky” experience, seamlessly integrating nature, culture, and cutting-edge technology. 

Approved by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, this project will be an innovative urban oasis that aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Community, the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Estimated to cost AED2 billion ($544 million), the project will be funded by a consortium of local and international financing partners and is targeted for completion by 2028. The tallest facility of its kind in the world, the development integrates nature, wellness, family entertainment and urban living. 

The overall plan also includes the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, supporting urban biodiversity and sustainable development by featuring over 200 plant species from around the globe paired with clear, warm thermal waters.

Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum views a model of Therme Dubai.

“Dubai is a city that understands the future must be built with wellbeing at its core. This partnership brings together two forces driving that future: Dubai’s bold vision for urban planning and Therme Group’s commitment to redefining urban wellbeing through innovation. Together, we are creating more than a destination,” says Dr Robert Hanea, Founder and CEO, Therme Group.

“We are shaping how cities can integrate nature, water, and culture to elevate quality of life at scale. Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky will stand as a global model for what’s possible when ambition and expertise align,” he adds.

Therme Dubai is designed by the renowned architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The structure will rise 100 m within Zabeel Park, adjacent to the Royal Palace, encompassing 500,000 sq ft. The design features a series of botanical islands stacked vertically, creating a tower with cascading terraces and pools.

Therme Dubai’s structure will rise 100 m within Zabeel Park.

“Elevated high above the concerns of everyday urban life, Therme Dubai is an oasis in the sky. It emerges from the lake of a revitalised Zabeel Park as a series of botanical islands stacked into a tower,” explains Elizabeth Diller, Founding Partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “Each island is a platform for thermal pools, decks, and verdant indoor and outdoor vegetation; each offers a distinctive atmosphere; and each is oriented toward the dramatic view of the Dubai skyline.

“Guests are immersed in unique environments – warm and cool, wet and dry, the intense heat of saunas and steam rooms and the ambient temperature of thermal pools and cool mineral pools. By day, the atmosphere is contemplative and relaxing. By night, the spaces come alive with music, artistic performances and events. DS+R is thrilled to take part in the convergence of Therme’s innovative approach to the tradition of public baths and Dubai’s legacy for landmark architecture.”

Therme Dubai’s design philosophy centres around creating a biophilic environment, prioritising the connection between humans and nature.  The concept of “Islands in the Sky” is realised through multiple levels of terraced landscapes, housing a diverse range of experiences.  These elevated “islands” create a tranquil escape from the bustling city below.

The architectural design emphasises openness and transparency, maximising natural light and offering panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.  Sustainable building practices are integral to the project, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. 

Therme Group’s expertise in creating sustainable and biodiverse environments is evident in the project’s design, which aims to minimise its environmental footprint while maximising its positive impact on the community.

The facility is divided into three primary zones:

•  Play Zone: A family-friendly area combining entertainment and health-related activities suitable for all ages;

•  Relax Zone: Dedicated to adults, this zone offers indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, mineral pools, steam rooms, and natural treatments utilising mineral-enhanced water; and

•  Restore Zone: Focused on rejuvenation, it provides a tranquil escape in a spacious thermal complex, featuring saunas, steam rooms, and innovatively designed mineral treatment baths.

Notable attractions of Therme Dubai include a Michelin-star restaurant, three 18-m waterfalls, and expansive indoor and terrace pools totalling 4,500 sq m, ensuring dynamic, year-round water environments. Additionally, the resort will house a play area with 15 waterslides and experiential art installations.  It will include crystal-clear thermal waters, multi-sensory saunas and therapeutic mineral pools.

The resort’s baths will incorporate wave technology and water slides, complemented by luxurious spa treatments inspired by global bathing traditions, including Roman and Turkish baths, Japanese hot springs, and Nordic saunas. The resort will also host hundreds of water and art activities, leveraging technology to provide a unique experience for visitors.

Additionally, the project will serve as a cultural hub, hosting innovative and immersive art from cities across the globe, further enriching the visitor experience and promoting wellbeing on a holistic level.

Sustainability Initiatives

The building’s design embodies sustainable engineering principles, leveraging cutting-edge technologies for water treatment, heating and cooling. The resort plans to recycle 90 per cent of the water used in its thermal pools, while 80 per cent of its fresh air and cooling requirements will be met through clean energy sources. These initiatives will also be bolstered by the  world’s largest indoor botanical garden, supporting urban biodiversity and sustainable development.

Construction timeline

Construction of Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky is scheduled to commence in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2028. Upon completion, the resort is expected to welcome up to 1.7 million visitors annually, setting a new standard for holistic and daily wellbeing in urban environments.

Therme Group is a global owner, operator and developer, shaping the future of wellbeing through a new type of social infrastructure called ‘Therme’. Therme Dubai represents a significant investment in the future of urban wellness, offering a unique and transformative experience.  With its integration of wellness, healthcare, and recreational facilities, Therme Dubai is positioned to strengthen Dubai’s medical tourism sector.

“The Dubai 2040 Urban Plan and Therme Group’s mission are deeply aligned. We both believe cities must evolve to enhance human wellbeing, connection, and environmental harmony. This collaboration is more than a development – it’s a new way of thinking about cities and their role in shaping a healthier future for all,” says Irina Matei, Chief Executive Officer Therme Dubai.

Therme Group’s current venues, which include Therme Bucharest – the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified wellbeing infrastructure – and the newly acquired Therme Erding, the world’s largest wellbeing destination, welcome millions of visitors each year, with further developments taking shape in cities such as Manchester, Toronto, and Frankfurt.