Dubai is set to host the Middle East’s first-of-its-kind wellbeing resort, ‘Therme Dubai,’ an ambitious project approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the city’s quality of life and strengthen its status as a global hub for living, working, and tourism.
Developed in partnership with the Therme Group, an international leader in wellbeing infrastructure, the AED 2 billion project will be built at Zabeel Park and is expected to be completed by 2028. The announcement was made at NASAB Resort, Wadi Al Safa, in the presence of key government officials and business leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Robert C. Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group.
Spanning 500,000 square feet and standing 100 metres tall, Therme Dubai will feature world-class amenities designed to host up to 1.7 million visitors annually. The facility will include natural therapeutic zones, thermal pools, an interactive play area with 15 waterslides, a Michelin-star restaurant, and three 18-metre waterfalls. A significant highlight is the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, housing over 200 plant species, enhancing urban biodiversity while promoting sustainability.
The project will integrate three main zones: the Play Zone for family-friendly entertainment, the Relax Zone offering mineral pools and steam rooms for adults, and the Restore Zone, focused on rejuvenation with saunas, thermal baths, and wellness treatments inspired by global traditions such as Turkish hammams, Japanese hot springs, and Nordic saunas. The resort will also serve as a cultural hub, featuring immersive art installations and multi-sensory experiences.
Therme Dubai will be built with sustainability at its core, utilizing advanced technologies for water treatment, heating, and cooling. The facility aims to recycle 90% of its thermal pool water and source 80% of its cooling and fresh air needs from clean energy. These measures align with Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its vision under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Designed by globally acclaimed architectural firm DS+R (Diller Scofidio + Renfro), known for projects like The Shed in New York and the University of Chicago building, the resort will set new benchmarks in architectural innovation. Lead designer Liz Diller, a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship recipient, is known for her transformative approach to cultural spaces.
Therme Dubai is expected to boost Dubai’s medical and wellness tourism sector, attracting visitors seeking holistic wellbeing experiences while enhancing the quality of life for residents. With its integration of nature, wellness, and entertainment, the project reinforces Dubai’s status as a premier global destination for health and leisure tourism.
