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by Ashas Bukhari
Who Is Behind Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks? Meet the Real Estate Developers. Part 2
26 Apr 2024
Dubai Miracle Garden. Made by Cityland Real Estate Development
Every winter, as the temperature dips and the weather turns cool, Dubai Miracle Garden once again welcomes visitors through its gates. Bursting with over 150 million flowers, this 72,000-square-meter oasis has blossomed into one of the region’s most enchanting and fragrant destinations for more than a decade.
150 million Flowers on Display Dubbed the Miracle Garden, this floral wonderland boasts an impressive showcase of 150 million flowers, including a vibrant array of sunflowers, marigolds, roses, petunias, tulips, and calendulas. Among them, 120 varieties of brilliantly hued blooms adorn the landscape as intricate flower beddings, whimsical floral sculptures, iconic cartoon characters, colossal animals, and breathtaking archways.
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Photo: Yachuzz
Holder of Three Guinness World Records As of 2022, the garden proudly holds three Guinness World Records. Its inaugural record was set in 2013 for the world's largest vertical garden. In 2016, it elevated its status with the installation of an awe-inspiring floral replica of the Airbus A380, recognized as the largest of its kind globally. The trifecta was completed in 2018 with the creation of a towering topiary of Mickey Mouse, securing the title of the tallest topiary supported sculpture in the world.
World’s Largest Natural Flower Garden Spanning 72,000 square meters, the Miracle Garden is a testament to nature's grandeur. Its vast expanse is adorned with astonishing floral structures unparalleled elsewhere, while meandering pathways extending over four kilometres offer captivating vistas at every turn.
Home to the World's Biggest & Tallest Topiary Art: Disney Avenue Disney Avenue beckons with beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck, alongside favourites like Huey, Dewey, Louie, Pluto, and Goofy. However, the star attraction remains the towering floral Mickey Mouse, standing an impressive eighteen meters tall.
Largest Floral Installation: Airbus A380 Another mesmerizing sight is the life-size floral replica of the Airbus A380, covering 10% of the garden's area. Adorned with 500,000 fresh flowers and plants, including 9,000 for the Emirates logo alone, this structure stretches 72 meters in length and 24 meters in height, earning its place in the Guinness World Records.
An Oasis in the Desert Nestled in Dubailand near the Arabian Ranches, the Miracle Garden emerges as an unexpected oasis amidst the desert landscape of Dubai. A refreshing departure from the city's towering skyscrapers, it stands as a testament to Dubai's ability to defy expectations.
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Photo: Werner Bayer, Secret Travel Guide, Nitya Aggarwal
Sustainable Practices Despite the daunting task of watering the vast array of plants, the garden employs recycled wastewater and a drip irrigation system, showcasing responsible water usage and energy-efficient practices. These efforts result in significant savings of nearly 75% in water and energy consumption.
Annual Themes Each new season brings fresh themes to the Miracle Garden, delighting visitors with extravagant floral displays. From the enchanting Floral Clock to the whimsical Teddy Bear and the majestic castles and pyramids, every visit promises a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Enchanting Butterfly Garden Opened in 2015, the Butterfly Garden captivates visitors as the world's largest indoor butterfly garden. Housing 15,000 butterflies of fifty different varieties within ten climate-controlled domes, it offers an up-close look at their remarkable transformation from egg to caterpillar to pupa to vibrant butterfly.
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Photo: Shalika Malintha
Cityland Real Estate Development — Who are they?
Cityland Real Estate Development, a subsidiary of the Cityland Group established in 2014, stands as a beacon of innovation in Dubai's real estate sector. Guided by the visionary leadership of Vice Chairman Engr. Abdel Naser Yasin Musa Rahhal and under the esteemed Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Theyab Bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan, alongside the strategic expertise of CEO Mr. Fahimuddin, Cityland Real Estate Development is poised to redefine recreational spaces in the region.
Specializing in retail and commercial spaces such as shopping malls and office complexes, as well as leisure and entertainment venues including theatres, parks, and amusement parks, Cityland Real Estate Development is committed to infusing every project with a nature-inspired ethos.
Their most successful projects include:
— Dubai Butterfly Garden and
— Dubai Miracle Garden
— Cityland Mall
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Burj al-ʿArab — By Jumeirah Group
The Burj al-ʿArab, a luxurious hotel nestled in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a true icon of the city. Designed by architect Tom Wright and completed in 1999, it stands tall at 1,053 feet (321 meters), making it one of the tallest hotels globally.
Resembling the graceful sail of an Arabian dhow, this architectural wonder sits on an artificial island about 920 feet (280 meters) offshore from the beach. Its distinctive V-shaped wings enclose a grand atrium soaring 590 feet (180 meters) high. Inside, you'll find a chic lobby surrounding a stunning water feature, flanked by upscale boutiques and restaurants. The atrium, shielded by a translucent glass fibre screen, allows sunlight to filter through while keeping heat at bay, thanks to a clever polytetrafluoroethylene coating that repels dust and sand.
Beyond its architectural marvels, the Burj al-ʿArab offers extraordinary amenities. Imagine sipping cocktails in a bar and dining area suspended 650 feet (200 meters) above sea level or strolling on a grass-covered helicopter pad that has doubled as a tennis court and golf driving range for memorable publicity events.
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Photo: Mo
When it opened its doors, the hotel boasted 202 suites, each spanning two floors and ranging from 1,830 square feet (170 square meters) to an astounding 8,400 square feet (780 square meters) in size. While the exterior dazzles with a postmodern, high-tech aesthetic, the interior exudes opulence with a blend of luxurious styles influenced by cultures from around the world.
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Photo: Nick Fewings
Jumeirah Group — Who are they?
The Jumeirah Group is a real estate developer in Dubai that was established in 1997 and became a part of Dubai Holding in 2004, which falls under the personal corporate portfolio of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. Notably, professional golfer Rory McIlroy served as the company's global ambassador from 2007 to 2012.
Initially focused solely on Dubai, the hotel chain has expanded its reach globally in recent years. While its presence in Europe was initially limited to two hotels in London - the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel and the Jumeirah Carlton Tower - it has since ventured further abroad. In February 2011, Jumeirah unveiled its third London project, Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living, located on Park Lane. Additionally, the real estate developer's maiden hotel in Germany debuted in August 2011 in Frankfurt am Main as part of the expansive Palaisquartier development project.
Jumeirah's endeavours extend beyond hotels, encompassing management of the following attractions:
— Wild Wadi Waterpark
— Renowned spa brand Talise, and
— Jumeirah Restaurants
Moreover, it oversees the following educational institutions as well.
— The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
— Jumeirah Hospitality
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