Falconcity of Wonders

Falconcity of Wonders is a vast 380 hectare residential, tourist, entertainment and recreational complex shaped in the form of the UAE’s Falcon emblem. The development is situated on the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) to the west of the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) and is themed around several ‘wonders of the world’.

It was first proposed as part of the DubaiLand project in 2005, but like so many other schemes at that time it ground to a halt during the 2008 global financial crisis. The project is now picking up speed thanks to interest from a number of Indian investors, and the first residential buildings are finished and occupied, although the Wonders are not yet built.

Falconcity’s proposed wonders are a mix of buildings inspired by the classic and more recent wonders of the world with the Eiffel Tower, a theme park and a shopping mall thrown in for good measure. Oh, and Venice.

Although no construction work on any of the Wonders has begun, two residential districts have been built, Western Residence South and North, and people have already moved in. There have been mixed reviews about the build quality of the villas, but residents seem happy with the spacious floor plans.

The Wonders

Pyramids Park

Apparently the large Pyramid, named Saam Antares, is to be the largest pyramid ever built. How it compares in size to the Great Pyramid at Giza we are not told, but it will be a mixed use complex of residences, offices and recreational attractions. Two more pyramids will complete the wonderful illusion, Saam Polaris and Saam Vega, structures of 20 and 10 storeys respectively that will house serviced hotel apartments managed by ‘a world class hospitality chain’.

Taj Arabia

A ‘multidimensional’ development of freehold apartment buildings, mixed-use office/residential buildings, and buildings providing fully serviced apartments. The centre piece of this neighbourhood will be the Taj Arabia Palace Hotel, ‘a breathtaking look-a-like of the original and yet four times larger!’ It will be surrounded by Mughal inspired landscaped gardens full of greenery and water features.

The Tower of Pisa

A mixed use residential and office buiding cleverly disguised as a tourist attraction. Unlike the original this tower, it is hoped, will not begin to lean. Also unlike the original, The Tower of Pisa will, rather curiously, be located in ‘the city of Rome’ where visitors and residents alike ‘will enjoy the Grand Structure and the Engineering Marvel of the Historical Wonder’. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Dubai Hanging Gardens of Babylon

We don’t have much to say about this wonder, except that it is an eco-friendly complex of luxury flats, open-air restaurants and coffee shops, and, yes, a garden overlooking the Falconcity Mall.

The Dubai Light House

Like its ancient forebear the new Dubai Light House will serve as a landmark for Falconcity. The design of the tower is based on the detailed descriptions of the Lighthouse of Alexandria recorded in 1166 CE by Arab travellers two hundred years before it fell into ruin. The Dubai Lighthouse will contain commercial, residential, recreational and retail elements.

The Great Wall

Higher than a three storey building and 1,700 meters in length this high-rise jogging track will provide a ‘buffer zone’ (ie sound barrier) between the theme park and the residential area. A definite must-see attraction.

The Dubai Eiffel Tower

This is to be the central feature of the Falconcity commercial sector, home to a variety of commercial, residential, recreational and retail elements. Surrounding the tower will be the landscaped Falcon Elysees with its parks, cafes, gardens and fountains. A circular shopping arcade ‘enriched by famous brands of fashions and styles’ will run around the perimeter of the tower complex.

The Town of Venice

In the developer’s own words, ‘The most romantic place in the Falconcity would be Town of Venice situated by the waterfront. Developed with wonderful waterfront, open-air cafes, gondolas and pedestrian shopping, Town of Venice brings to you a unique Italian dreamy experience.’

Theme Park

Not much is known about the content of the Theme Park except that it is ‘a tourism, hospitality, entertainment, leisure and retail mega project’ covering an area of 4 million square feet. Its modest claim to be ‘the most ambitious tourist destination ever created’ hints at what we might expect.

Falconcity Mall

Fast forward a few years and imagine you are flying over Falconcity of Wonders. Below you you see the shape of a Falcon formed by housing, roads and attractions. What looks like the head of the Falcon is the shopping mall.

Falconcity Towers

These 24 towers will be at the feet of the Falcon and comprise apartments, offices and hotels. They will be surrounded by such international cities ‘as Rome, Venice, Beirut, and India’, together with a miniature (1,000,000 sq ft) version of New York City’s Central Park.

Villas

There will be over 5,500 apartments and villas located in the Falcon’s wings. The villas come in various sizes of detached, semi-detached and townhouses and are available in a choice of four styles, Aegean (Greek), Andalusia (Spanish), New World (North American), and Santa Fe (Mexican). Family centres, sports facilities and schools are also included in the master plan.