Coming soon? Underwater tennis complex in Dubai

The Polish architect firm, which has proposed development of an underwater tennis complex in Dubai, has held talks with two Gulf investors, Emirates 24/7 can reveal.

“We have spoken to a group from the UAE and one from another Gulf country, but nothing has been finalized,” Krzysztof Kotala of 8+8 Concept Studio said.

The company continues to build their case for the project based on the “economic gains for Dubai.”

The cost of building it is estimated at around Dh6.26 billion to Dh9.18 billion ($1.7 to $2.5 billion).

“Large investment brings economic gains in the construction sector and such a project will also bring marketing profits and drive tourism,” believes Kotala.

Dubai is building a number of projects ahead of the World Expo 2020, which is expected to bring 25 million visitors to the country.

The underwater complex consists of seven arenas, which have multifunctional character and combines functions such as a sports, recreation and exhibition.

 
The complex is divided into three parts in its design structure. The dug part into the seabed includes the tennis court and the stand with backgrounds and the technical part. The part above consists of two zones: a lobby and a hall.

“The lobby is connected with the stand, and you can watch the sea life around the building. The hall is designed to observe the reef located on the rooftop.”
 
A carbon-glass glazing above the tennis court will allow visitors to see the reef.

An artist's impression of the underwater tennis complex. (Supplied)
 
“The water at this location will not be deep and the structure will also not be heavy. The water depth will be from one to maximum three metres. The entire ecosystem of coral on the roof would be natural but isolated from the marine area,” the architect said.
 
This website reported earlier that Kleindienst Group, a Dubai-based real estate developer, is building underwater homes (floating seahorse) in its The Heart of Europe (THOE) project on The World. The first of these floating homes will be soon.

In 2013, Drydocks World, the shipbuilding arm of Dubai World, announced a joint venture with Big Invest Consult, a Swiss company, to develop underwater hotels and floating cities in the Middle East. The latter represents Deep Ocean Technology, the Polish-owner behind the technology and concept of Water Discus hotel.

An artist's impression of the Water Discus Hotel. (Supplied)

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