Sha Emirates is set to open in 2026. Photo: Sha Wellness Clinics / Imkan
Sha Emirates is set to open in 2026. Photo: Sha Wellness Clinics / Imkan
Sha Emirates is set to open in 2026. Photo: Sha Wellness Clinics / Imkan
Sha Emirates is set to open in 2026. Photo: Sha Wellness Clinics / Imkan

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Abu Dhabi's Sha Emirates Island to get self driving transport

Sha Emirates is a planned residential community designed to be the 'world's first well-being island'

John Benny

June 11, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Bayanat, a geospatial data products and services provider, has signed an initial agreement with Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer Imkan for the development of smart mobility infrastructure on Sha Emirates island in the Al Jurf district.

The project will feature an integrated and artificial intelligence-enabled transportation ecosystem that allows for fully autonomous driving on the wellness island, Bayanat said in a statement on Tuesday.

Sha Emirates is a planned residential community designed to be the “world's first well-being island”. It's located on a private island within the Al Jurf development, located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The project, which will open in 2026, is a partnership between Imkan and European wellness brand Sha Wellness Clinic.

Zulal by Thai wellness group Chiva-Som opened in Qatar in 2022. All photos: Zulal by Chiva-Som
Zulal by Thai wellness group Chiva-Som opened in Qatar in 2022. All photos: Zulal by Chiva-Som
The wellness retreat offers both international and Taim (Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine) therapies
The wellness retreat offers both international and Taim (Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine) therapies
There are more than 311 treatments to choose from, including massages, fitness classes and physiotherapy
There are more than 311 treatments to choose from, including massages, fitness classes and physiotherapy
The retreat has a private temperature-controlled pool for Watsu, a form of guided meditation and hydrotherapy
The retreat has a private temperature-controlled pool for Watsu, a form of guided meditation and hydrotherapy
Treatments such as reiki and sound healing are also on offer
Treatments such as reiki and sound healing are also on offer
The state-of-the-art spa includes a large Himalayan salt chamber
The state-of-the-art spa includes a large Himalayan salt chamber
The hammam room in the spa
The hammam room in the spa
Hot and cold pools, as well as an ice cave, help spa visitors relax and rejuvenate
Hot and cold pools, as well as an ice cave, help spa visitors relax and rejuvenate
The resort also has various outdoor pools and lagoons
The resort also has various outdoor pools and lagoons
Floating meditation classes are available at Zulal Serenity, the adults-only half of the property
Floating meditation classes are available at Zulal Serenity, the adults-only half of the property
Zulal Discovery, meanwhile, is open to families with children of all ages
Zulal Discovery, meanwhile, is open to families with children of all ages
All rooms come with private plunge pools
All rooms come with private plunge pools
A sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is placed in the lobby that also doubles as a library, tea room and apothecary
A sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor is placed in the lobby that also doubles as a library, tea room and apothecary
Organic, sugar-free and gluten-free healthy food is a point of pride at Zulal
Organic, sugar-free and gluten-free healthy food is a point of pride at Zulal
Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered to, with innovative dishes such as chlorophyll rolls with olive sauce
Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered to, with innovative dishes such as chlorophyll rolls with olive sauce
Aizoon restaurant offers Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine, including dishes such as moutabel shamandar
Aizoon restaurant offers Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine, including dishes such as moutabel shamandar
An artfully plated quinoa tabbouleh
An artfully plated quinoa tabbouleh
Elsewhere, Al Sidr serves pan-Asian dishes and Accacia is inspired by fine-dining European restaurants
Elsewhere, Al Sidr serves pan-Asian dishes and Accacia is inspired by fine-dining European restaurants
Royal honey or coconut sugar are used as sweeteners in the vegan berry cheesecake and other desserts
Royal honey or coconut sugar are used as sweeteners in the vegan berry cheesecake and other desserts
The property is a 90-minute drive from Doha, and rooms start from 1,500 Qatari riyals ($433) at Zulal Discovery and QAR3,500 at Zulal Serenity
The property is a 90-minute drive from Doha, and rooms start from 1,500 Qatari riyals ($433) at Zulal Discovery and QAR3,500 at Zulal Serenity

Imkan will develop the project’s physical infrastructure, while Bayanat will provide the critical digital infrastructure for autonomous vehicles and unmanned systems.

“Bayanat has long been a pioneer of autonomous driving and unmanned systems in the Middle East,” said Abdulla Al Shamsi, chief operating officer at Bayanat.

“We are excited about this joint project with Imkan, which will combine our expertise to create a unique concept globally – a healthy-living island featuring autonomous vehicles,” he added.

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Bayanat's digital twin technology will help create a virtual replica of the island's infrastructure. This will allow for real-time monitoring and management of autonomous transportation systems, ensuring smooth operations without the need for human intervention.

The technology will also facilitate predictive maintenance, optimise traffic flow, and enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles, Bayanat said.

“Partnering with Bayanat seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art technology with our physical infrastructure, essential for bringing this visionary project to life,” said Suwaidan Al Dhaheri, chief executive of Imkan.

Beyond the joint infrastructure, the partners will also closely collaborate on data privacy and sustainability efforts, Bayanat said.

The real estate wellness market is booming as people seek environments that reduce stress and support healthy lifestyles, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

The wellness real estate market worldwide is expected to be worth $913 billion by 2028, compared with $438 billion last year, according to the Global Wellness Institute.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s property market has continued to record strong growth on the back of government initiatives and the expansion of its economy.

Abu Dhabi's real estate sector attracted a record Dh1.81 billion ($493 million) in foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2024, as demand for property continues to rise in the UAE capital.

In Dubai, where the real estate sector is a key component of the economy, the residential and commercial sectors posted “significant” growth in the first quarter of 2024, according to consultancy ValuStrat.

For 2024, the emirate's real estate cycle is expected to head towards a “new phase”, with a projected resurgence in the apartment market and tempered growth for villas, ValuStrat said in its outlook for this year.

UAE SQUAD

Omar Abdulrahman (Al Hilal), Ali Khaseif, Ali Mabkhout, Salem Rashed, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Zayed Al Ameri, Mohammed Al Attas (Al Jazira), Khalid Essa, Ahmed Barman, Ryan Yaslam, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Habib Fardan, Tariq Ahmed, Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmin (Al Wasl), Adel Al Hosani, Ali Hassan Saleh, Majed Suroor (Sharjah), Ahmed Khalil, Walid Abbas, Majed Hassan, Ismail Al Hammadi (Shabab Al Ahli), Hassan Al Muharrami, Fahad Al Dhahani (Bani Yas), Mohammed Al Shaker (Ajman)

MATCH INFO

Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD

* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

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LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)

Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)

Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)

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Updated: June 12, 2024, 5:51 AM`
PropertyAbu DhabiDubai