International architecture firm OBMI has developed a concept for a vertical resort named Aera.
With more than 85 years experience and roots in Bermuda, where it has perfected the art of working in sensitive environments such as the Caribbean, OBMI is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions. It recognises that vertical architecture minimises the footprint of a structure in areas where land is in short supply, while reducing its environmental impact on the surrounding area.
So, for Aera, instead of designing a horizontal concept, as is more common for resorts, OBMI opted for a vertical structure that aims to recreate the feel of a private island in the midst of urban centres such as Dubai. Unlike many of the more outlandish concepts proposed for the UAE, Aera is designed to actually be built.
“Designed to seamlessly integrate into the skyline of major cities like Dubai, Aera Vertical Resort was conceived to reimagine the notion of domestic tourism,” says Tareq El Zayat, managing director, Dubai, OBMI.
“Without sacrificing the indulgences typically found on remote and exclusive destinations, guests of Aera can enjoy transformational experiences through imaginative architecture that celebrates culture, community and environment."
Aera is composed of seven distinct districts: dining, art, fashion, drama, garden, wellness and family. A transparent outer membrane encases a tree and vegetation-filled interior set over various levels. Walking trails lined with greenery will be home to vegetables and herbs that will be used in the resort’s farm-to-table dining concepts. And a sky deck with a pool will offer a bird’s eye view of the city.
“With Aera, we want to integrate the biophilic relationship into the design and increase the functionality and psychological benefits,” says Islam El Mashtooly, the project’s senior lead designer.
“It would be exciting to see local visitors and guests enjoying the immersion in nature while they’re on-site — utilising the running trails that loop through the internal forest, climbing walls and ziplines through the landscaped atria, all with views out over the city. This would be an entirely new hospitality experience in the city.”
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Gothia Cup 2025
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Results
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Aatebat Al Khalediah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
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Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
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Winner: Dubai Avenue, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
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Winner: My Catch, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
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Winner: Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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Always use only regulated platforms
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Drishyam 2
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
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Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
