Book-shaped library among string of building projects planned for Dubai

DUBAI // A snail-shaped museum and park of miniature landmarks are among a string of building projects approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

A Dh35 million Maritime Museum, designed in the shape of snail, will offer tourists a history of the emirate's relationship with the sea and provide views across the Ras Al Khor Sanctuary.

Mini World Park will house replicas of world-famous landmarks including the Empire State building, the Petronas Twin Towers, Abu Simbel's temples, the Great Wall of China, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and - of course - the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.

Another project is a 1-kilometre stretch of corniche opposite the Palm Deira.

Al Mamzar Corniche Beach will be built between Al Mamzar Park and Al Hamriya Port, and will be developed to Blue Flag standards. It should be finished by the first quarter of next year.

A library in the shape of an open book will be named after Sheikh Mohammed and house Dubai's central library, shelving more than 2 million books on nine levels, including the basement.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the progress of the region's first methane gas extraction project.

Dubbed the 2020 plant as an homage to Dubai's hopes of hosting Expo 2020, the plant will extract methane gas from a landfill site in Al Qusais that receives 5,000 tonnes of waste a day. The plant hopes to eventually capture 250,000 tonnes of methane gas a year as the rubbish decomposes.

The second stage of a sewage water treatment plant in Jebel Ali was also approved. The plant is still in its design stage but building will begin in July next year and should be finished by December 2016.

Finally, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the progress of the Hatta Housing Project. It was approved by the Ruler last year and will include 302 plots for Emirati homes.

eharnan@thenational.ae