5 Futuristic Projects in Dubai Look Like From a Sci-Fi Movie

Dubai’s always been a place where big ideas come to life. And somehow, it’s still managing to outdo itself.

Right now, there are more than 1,500 active real estate projects across the city — with a combined market value of over AED 5.6 trillion. That’s not a typo. And many of these aren’t just buildings or developments — they’re bold experiments in what the future could look like. Think floating resorts, vertical cities, climate-controlled highways, even a full-on Mars simulation in the desert.

Curious? You’re not alone. Whether you live here, invest here, or just love watching the skyline evolve in real time, here are five jaw-dropping projects that show how far (and high) Dubai is planning to go.

1. Therme Dubai – wellness, but in the sky

Location: Zabeel Park
Developer: Therme Group
Expected Opening: 2028

Picture a wellness resort suspended 100 meters above the ground. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? That’s Therme Dubai.

It’s being built next to the Royal Palace, and once it’s done, it’ll be the tallest wellness resort on Earth — complete with floating gardens, thermal pools, cultural installations, and sustainability baked into every design detail. It’s a place to relax, unplug, and maybe take in some art — all while hovering over one of Dubai’s most famous parks.

2. Ziggurat Pyramid – A city inside a pyramid

Developer: Timelinks
Target Completion: 2031

This one’s wild: a self-sustaining vertical city shaped like a pyramid.

It’s called the Ziggurat, and it could someday house up to a million people. Instead of cars, there’ll be elevators, monorails, and walkways. Instead of streets, hydroponic farms. Energy? Solar, wind, and even steam-based power systems.

It’s being designed to use just a fraction of the land a traditional city would need — all while staying carbon neutral. Ambitious? Extremely. But very Dubai.

3. Burj Azizi – Dubai’s next iconic tower

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Developer: Azizi Developments
Estimated Completion: 2028

Dubai already has the tallest building in the world. But that doesn’t mean it’s done building up.

Burj Azizi is a new megatower planned for Sheikh Zayed Road, and it’s expected to reach 725 meters — making it the second tallest in the world when it’s done. Think luxury apartments, a seven-star hotel, vertical shopping, and a sky-high observation deck with next-level views.

Construction starts in 2025. If you’re into heights (or high-end real estate), this is one to watch.

4. Mars Science City – Training for life on another planet

Location: Dubai Desert
Developer: UAE Government

Yes, you read that right: a city designed to simulate life on Mars — right here in the desert.

Built as part of the UAE’s long-term Mars 2117 plan, Mars Science City will be home to massive biodomes for research, food production, and even year-long missions where scientists live like they’re on the Red Planet. It’s not just about space exploration either — it’s a real-world lab for sustainable living on Earth.

And just for fun: the walls of the museum inside will be 3D-printed using sand from the desert around it.

5. The Loop – A 93km climate-controlled highway (for cyclists)

Developer: URB

Forget traffic. Imagine riding your bike through a 93-kilometer, air-conditioned corridor, stretching across the city — rain or shine, summer or winter.

That’s the idea behind The Loop, a climate-controlled pedestrian and cycling highway that will eventually connect over 80% of Dubai’s residents. It’ll feature parks, fitness zones, vertical farms, and walkways powered by kinetic energy — all part of Dubai’s push toward sustainable living.

It’s not just about comfort — it’s about creating healthier, car-free ways to get around.

So… what’s next?

Dubai’s future looks like something dreamed up in a Hollywood studio — except it’s real, and it’s being built right now.