Floating Cities in the Middle East: The Future of Urban Living – RTF

The Middle East, known for its harsh climate, bold architectural projects, and ambitious urban planning, is redefining the concept of cities. As rising sea levels threaten coastal regions worldwide, floating cities have emerged as a revolutionary solution, particularly for countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. These floating cities aim to blend sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage to create self-sufficient urban spaces on water. 

Floating Cities a Necessity 

Coastal regions in the Middle East face mounting challenges from climate change. Low-lying areas, such as Bahrain’s coastline and parts of Qatar, are at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels. Floating cities present a resilient alternative to conventional land-based urban planning, offering adaptable solutions that withstand environmental pressures and promote sustainable living.

More than just a response to environmental challenges, floating cities symbolise an opportunity for the Middle East to showcase its innovative spirit. By combining advanced engineering with traditional design elements, these developments aim to preserve cultural identity while embracing modernity. 

Al Marsa Floating City, Bahrain

Nestled along Bahrain’s coastline, Al Marsa Floating City is a living example of what floating urbanism can achieve. Al Marsa is a picturesque blend of luxury, functionality, and sustainability, with the residential areas interconnected by an intricate network of waterways, allowing residents to navigate their neighbourhood by boat. Each villa is equipped with a private dock, reflecting Bahrain’s rich maritime heritage. The city’s design incorporates eco-friendly technologies, such as solar-powered lighting and water conservation systems, to minimise environmental impact.

What sets Al Marsa apart is its cultural resonance. The architecture draws inspiration from Bahrain’s historical dhow boats, seamlessly merging traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering. This approach ensures that the city doesn’t just float on water—it floats within the cultural context of its region.

Oxagon: Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Hub 

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project is renowned for its futuristic ambition, and Oxagon stands out as a centrepiece. Marketed as the world’s largest floating structure, Oxagon is a bold step toward integrating industrial development with sustainable urban living.

Located in the Red Sea, Oxagon is envisioned as a floating industrial city that redefines how industries and communities coexist. The city is designed to house advanced robotics, clean energy systems, and innovative logistics infrastructure. By merging residential, commercial, and industrial zones, Oxagon promises a self-sufficient ecosystem where technology and sustainability converge. Its floating design reduces the environmental footprint, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and sustainability.

Pangeos: The Floating Turtle City, Saudi Arabia 

While still in the conceptual stage, Pangeos is an ambitious floating city project epitomising the Middle East’s flair for grand ideas. Proposed off the coast of Saudi Arabia near King Abdullah Economic City, Pangeos is a turtle-shaped floating city that could house up to 60,000 people. Pangeos aims to offer a complete urban experience on water. 

It’s designed as a self-contained city, from luxury residences and commercial spaces to parks and marinas. The turtle shape is not merely aesthetics but symbolises resilience and longevity, echoing the project’s vision of enduring adaptability. Although it remains in the planning phase, Pangeos demonstrates the Middle East’s ambition to push the boundaries of urban development.

The UAE’s Floating Innovations 

The UAE is leading the floating city trend through unique projects like The Floating Seahorse Villas and Floating Venice.

The Floating Seahorse Villas

Located near The World Islands in Dubai, The Floating Seahorse Villas redefine luxury living. These multi-level homes feature underwater bedrooms with panoramic views of marine life, offering a unique blend of opulence and ecological awareness. Each villa is equipped with sustainable features, such as energy-efficient systems and water recycling mechanisms. As part of the larger Heart of Europe project, these villas highlight Dubai’s focus on creating one-of-a-kind waterfront experiences.

Floating Venice

Also part of The World Islands, Floating Venice is designed to replicate the charm of Venice, complete with canals, gondolas, and underwater vistas. This planned floating resort combines tourism and luxury, offering visitors a taste of Europe in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Floating Venice exemplifies how floating cities can cater to both residents and tourists, enriching the urban landscape with culture and leisure.

The Pearl, Qatar 

Though not entirely floating, The Pearl-Qatar in Doha offers insights into water-integrated urbanism. This artificial island features luxury residences, marinas, and retail spaces, showcasing how coastal developments can merge functionality with aesthetics. The Pearl serves as a prototype for future floating city projects, demonstrating the economic and cultural potential of water-based urban planning.

Challenges and Opportunities 

Floating cities in the Middle East face several challenges, including:

• High costs for building and maintaining floating infrastructure.
• Regulatory frameworks to govern marine urbanism and protect ecosystems.
• Public perception and community engagement are needed to gain acceptance for floating lifestyles. 

However, these challenges are offset by immense opportunities, like:

• Environmental benefits include minimising land use and enhancing marine ecosystems.
• Economic growth, including investment, tourism, and innovation.
• Cultural Preservation by integrating traditional designs.

Middle East’s Legacy in Floating Cities 

The concept of floating cities in the Middle East is a bold testament to human ingenuity, demonstrating how challenges like rising sea levels can be met with transformative solutions. Projects that blend cutting-edge technology with cultural and environmental sensitivity redefine urban living by embracing sustainability, preserving heritage, and showcasing the region’s commitment to innovation. As these visions come to life, they address immediate climate concerns and set a global standard for adaptive, resilient, and sustainable urban planning, reaffirming the Middle East’s role as a pioneer in modern architecture and coastal development. 

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Citations for Images:

1. Bjarke Ingels. Life in a Floating City. [Photograph]. (https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/04/oceanix-city-floating-big-un-habitat-mit_dezeen_2364_col_14-1704×959.jpg) 
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4. Al Saleh Group. Al Marsa Floating City, Bahrain. [Photograph]. (https://www.alsalehgroupbh.com/assets/images/project/gallery/almarsa11.jpg)
5. Neom. Oxagon, Saudi Arabia. [Photograph]. (https://www.greenprophet.com/wp-content/uploads/neom-port-oxagon-saudi-arabia_greenprophet-1536×1536.jpg) 
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7. Lazzarini Design Studio. Pangeos, Saudi Arabia. [Photograph]. (https://wired.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/pangeos-tutrle-shaped-yacht-saudi-LEAD.jpeg) 
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