Diller Scofidio + Renfro unveiled the design of Therme Dubai - Islands in the Sky, a new urban wellness destination to be built in Zabeel Park, UAE. The project, built in collaboration with Therme Group and Dubai Municipality, was approved as part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which aims to enhance the city's landscape through innovative and sustainable infrastructure.

The architecture firm designed an approximately 100-meter-high structure composed of terraces with cascading pools, featuring a series of staggered, rounded platforms populated by pools, lush plants, and waterfalls. This series of elevated green spaces is protected by a transparent swooping facade that partially wraps around the structure to form variety between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Aiming to create a landmark that offers a relaxing retreat from the city, the spaces and services will be divided into three sections-Play, Relax and Restore-and will include indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, mineral baths, water slides, restaurants, an indoor botanical garden and event spaces.

“Elevated above the concerns of everyday urban life, Therme Dubai is an oasis in the sky,” said Elizabeth Diller, founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “It emerges from the lake of a revitalized Zabeel Park like a series of botanical islands stacked in a tower,” she continued.

Therme Group hopes Therme Dubai will help improve the city's well-being by combining nature with leisure facilities. According to the developer, 90 percent of the water in the resort's thermal pools will be recycled. Construction of Therme Dubai will begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2028.