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AI Qana: New waterfront entertainment and leisure destination, Abu Dhabi

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al qana cinema

AI Qana, a new waterfront entertainment, dining and leisure destination, is set to open in Abu Dhabi by the end of 2020, offering restaurants, cinema experiences, a wellness hub, and more.

Located on the Khor Al Maqta waterway of the UAE capital, the development is spread over seven districts and spans over 2.4km.

The project, which will also feature the Middle East’s largest aquarium and a yacht marina, is being developed by Al Barakah International Investment (BII) and Abu Dhabi Municipality.

AI Qana will boast a range of restaurants, scenic walkways, an outdoor skate park, a virtual reality (VR) gaming complex, as well as views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

ai qana aerial view

Moataz Mashal, managing director of Al Barakah International Investment, said (via Trade Arabia): “Al Qana will offer a new lifestyle for residents through exciting dining destinations and convenient facilities, whilst also being an attractive place for tourists to visit, in close proximity to many of the most famous landmarks in the capital.”

What visitors can expect

  • Live performances and concerts
  • Water shows using sensory technologies of water, sound and light
  • Marina views and seafood restaurants
  • Restaurants and supermarkets
  • Health and fitness centre
  • Running paths and cycling tracks
  • Virtual reality gaming complex and trampolining centre
  • Wallrunning, dodgeball courts, foam pits
  • 5000sqm aquarium and UAE’s longest water tunnel

Stuart Gissing, general manager of Al Qana, added: “Our distinctive districts concept and ideal location are already attracting major regional and international concepts, including food and beverage, leisure and entertainment brands looking to become part of the city’s next waterfront lifestyle hub.

“Since the launch of the project, our team of experts have been working closely with the authorities and our partners to ensure a unique, vibrant mix of complementary commercial services and facilities that bolster the value to investors, tenants and customers.”

Wellness and eatertainment trends

AI Qana is designed with dining, entertainment, retail, wellness and adventure in mind.

In more wellness news, the Natural History Museum is putting on a series of yoga and wellness classes under a large moon art installation.

Two Bit Circus, creators of the world’s first Micro-Amusement Park, has announced an immersive, virtual reality (VR) wellness experience, EmbodyMove.

Meanwhile, food is becoming a key part of the visitor experience. Whether it’s themed food, food-based experiences or food festivals, eatertainment looks like it is here to stay.

Image: AI Qana

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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