Is the “moon” project ever going to arrive in Dubai?
Every few months, speculation grows about whether a Dh5 billion mixed-use building shaped like the moon will be inaugurated in Dubai. Social media networks feed the speculation, even proposing potential places where such a project design could be scaled.
More recently, the discussion resurfaced after a blog about the ‘moon building’ appeared on the Damac Properties website .A senior Damac Properties official stated that this was a random blog posted on the company’s website, and that the Dubai master-developer is in no way affiliated with the ‘moon’ project.
“The ‘moon’ project is one that has been talked about for a few years now in Dubai,” said Sameer Lakhani, Managing Director of Global Capital Partners. “While it would be an exciting addition to the skyline, in the end the fundamentals of the project have to be viable.
In reality, numerous developer names in Dubai have been linked to the notion, although none have acknowledged it.
‘Moon’ landing at ‘Dubai Pearl’ site
“Why the ‘moon building’ is again back in the limelight is because there is this massive land that’s been reclaimed in the Tecom cluster,” said a senior industry source. “This was land formerly associated with the shelved ‘Dubai Pearl’ dream project.
“As far as we know, there has been nothing confirmed officially as to what will now get built on the Dubai Pearl site.”
This is what sparked the most recent round of speculation regarding the moon building’s landing in Dubai.
Floating the moon building idea
The project originally gained attention in 2022, when Moon World resorts presented the idea in UAE media.
According to a post on the Damac Properties website, Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson’s idea was to build a 274-meter “copy” of the moon on top of a 30-meter structure. Now, this blog makes no mention of the location, only that it is in ‘Dubai city’.
“His project, dubbed ‘Moon’, aims to being a symbol of the heavens down to Earth,” the blog adds. “The man-made moon is designed to be an architectural marvel, showcasing Dubai’s ambition and futuristic vision.
“Henderson’s project may sound of this world – but it could easily fit in this futuristic city…”
Versions of what the ‘moon’ will entail for Dubai’s skyline have circulated in the media and on social media. That is where it remained until the Dubai Pearl location regained view. It is prime land within Tecom, and any project that is re-launched on-site will immediately attract investor interest.
“So far, no official word has come out on what a new project at Dubai Pearl will look like – let alone anything to do with the moon building,” said Niraj Masand, Managing Director of Artha Realty.
So it is the current ‘status’ of the moon building in Dubai.
Will it remain an urban legend? Or is it simply a moonshot idea?