The Museum of the Future's striking exteriors and architectural marvel may be the main talking points ahead of the Dubai museum's opening on February 22, but the gardens are set to be an attraction in and of themselves.
Designed to house about 100 species of trees and plants, the gardens will be a reflection of the UAE's natural diversity and ecological heritage.
The gardens are a key part of the building's design, located on the large green plinth on which the building stands. Native ghaf, sidr, palm and acacia trees are all growing in the space — trees that are well adapted to local environmental conditions.
The gardens are equipped with an automated irrigation system and support bee and bird populations.
"The plant species and irrigation techniques used had to consider the nature of the steep plateau and the UAE’s dry weather," said an official statement about the gardens. "Given the unique setting of the building, traditional landscaping techniques were a challenge. A novel way of planting and soiling the greenery was needed.
"With Dubai’s summer temperatures hitting close to 50ºC, and with the average rainfall of 130mm per year, irrigation was one of the main considerations for the plateau. A smart irrigation system uses a sub-surface mat that delivers water directly to the root system in a targeted, efficient approach.
"The plateau’s steep slopes allow quick water run-off, removing the need for water-intense flood irrigation.
"Additionally, water collection and recycling systems are used to reduce water wastage by approximately 25 per cent."
Images of the Museum of the Future ahead of its February 22 opening:
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Dubai's Museum of the Future will embody the forward-thinking spirit of the UAE's founding fathers, a senior Emirati minister said. Photo: UAE Government Media Office -
The museum opened its doors to the public on February 22. Photo: UAE Government Media Office -
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that it would be much more than a museum, serving as a 'research lab' for the future. Photo: UAE Government Media Office -
The museum will feature a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed it as the "most beautiful building on Earth". Photo: UAE Government Media Office -
Workers are dwarfed by the Museum of the Future in this November 2019 picture. The intricate design is inspired by Arabic script. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The striking structure was years in the making. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The opening date was pushed back several times and a 2020 opening date came and went as the pandemic hit. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
This 2018 image shows the unique design taking shape. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A cyclist poses for a photograph in front of the museum in November. AP Photo / Jon Gambrell -
The unique facade was voted among the most striking in the world in a recent poll. AP Photo -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visit the museum in September. Wam -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tries out some of the museum's technological features. Wam
