Luxury

Watch: suspended swimmers cool off in London's 'sky pool'

Transparent structure stands 35 metres in the air and connects two luxury apartments

Tim Kiek

June 02, 2021

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Is it a bird? is it a plane? No, it's someone swimming in London's 'sky pool' as the UK enjoyed its warmest day of the year on bank holiday Monday.

This seemingly implausible sight became a reality in April when a world-first swimming pool opened in the UK capital, albeit only to residents of the luxury £1 billion ($1.42bn) Embassy Gardens development,

The 25-metre acrylic aquarium-style pool was made in the state of Colorado in the US and carried more than 8,000 kilometres to the Nine Elms district in south-west London.

Connecting the 10th floors of two apartments at Embassy Gardens, a few lengths of Sky Pool provide exercise and a panoramic view of a score of world-famous landmarks.

Sky Pool swam from the boundary-pushing mind of property developer Sean Mulryan and was built by EcoWorld Ballymore.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from launch day and more information on the vertiginous project.

Sky Pool gallery

  • The transparent pool sits on the Sky Deck of the Embassy Gardens development in south-west London. Adjacent to the US embassy, it stands 35 metres in the air. AFP
    The transparent pool sits on the Sky Deck of the Embassy Gardens development in south-west London. Adjacent to the US embassy, it stands 35 metres in the air. AFP
  • The world-first 25-metre-long Sky Pool allows residents to swim from one building to the other, 10 storeys above the ground. AFP
    The world-first 25-metre-long Sky Pool allows residents to swim from one building to the other, 10 storeys above the ground. AFP
  • Models under azure skies swim in the Sky Pool to mark its opening on Friday. AFP
    Models under azure skies swim in the Sky Pool to mark its opening on Friday. AFP
  • Property developer Ballymore calls it 'the perfect escape from the busy London life'. AFP
    Property developer Ballymore calls it 'the perfect escape from the busy London life'. AFP
  • 'There’s never been something transparent spanning two buildings like this. Once you swim off, you can look right down. It will be like flying,' said Eckersley O’Callaghan structural engineer Brian Eckersley.
    'There’s never been something transparent spanning two buildings like this. Once you swim off, you can look right down. It will be like flying,' said Eckersley O’Callaghan structural engineer Brian Eckersley.
  • Before Embassy Gardens was built in the Nine Elms district, the locale was considered to have no purpose. Getty
    Before Embassy Gardens was built in the Nine Elms district, the locale was considered to have no purpose. Getty
  • The 'Sky Pool' wasn't the limit for the Nine Elms regeneration project - it also created 25,000 new jobs, a gym, a cinema and private lounges galore. Getty
    The 'Sky Pool' wasn't the limit for the Nine Elms regeneration project - it also created 25,000 new jobs, a gym, a cinema and private lounges galore. Getty

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

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Ticket prices

General admission Dh295 (under-three free)

Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free

Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets

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The specs: 2017 Dodge Viper SRT

Price, base / as tested Dh460,000

Engine 8.4L V10

Transmission Six-speed manual

Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 813Nm @ 5,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km

ILT20%20UAE%20stars
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New process leads to panic among jobseekers

As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.  

“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.

Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE. 

“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.

“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

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