Dubai // Michael Schumacher is considering taking up a flat in the Abu Dhabi tower that bears his name once it is completed. The Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower, which will sit at the tip of Reem Island, was one of two buildings to be tied to a sports celebrity yesterday at Cityscape in Dubai. Amir Khan, the British boxer, also announced he would become the brand ambassador for Tejarah Executive, an apartment block to be built in Ajman.
But the big moment of the day happened around noon, when Schumacher unveiled the MSWCT. "I'd certainly love to have an apartment here," said the seven-times Formula One world champion. "Our base would remain in Switzerland for many reasons but it is very nice to come here from time to time," he said at the tower's launch in the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The Abu Dhabi structure will be the world's first building that is both a tower and a wharf. Apartments on the bottom floors will be able to berth yachts.
Its designers envisage the structure, which will reach 260 metres, as an ultra-modern residence incorporating the latest eco-technology. It will have 60 floors, 400 apartments, and feature sky pools, tropical gardens, an observatory and an aquarium in the parking garage. The outdoor marina will berth 30 boats. Apart from a commercial building in Dubai that bears his name, this is Schumacher's first foray into property development.
A further six towers bearing his name are planned in cities across the globe - one to commemorate each of his F1 championship title wins. The residence expects to be the first in the world to incorporate power generation with waste incineration on the premises of the building. The tower also plans to use solar cladding, which would draw electricity directly from the sun. Alexander Rieck, a partner with LAVA, the architectural firm connected with the developer, PNYG, said much of this technology is still in its infancy.
"We're working very close with researchers," he said. Schumacher is not the only celebrity whose projects will bring him back to the UAE. Mr Khan said he too would be making frequent return trips to Dubai. "I am definitely thinking about investing here," he said. "I'm not quite sure where yet, as I am not totally familiar with everything, but I'm sure these guys will show me the right places. It'll be soon in the future." jgerson@thenational.ae nsamaha@thenational.ae
