Akala Downtown Dubai

Sharjah developer Arada is launching a new brand, Akala, billed as the world's first 'precision wellness' hospitality concept, with a debut AED5 billion project between Downtown Dubai and DIFC: two 220-metre towers — one a hotel, the other 534 branded residences — sharing a wellness podium with a medical diagnostics clinic and spa, targeted for completion by the end of 2029.

The place

Between Downtown Dubai and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The concept

Akala is a new hospitality brand launched by Sharjah-based developer Arada, billed as the world's first 'precision wellness' concept. The AED5 billion debut project consists of two 220-metre towers on a shared podium — one a hotel, the other 534 branded residences ranging from one-bedroom apartments to a two-level penthouse — linked by a wellness podium with a medical diagnostics clinic (branded Everwell), an indoor lap pool, a spa with saunas and hammams, and dedicated fitness and cycling studios. The residential tower carries LEED Gold and WELL Silver precertification, with completion targeted for the end of 2029; Arada has not yet disclosed the hotel tower's room count, operator or an opening date distinct from the residences' completion target.

Dining & wellness

NC — the project includes organic dining facilities as part of its wellness podium, but individual restaurant concepts have not been announced.