Zero Gravity, a unique beach club and restaurant located next to Skydive Dubai Drop Zone in the UAE, has unveiled plans for its 2,000 sq m pool expansion project in bid to become the world's biggest entertainment venue.

The scope of work includes a 39m glass-fronted infinity swimming pool, 800 sq ft multi-use stage and one of the world’s first permanent installations of the L-Acoustics K2, X Series and Arcs Wide entertainment systems.

The system, which is complemented by Clay Paky lighting, Kvant lasers, Universal Effects and more than 100 sound boxes, represents the highest quality audio/visual equipment available across the globe, said a senior official.

The new phase – which comprises 50 sun loungers, 30 x 3m diameter day beds, changing facilities, bar and stage – represents a new instalment in the evolution of Dubai’s most-talked-about beachside spot.

“Every single element of this expansion has been conceptualised by Zero Gravity. We have kept our original vision for the venue – as a complete day-to-night experience – in mind right from the ground up, even drawing pictures for our suppliers to follow,” explained Peter Skudutis, the general manager.
 
"Everything has been custom-made, to ensure it fitted our very specific brief. From top-of-the-range Spanish marble, to the 60cm x 60cm rain showers in our incredible bathrooms and 22-m acrylic panel for the pool, which was shipped, in one piece, from the Netherlands! If it wasn’t perfect, it went back. As an example, I can tell you we went through eight bathroom designs before going ahead," he stated.

"The pool expansion reveals another layer to Zero Gravity, as a complete, globally unique, lifestyle destination. This second phase has been a year in the making. And it is worth the wait," he added.

With the intended end result never wavering from creating “the best that money can buy”, Zero Gravity cherry-picked its partners for this project, with exceptionally high standards.

The 39m infinity pool is highlighted by a 22m curved acrylic panel, created by Dutch company, Underwater Windows. “The window is made from full cast acrylic. It is UV resistant; stronger and clearer than glass, and shaped in a symbolic Zero Gravity curve,” stated its CEO, Jan Hermsen.

“It is breathtaking when you stand on the beach, as the pool and sea seem to become one. By night, the pool lights up and creates a completely different, magical feel.” For audio/visuals, Delta Solutions and L-Acoustics have installed a set-up that quite literally jumps off the map," stated Hermsen.

Gareth Armstrong, the contracts manager at Delta Solutions, said: "Zero Gravity is the only venue in the extended region to include three of the L-Acoustics systems – the K2 line-array, the Arcs Wide Constant Curvature and the X Series."

"We have installed concert sound which, at the touch of a button, can be transformed into outdoor cinema sound. There is no other solution anywhere near this region that provides this. The Zero Gravity audio/visual experience is now unrivalled," noted Armstrong.

Peter Owen, the regional sales manager at L-Acoustics, pointed out that the installation at Zero Gravity was an important one in the region.

"There are very few clubs in the world that are big enough, both in size and conception, to be able to justify the K2 line array, which is generally used in the world’s most prestigious arenas, tours and music festivals," he explained.

"Zero Gravity allowed us to use the very best of our technologies, which means we have been able to create a system that is as powerful and sophisticated as the venue itself," he added.

According to Skudutis, the fixtures and fittings have been just as intensively researched and far-reaching, with Zero Gravity choosing to work with UAE-based Parasol International and Oriental Palace Decoration to source the world’s finest materials, and create the outstanding pool-side oasis that has now stands.

“We knew from the very beginning that Zero Gravity had very clear objectives for the overall look, and feel, and quality of specifications for furniture, that would complement their new development,” remarked Deepak Ramdas, the director of Sales and Parasol International.

"“We therefore sourced only the best possible materials, and used the most accomplished manufacturers," he added.

Samer Saliby, the chairman of Oriental Palace Decoration, said: "The marble we have used for was completely custom-made, as were the stainless steel ‘Spirit of Zero Gravity’ circles, located everywhere from the bathroom mirrors to the exterior of the building."

“Lighting has come from Louis Poulsen in Denmark, Roma Luce in Italy and Arteriors in the US,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service