A £4.8m holy Quran theme park will open in Dubai next year.
The 60-hectare park will include an outdoor theatre, fountains, a lake, walking and biking tracks, a children's play area, and an "Umrah corner", the IBI Times reports.
The park has been designed "from an Islamic perspective to introduce the miracles of Quran through a variety of surprises for the visitors," a press release from the Dubai Municipality stated.
Fig, ginger, olive, corn, lentil and cucumber are among the 54 species of plant named in the holy book, which will all grow in the park.
The move is being interpreted by some outlets as a somewhat cynical means to bring more Muslim tourists to a country which is largely known for its Western influences.
The park "aims to put the gloss of faith on what is basically a form of corporatized amusement" and the very concept goes against the "holy Quran's message of frugality and equanimity, of not spending piles of cash on baubles and burgers," Pakistan's Dawn newspaper writes.
The Guardian echoes these sentiments, referencing the country's glitzy, materialistic reputation before adding: "It appears that in order to combat its irreligious public image, the Dubai planning authorities have resorted to a typical manoeuvre. Spends loads of money, build a spectacle and make it big."
Construction is due to begin in July, according to the Middle East Hotelier.
What to Do on a Dubai Layover
Layover in Dubai(01 of10)
Open Image ModalSoon to become the world capital of international layovers, Dubai promises a collection of exceedingly outlandish experiences found nowhere else on the planet.
Training Day(02 of10)
Open Image ModalYou've taken the metro in Paris and the subway in New York, but only a trip to the space station in "2001: A Space Odessey" could prepare you for Dubai's futuristic metro, opened by Sheikh Mohammed in September 2009. It's not always the most convenient way to get around, but it sure does sparkle.
Nightly Showers(03 of10)
Open Image ModalPalatial hotel rooms are a Dubai specialty, but the bathrooms at the Radisson Royal are worth seeking out. They sport nearly floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and on the southern side of the building you can watch traffic flow down Sheikh Zayed Road while you shampoo. In a conservative city like Dubai, splashing around the huge hammam-inspired bathrooms in plain view would be frowned upon -- but when you're on the 40th-something floor, nobody can tsk-tsk you into lowering the shades.
Eat Like A Local(04 of10)
Open Image ModalGoing to a McDonald's abroad is seen in some circles as the Original Sin of international travel. But when pork simply isn't served in public, a taste of an Egg McMuffin (and its Canadian bacon) rates as adventuresome eating. Spoiler: It tastes just the same as it does at home.
Ham It Up(05 of10)
Open Image ModalSpeaking of pork, you can buy it. At the Waitrose grocery store in the Dubai Mall, a pack of fancy bacon will cost you about $10, and you'll only find it in a semi-private back room.
Dubai on Ice(06 of10)
Open Image ModalBy now, everyone's heard that you can go skiing indoors at the Mall of the Emirates. But the newest attraction at Ski Dubai is a hands-on penguin program that's unique in the world. While you can hug a critter -- or just watch trainers play with the birds -- you aren't allowed to take a camera inside. (Could that prohibition on photography have to do with the $27 souvenir shots available afterwards?)
Diving In(07 of10)
Open Image ModalDown By the Waterfront(08 of10)
Open Image ModalDubai may now be a global trade hub, but much of the import-export business gets done the old fashioned way: stevedores along the Creek loading and unloading cargo ships called dhows that ply routes to Indian, Iran and other regional markets. A walk along the waterfront puts you in the heart of a global network that could care less about the vagaries of Wall Street.
Cash For Gold(09 of10)
Open Image ModalNo taxes, tight government regulation and a long tradition of brisk business make Dubai one of the best places in the world to buy gold jewelry. The atmospheric Gold Souk is still a great starting point; many malls around town have just as much that glitters, too. (credit:Flickr: Joi)
Schlocking Block(10 of10)
Open Image ModalDubai may be the world capital of schlocky souvenirs, and you can take care of buying trinkets for friends in one swoop at oversized outlets like this one, in Deira. If it can be made in the shape of the Burj Khalifa, you'll find it here, tall, pointy and probably pretty darn cheap.