It’s here. Zero Gravity has unveiled its much-anticipated 2,000sq/m expansion, including a 39m glass-fronted infinity swimming pool, 800sq/ft multi-use stage and one of the world’s first permanent installations of the coveted 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. The new phase – which comprises of 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,” says General Manager Peter Skudutis.
“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-metre 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.
“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.”
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,” says Underwater Windows 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.
“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,” says Gareth Armstrong, Contracts Manager at Delta Solutions. “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.”
Peter Owen, Regional Sales Manager at L-Acoustics adds explains what this means on a global scale: “The installation at Zero Gravity is 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.
“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.”
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,” says Deepak Ramdas, Director of Sales and Parasol International.
“We therefore sourced only the best possible materials, and used the most accomplished manufacturers. Materials included nano profile covering Skai Neptun Caleri from Germany, technical fabric Serge Ferrari Stamskin from France and UV-resistant Trespa HPL tabletops from Holland.
We worked closely with the Zero Gravity team, keeping them informed at all stages of production, and even visiting factories in Europe and the Far East to ensure quality control and timely delivery.”
“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,” says Samer Saliby, Chairman of Oriental Palace Decoration. “The attention to detail, exceptional quality and intricacy of this entire project makes it one we are incredibly proud of.”
Zero Gravity will showcase the brand new expansion in full effect this spring, offering its casual dining menu and day-to-night entertainment beach, pool, bar and restaurant-wide.
Entry to the Zero Gravity pool is incorporated into its existing beach pass rates – with no price increase. Full day access costs AED 150 per adult on weekdays, with AED 50 redeemable against food and beverage purchases, and AED 250 per adult on weekends, with AED 100 redeemable on food and beverage purchases. Discounted couples’ passes, weekly and fortnightly rates are also available, and full details can be found on the Zero Gravity website at www.0-gravity.ae.
Zero Gravity will also be taking its award-winning events to the poolside. These include Tuesday Lost Angels ladies’ nights, Thursday club night Velocity, and the day-to-night party, Aurora, on Friday.