If you’re visiting the Middle East, naturally you’d expect to find air conditioning everywhere you go – with peak temperatures easily reaching 40C, you’ll certainly need a break from the heat.
Where you wouldn’t anticipate finding such luxuries is, perhaps, amid nature.
But you’d be mistaken, as a new island in Qatar has an air-conditioned ‘forest’ – meaning tourists can enjoy the outdoors even when temperatures are unbearably hot.
Gewan Island, an addition to a man-made archipelago off the coast of Doha, offers an air-regulated walkway for those who fancy a stroll outdoors without suffering under the extreme heat.
The pathway, which stretches for 450 metres, is known as the Crystal Walk, after the 10 tonnes of crystals covering the artificial tree branches.
It’s covered by a canopy structure that appears to look like trees, providing shade from the sun and trapping cooled air blown up from vents below.
It maintains temperatures between 21C and 23C throughout the year, so you can visit at any time.
The invention uses solar panels, too, to power the system, making it eco-friendly.
The Crystal Walk on Gewan Island is a modern air-conditioned outdoor pedestrian walkway
The walkway lights up at night, so you can see the crystal trees and bright colours
Tourists are flocking to the island on guided visits, and are ‘genuinely amazed’ by the forest, one tour guide told CNN.
There are other things to see on the island that have appealed to visitors.
Aside from being highly popular among Instagrammers who are keen to photograph the crystal trees, there are also various displays in the forest to enjoy, such as landscapes and animals.
Gewan was initially designed as an extension of The Pearl Island, a man-made island with residential areas, luxury shopping, and marinas, often dubbed the ‘Arabian Riviera’.
Gewan Island is a luxury development in Doha, home to comprehensive living spaces, entertainment, and retail outlets.
The island’s official website describes its aims: ‘By merging great design and planning with a range of smart technologies, Gewan Island delivers integrated and highly livable environments, characterised by comfort, security, connectivity and sustainability.
‘The island promotes thriving communities of people who appreciate an urbane, high-quality lifestyle.’
It has beachfront amenities, a beautiful promenade, a golf club and hotels.
Gewan Island has many glamorous residences and luxury shopping malls
It’s clear that the high temperatures in Qatar are an issue for many tourists flocking to the Middle Eastern country, as well as locals.
This isn’t the only part of the country that’s installed air-conditioning systems to make experiences more enjoyable.
The Gulf state has in the past used air-conditioning in its football stadiums to keep fans and players cool.
Plus, giant coolers have been installed alongside pavements and in outdoor shopping malls so the temperatures are bearable for people going about their everyday lives.
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The island with an ‘air-conditioned forest’ – that’s becoming the Middle East’s latest tourist attraction
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