Dubai continues to expand, and now a miniature replica will arrive in this fascinating city. A “mini” Dubai will be built in Hungary thanks to an agreement with the authorities of the United Arab Emirates. The plan includes an investment of 5 billion euros to carry out this ambitious project in Budapest, the capital of this country.
Although it corresponds to a small branch of Dubai, this site will be named “Grand Budapest” and will occupy around 100 hectares of abandoned land near the Rákosrendező train station, as mentioned by local media. This plan is being carried out by the real estate company Eagle Hills, famous in Dubai and the Emirates, and its intentions have sparked controversy among the country’s inhabitants and residents.
The new Dubai of Europe: controversy and million-euro investment
The mini Dubai or Grand Budapest promises to incorporate new services in this area to enhance the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants. The projects include a railway line, a metro line, a bike lane, and a pedestrian zone. Additionally, there will be educational institutions and a vast area dedicated to green spaces. Eagle Hills aims to bring a touch of modernity to Budapest’s classic buildings and historic constructions.
The most controversial aspect of this plan in Hungary is the developer’s goal to replicate Dubai exactly, which means constructing skyscrapers between 250 and 500 meters high, something unusual in a city of this nature. Additionally, the construction company plans to create an overpass to improve mobility in an area congested with pedestrian and railway crossings.
The challenges of mini Dubai in Budapest
The authorities of Budapest have expressed concern over this project, and the mayor of Budapest has asked Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to prioritize the construction of affordable housing instead of skyscrapers. The efforts to halt the plan are firm, and legal measures have also been taken regarding property ownership, confirming that the real value of the land exceeds the purchase price paid by the developer.
Construction laws in Budapest are very strict and also have historical significance. In the city, the cathedral and the Parliament building both reach exactly 96 meters, symbolizing the equality between Church and State in this culture. Thus, a project of this nature could violate these laws, which are representative of the city’s identity, and the Ministry of Construction and Transport has also confirmed its opposition to the project.
Criticism of Dubai in Spain
The creation of a miniature Dubai in a city like Budapest has sparked significant criticism from the authorities. Installing luxury housing with high-end buildings in this country has drawn criticism from officials and relevant entities. The reality is that, besides not respecting symbolic laws, this project also does not promote the construction of affordable and sustainable housing, working against the ecological plans of the United Arab Emirates.
Eagle Hills has confirmed that the project includes plans to dedicate several hectares to the construction of green spaces, but critics have not been satisfied with this proposal. For now, it is unknown when this site will begin construction, the start date of the works, or whether negotiations with opponents will ultimately be effective.
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