11 new things coming to the UAE in 2018

As the UAE continues to grow and amaze on several fronts simultaneously, 2017 was yet another year of incredible achievements that made the country stand out as a regional and global leader in innovation.

Last month, StepFeed looked at 18 moments this nation, its people, and ideas collectively turned the worlds' head over the course of the year.

Now let's take a look at some of the most exciting things we can expect to come to the UAE in 2018:

2018 will mark 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, so it comes as no surprise that the year will be dedicated to the UAE’s founding father. 

Throughout the year, residents will be remembering all that Sheikh Zayed did to form the modern UAE and instill his values across the community.

2018 is the year in which Value Added Tax (VAT) will be officially introduced in the UAE. This will see a small rise in the cost of living, with a 5 percent tax on goods and services including food, water, and electricity.

Construction works on the $272.3 million Mohammed bin Rashid Library project have crossed the 20 percent mark already.

The new library is located in Dubai’s Al Jaddaf area and is expected to be completed in 2018.

Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah will soon be home to the world’s longest zipline, set to open to the public in January 2018. 

While its exact length will remain a secret until the opening, it is expected to break the current world record held by 'The Monster' in Puerto Rico, which is 2,200 meters long.

This development has been proudly framing the city from its spot in Zabeel Park for quite some time now, and next year, we’ll finally be able to step inside the picture-perfect attraction.

Upon completion, a panoramic elevator will take visitors up to the 150-meter-high glass bridge where they can admire the views of both old and new Dubai.

The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) teamed up with a Germany-based specialist manufacturer called Volocopter to unveil the world's first ever self-flying taxi service. 

The two-seater Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT) is already being trialed around Dubai and is expected to be introduced in 2018.

This incredible new mall is being developed by the same people behind Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden and is described as the world’s first "nature-inspired" shopping mall, packed with botanical wonders. It’s expected to be in full bloom next year.

Things are slowly starting to take shape at Dubai's JBR and across the water at Bluewaters Island. Its enormous centerpiece, Ain Dubai, is expected to become the world’s largest observation wheel when it opens in 2018.

Aladdin City will open at Dubai Creek and the project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. 

The development is inspired by the ancient legends of fictional heroes Aladdin and Sinbad and is made up of three golden structures designed to look like glimmering genie lamps.

With more than 25 rides inspired by classic Warner Bros characters such as Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, Abu Dhabi’s newest theme park is on track for a 2018 opening. 

It will be located just down the road from Ferrari World on Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi’s growing list of attractions is set to include the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall - housed in a giant futuristic multi-sided diagonal cube on Yas Island.

Developer Miral said the $100 million "Clymb" is scheduled to open next to Yas Mall in 2018. Work is already underway and the project is 35 percent complete.