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Public Access Lagoons™ Projects Set for Expansion Across Mena

Gulf Construction magazine has featured Crystal Lagoons® business model expansion in MENA, with announcements expected to made in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco, Turkey, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

These are just some of the countries across the region in which the firm has developed 23 projects anchored by impressive crystalline water amenities.

The article highlights Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One, ranked as having the most expensive square meter in UAE.

Anchored by a 100-acre water amenity powered by Crystal Lagoons technology, it will break the firm’s current Guinness World Record as largest crystalline lagoon.

The current record was awarded to Citystars Sharm El Sheik, centered around a 30-acre lagoon considered a true oasis in Egypt’s Sinai desert.

A revolutionary concept

Crystal Lagoons is expanding its revolutionary Public Access Lagoons™ business model on all five continents, and in particular in the MENA region.

The firm is in advanced negotiations in MENA to develop 33 complexes in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey.

Also known as PAL, they are monumental crystalline lagoons that create beach life on people’s doorstep, and quickly become the most beautiful location in the city.

The company offers three investment formats. While the basic format includes a crystalline lagoon, beaches and green areas with kiosks, the most complete format also incorporates retail, restaurants and hotels.

“PAL captivate investors due to their commercial versatility, and can be developed with different investment formats. The firm offers models with more or less infrastructure, yet even those with minimal infrastructure are tremendously successful,” says Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director at Crystal Lagoons.

This is reflected in the firm’s success. In just 12 months, totaled 810 PAL in different stages of development and negotiation in 60 countries, representing 90% of the firm’s contracts.

Gulf Construction

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Bringing the beach to Solano County, with a beautiful beach-like lagoon

California is known for being home to some of the most popular and iconic beaches in the country. But we continuously hear from Solano families that they have to trek long distances and sit in traffic jams just to get to the coastal beaches where their kids can cool off and have some fun. Family trips to the beach should be idyllic, relaxing, and fun, not wasted on the road in bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

For many years, there was little anyone could do about this – until Crystal Lagoons® invented and patented a new technology to build beautiful, beach-like crystalline lagoons with sand and turquoise water while using 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County. 

Today, we could not be more excited to announce that California Forever has signed an agreement with Crystal Lagoons to make Solano County the home of the second such lagoon in California. 

The new Solano Lagoon will be built in the great park in the middle of the new community in East Solano, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. Importantly, while Crystal Lagoons amenities have sometimes been built to be only accessible to residents of the host community, the Solano Lagoon will be a Public Access Lagoons® project, meaning that it will be open to everyone from Solano County. 

We believe that the Solano Lagoon will be an amazing addition to summers in Solano County. Crystal Lagoons technology is known for creating breathtaking, accessible, and sustainable man-made lagoons that offer a beach-like experience wherever they are built. This lagoon is meant for families to spend summer days, gather for birthday parties, participate in water sports, for kids to splash around during the summer (without fear of sharks!), and for everyone to relax in the sun. Visitors will be able to swim in the dedicated swim areas and have access to kayaks and paddleboards – in addition to several other fun-filled water sports activities.

In 2022, Disney brought the first Crystal Lagoons amenity to California, where it is now under construction as the anchor feature for Disney’s new community in Cotino, in southern California. 

“Crystal Lagoons is proud to be part of this transformative development that will generate good-paying jobs, affordable homes, sustainable energy, and new entertainment options for Solano County. Our Public Access Lagoons® projects in urban settings are highly valued for bringing a piece of the ocean right to people’s doorsteps. They offer unparalleled entertainment and quality of life while contributing to sustainability, which has earned us recognition all over the country” said Benjamín Fischmann, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

Here are some photos of real-life lagoons in various locations. 

Existing Lagoon in Solanas, Punta Ballena, Uruguay
Existing lagoon in Southshore Bay, Wimauma, Florida
Existing lagoon in Windsong Ranch, Prosper, Texas

Forming a community working group to inform design and community needs

As with the Solano Sports Complex, we’re forming a community working group to help us solicit input and inform the design of the Solano Lagoon. Among other things, we want the lagoon to feel distinctly Northern Californian while preserving the fun beach vibe and incorporating the best of Solano County. We look forward to collaborating with our working group on that and on making sure the lagoon becomes a beloved part of Solano County and home to so many happy memories of amazing days with our loved ones. The early members of the working group include:

  • Sean Kazemi, father, principal partner at Kaz & Associates Stormwater & Environmental Specialists, and resident of Vacaville 

  • Kim Wright, mother and resident of Dixon 

  • John Wilkerson, father, realtor, and resident of Vacaville 

“As a father and environmental specialist, I recognize the significance of sustainable development, and the new lagoon in Solano County is a prime example,” said Sean Kazemi, principal partner at Kaz & Associates and resident of Vacaville. “This lagoon uses cutting-edge technology to minimize water waste, which is vital in our climate. It’s not just an incredible amenity for our families to enjoy, it’s also a responsible choice for our environment, making it a win-win for all residents.”

“I’ve been living in Solano County with my family for years, and I’m thrilled about the prospect of a new Solano Lagoon right here—it’s like bringing the beach to our doorstep,” said Kim Wright, a mother living in Dixon. “This means we can enjoy beach days without the long drive, making it so much easier to spend quality time together. It’s a fantastic way to build lasting memories and strengthen our community.”

“As a local realtor and father, I’m excited about the introduction of the Solano lagoon here in Solano County,” commented John Wilkerson. “Anyone who knows my family, knows we love the beach and water activities. I can’t wait to watch my kids play at the lagoon. I love that this helps the majority of Solano residents – who don’t own a pool – to have access to a beautiful lagoon nearby. It will create a sustainable, fun space for families to enjoy. I can’t wait to have breakfast at home and then be on the beach 30 minutes later.”

We will be adding more members to the group after consulting with community leaders, elected officials, and residents on who would best represent their respective communities. The working group will be facilitated by our landscape designers CMG, who are designing the parks and open spaces for the East Solano Plan, and who have previously designed iconic spaces such as the San Francisco-based redevelopments of Treasure Island, Hunters Point, and Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground.

Later this summer, we will also take the working group on a tour of some of the existing Crystal Lagoons amenities that have already been built elsewhere. If you’re interested in joining the Solano Lagoon working group or have ideas you would like to share, please send an email to lagoon@EastSolanoPlan.com. 

Supporting water efficiency and environmental sustainability by using 25 times less water than an 18-hole golf course

One of the most amazing design features of the Crystal Lagoons system is its sustainability and environmental performance, including using a special molecular film technology that can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%.

The lagoon shown in our rendering, which is about 7 acres and enough to accommodate thousands of people, would use about 20 acre-feet of water per year. That’s 25 times less than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County, which uses about 493 acre-feet of water per year. Please see FAQ below for details.

The 20 acre-feet per year used by the Crystal Lagoons amenity is also only a small fraction — about 0.15% — of the 13,700 acre-feet of water that we have already secured for use by the East Solano Plan, and an even tinier fraction compared to the water supply at full build out. The lagoon can also use any type of water—salt, fresh, or brackish. The water will be part of the overall water needs of the East Solano Plan and, therefore, subject to the Water Guarantee in the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative. Learn more about our water supply plan and the Water Guarantee here. 

The lagoons also require up to 100 times fewer chemicals than traditional swimming pools or drinking water treatment systems. 

Finally, we are currently exploring innovative ways to use excess heat from cooling operations in the new community’s district thermal systems to heat the water and extend the lagoon’s use during the shoulder season. By reducing the need for Solano residents to travel far for coastal recreation, we also reduce the carbon footprint.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.

Read more >

Bringing the beach to Solano County, with a beautiful beach-like lagoon

California is known for being home to some of the most popular and iconic beaches in the country. But we continuously hear from Solano families that they have to trek long distances and sit in traffic jams just to get to the coastal beaches where their kids can cool off and have some fun. Family trips to the beach should be idyllic, relaxing, and fun, not wasted on the road in bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

For many years, there was little anyone could do about this – until Crystal Lagoons® invented and patented a new technology to build beautiful, beach-like crystalline lagoons with sand and turquoise water while using 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County. 

Today, we could not be more excited to announce that California Forever has signed an agreement with Crystal Lagoons to make Solano County the home of the second such lagoon in California. 

The new Solano Lagoon will be built in the great park in the middle of the new community in East Solano, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. Importantly, while Crystal Lagoons amenities have sometimes been built to be only accessible to residents of the host community, the Solano Lagoon will be a Public Access Lagoons® project, meaning that it will be open to everyone from Solano County. 

We believe that the Solano Lagoon will be an amazing addition to summers in Solano County. Crystal Lagoons technology is known for creating breathtaking, accessible, and sustainable man-made lagoons that offer a beach-like experience wherever they are built. This lagoon is meant for families to spend summer days, gather for birthday parties, participate in water sports, for kids to splash around during the summer (without fear of sharks!), and for everyone to relax in the sun. Visitors will be able to swim in the dedicated swim areas and have access to kayaks and paddleboards – in addition to several other fun-filled water sports activities.

In 2022, Disney brought the first Crystal Lagoons amenity to California, where it is now under construction as the anchor feature for Disney’s new community in Cotino, in southern California. 

“Crystal Lagoons is proud to be part of this transformative development that will generate good-paying jobs, affordable homes, sustainable energy, and new entertainment options for Solano County. Our Public Access Lagoons® projects in urban settings are highly valued for bringing a piece of the ocean right to people’s doorsteps. They offer unparalleled entertainment and quality of life while contributing to sustainability, which has earned us recognition all over the country” said Benjamín Fischmann, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

Here are some photos of real-life lagoons in various locations. 

Existing Lagoon in Solanas, Punta Ballena, Uruguay
Existing lagoon in Southshore Bay, Wimauma, Florida
Existing lagoon in Windsong Ranch, Prosper, Texas

Forming a community working group to inform design and community needs

As with the Solano Sports Complex, we’re forming a community working group to help us solicit input and inform the design of the Solano Lagoon. Among other things, we want the lagoon to feel distinctly Northern Californian while preserving the fun beach vibe and incorporating the best of Solano County. We look forward to collaborating with our working group on that and on making sure the lagoon becomes a beloved part of Solano County and home to so many happy memories of amazing days with our loved ones. The early members of the working group include:

  • Sean Kazemi, father, principal partner at Kaz & Associates Stormwater & Environmental Specialists, and resident of Vacaville 

  • Kim Wright, mother and resident of Dixon 

  • John Wilkerson, father, realtor, and resident of Vacaville 

“As a father and environmental specialist, I recognize the significance of sustainable development, and the new lagoon in Solano County is a prime example,” said Sean Kazemi, principal partner at Kaz & Associates and resident of Vacaville. “This lagoon uses cutting-edge technology to minimize water waste, which is vital in our climate. It’s not just an incredible amenity for our families to enjoy, it’s also a responsible choice for our environment, making it a win-win for all residents.”

“I’ve been living in Solano County with my family for years, and I’m thrilled about the prospect of a new Solano Lagoon right here—it’s like bringing the beach to our doorstep,” said Kim Wright, a mother living in Dixon. “This means we can enjoy beach days without the long drive, making it so much easier to spend quality time together. It’s a fantastic way to build lasting memories and strengthen our community.”

“As a local realtor and father, I’m excited about the introduction of the Solano lagoon here in Solano County,” commented John Wilkerson. “Anyone who knows my family, knows we love the beach and water activities. I can’t wait to watch my kids play at the lagoon. I love that this helps the majority of Solano residents – who don’t own a pool – to have access to a beautiful lagoon nearby. It will create a sustainable, fun space for families to enjoy. I can’t wait to have breakfast at home and then be on the beach 30 minutes later.”

We will be adding more members to the group after consulting with community leaders, elected officials, and residents on who would best represent their respective communities. The working group will be facilitated by our landscape designers CMG, who are designing the parks and open spaces for the East Solano Plan, and who have previously designed iconic spaces such as the San Francisco-based redevelopments of Treasure Island, Hunters Point, and Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground.

Later this summer, we will also take the working group on a tour of some of the existing Crystal Lagoons amenities that have already been built elsewhere. If you’re interested in joining the Solano Lagoon working group or have ideas you would like to share, please send an email to lagoon@EastSolanoPlan.com. 

Supporting water efficiency and environmental sustainability by using 25 times less water than an 18-hole golf course

One of the most amazing design features of the Crystal Lagoons system is its sustainability and environmental performance, including using a special molecular film technology that can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%.

The lagoon shown in our rendering, which is about 7 acres and enough to accommodate thousands of people, would use about 20 acre-feet of water per year. That’s 25 times less than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County, which uses about 493 acre-feet of water per year. Please see FAQ below for details.

The 20 acre-feet per year used by the Crystal Lagoons amenity is also only a small fraction — about 0.15% — of the 13,700 acre-feet of water that we have already secured for use by the East Solano Plan, and an even tinier fraction compared to the water supply at full build out. The lagoon can also use any type of water—salt, fresh, or brackish. The water will be part of the overall water needs of the East Solano Plan and, therefore, subject to the Water Guarantee in the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative. Learn more about our water supply plan and the Water Guarantee here. 

The lagoons also require up to 100 times fewer chemicals than traditional swimming pools or drinking water treatment systems. 

Finally, we are currently exploring innovative ways to use excess heat from cooling operations in the new community’s district thermal systems to heat the water and extend the lagoon’s use during the shoulder season. By reducing the need for Solano residents to travel far for coastal recreation, we also reduce the carbon footprint.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.

Read more

PAL® Projects Revolutionize the Global Events Industry

Public Access Lagoons® projects, also known as PAL® developments, accessible to all through ticketed entry, have revolutionized cities and transformed shopping centers and hospitality sectors. They also redefine the events industry thanks to their unparalleled scenic beauty and versatility.

These developments bring the beach lifestyle steps away from homes, creating an innovative space for relaxation and entertainment in the city’s heart. The monumental turquoise crystalline lagoons, surrounded by white sandy beaches, form an idyllic setting that creates a magical atmosphere when illuminated at night. Their diverse infrastructure—including terraces, amphitheaters, domes, and open spaces—makes PAL® projects multifunctional venues and true event hubs.

With covered, climate-controlled areas and expansive outdoor spaces, PAL® complexes allow for organizing all kinds of events year-round, regardless of the season. These venues combine a beach-like ambiance with infrastructure designed for large-scale events such as concerts, fairs, product launches, weddings, and exhibitions.

Furthermore, these lagoons offer a comprehensive infrastructure that includes residential areas, hotels, shops, and high-end restaurants, providing everything needed to make events a truly unique experience for attendees.

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PAL® Projects Revolutionize the Global Events Industry

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Crystal Lagoons: The Most Spectacular Lagoons in the World

Once again, the international press highlights crystalline lagoons as the most impressive and largest globally. This time, El Observador newspaper spotlighted two iconic projects from the multinational innovation company.

One of the most iconic developments is Citystars Sharm El Sheikh, which has held the second Crystal Lagoons Guinness World Record since 2015. It features a monumental 30-acre crystalline lagoon with turquoise waters. With this body of water, Crystal Lagoons surpassed its first Guinness World Record, set in 2007, when the San Alfonso del Mar lagoon was recognized as the largest in the world.

The Citystars Sharm El Sheikh project results from an association with the Sharbatly family, one of the most prominent in the Middle East and Africa. Thanks to Crystal Lagoons® technology, undevelopable desert lands were transformed using saline water from wells with no other use, creating an aquatic paradise in the heart of the Sinai Desert. The artificial lagoon, which recreates tropical seas in an arid environment, has become a global benchmark.

Meanwhile, the San Alfonso del Mar lagoon, covering 19 acres and extending 1 kilometer in length, marked a milestone for Crystal Lagoons. It revolutionized the second-home tourism industry in Chile by providing a safe environment for swimming and water sports and spectacular views and recreational activities. Crystal Lagoons® patented technology was key to developing this lagoon, equivalent to 6,000 traditional swimming pools containing 250 million liters of seawater.

Since its inauguration, San Alfonso del Mar has established itself as one of the most successful projects worldwide and continues to attract the attention of international visitors and media.

El Observador

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Crystal Lagoons: The Most Spectacular Lagoons in the World

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