Two-island project on either side of the Burj Al Arab hotel is set to break ground in June and complete by late 2020
Dubai Holding on Sunday unveiled Marsa Al Arab, a AED 6.3 billion ($1.7 billion) megaproject geared towards tourists that is set to be built on two islands on either side of the Burj Al Arab hotel.
The project will break ground in June 2017 and will complete by late 2020, the master developer said in a statement.
It was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, according to a Dubai Holding statement.
Marsa Al Arab is spread across 4 million sq. ft. and will add 2.2 kilometres of beach frontage, the statement said. One island will be dedicated to entertainment and family tourism, while the other comprises an exclusive luxury resort.
Abdulla Al Habbai, chairman of Dubai Holding, said: “The launch of this new and ambitious project is in line with the directives of the visionary leadership to provide the finest and rewarding tourist experiences for visitors to Dubai, as well as enhance Dubai’s position as a global tourist destination. We are proud of the vital role that Dubai Holding plays in this sector through supporting innovation and contributing to the economic diversification of Dubai.
The project will see the Wild Wadi Waterpark relocated closer to the beach, more than doubling its existing size.
Dubai Holding will also develop ‘Marine Park’, a first-of-its-kind marine life edutainment centre, according to the statement.
Together, the enhanced Wild Wadi and Marine Park will sprawl over an area of 2.5 million sq. ft. The new family destination will house a dedicated theatre with a capacity of 1,700 seats, which will become home to the Cirque du Soleil for the first time in the Middle East.
Dubai Holding will launch the Dubai Pearl Museum to showcase a historical collection of rare and ancient pearls from the region and worldwide, along with a “pearl-inspired boutique hotel.”
Marsa Al Arab will include a private yacht marina and a yacht club, recreational attractions, food and beverage offerings, helipad, convention centre, hotel, retail space stretching across 20,000 sq. m, and 300 sea-front residential apartments.
The island located to the left of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah will offer a total of 140 luxury villas.
[Ref: meconstructionnews.com]
