One of the world’s most recognised hotels and arguably one of its most extravagant, Burj Al Arab in Dubai will form the centrepiece of a revitalised tourist destination at Madinat Jumeirah.
In support of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020, developer Dubai Holding has announced it will construct two islands, adding 2.2km of beach frontage that will flank either side of the landmark hotel, which itself juts out into the Persian Gulf.
Dubbed ‘Marsa Al Arab’, the US$1.7 billion project also consists of a private yacht marina, a yacht club and 400 new F&B outlets. One of the project’s islands will be geared towards entertainment and family tourism and will comprise a new family-oriented hotel, including a “larger and improved” Wild Wadi Water Park. A pearl farm and a pearl-inspired boutique hotel “reflecting the UAE’s heritage, culture and national pride” is also planned.
The second island will feature an exclusive 140-villa luxury resort operated by Jumeirah Group. A further aspect of Marsa Al Arab is a new business destination which includes a convention centre and another hotel to appeal to international conferences and festivals.
