A $5 Billion Moon Is About to Land in Dubai, And You Can Stay in It
Not content with having the world’s tallest hotel, Dubai is set to launch its own’moon’ soon – an ultra-luxurious hotel themed around the celestial body that will cost US$5 billion (approximately S$7.02 billion). Here’s everything we know about this massive undertaking.
Moon World Resorts Inc., a Canadian company, is designing the massive moon-shaped destination resort, which will stand 735 feet tall. The otherworldly destination could be built in as little as 48 months.
If it goes ahead, the planet-shaped vacation spot is expected to attract 2.5 million visitors per year and will include amenities such as a wellness center and a nightclub.
The resort will include sectors such as space tourism, hospitality, and technology, all set within a massive crater-speckled moon, and Moon World Resorts Inc has stated that it will help Dubai’s economy.
According to Hypebeast, the ten-acre surface of the moon structure will also include a ‘lunar colony’ and is aimed at people who want affordable access to space tourism.
Furthermore, the resort will offer for sale 300 private residential units known as ‘Sky Villas,’ with owners becoming members of an exclusive private club located on-site.
Michael R. Henderson, one of the resort’s co-founders, told Arabian Business that “Moon Dubai will be the largest and most successful modern-day tourism project within the entire MENA region, doubling annual tourism visitations to Dubai based on its global appeal, brand awareness, and unique multiple integrated offerings.”
Henderson also stated that ’10 million annual visitors’ could be ‘comfortably accommodated’ on the property.
“Moon Dubai will have a significant impact on every aspect of the emirate’s economy,” he continued, “including tourism, transportation, commercial and residential real estate, infrastructure, financial services, aviation and space, energy, MICE, agriculture, technology, and, of course, education.”
“Currently, MWR is planning a 2023 global road-show series showcasing Moon to potential regional licensees,” he said of the next steps. One such show will take place in the MENA region, possibly in Dubai, UAE, with other possibilities including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
“Once the single MENA regional license is finalized and the exact location is determined, a one-year pre-development program will begin, followed by a four-year build out program.”
The UAE Space Agency announced a new $820 million fund for the country’s space sector earlier this summer.
“A long-term plan and program for the development of the Emirates’ space sector is in place to create economic opportunities, new jobs, and help to fund global partnerships and new leaders in technology, space sciences, and engineering here in the UAE,” said Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, chairw