On May 14, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the headquarters of Dubai Holding, where he announced the launch of a major new tourist destination, Marsa Al Arab.
The $1.7bn ‘mega-resort’ aims to elevate the family tourism proposition in the emirate, provide supporting foundations to host Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as reinforce the position of Dubai Holding’s leisure subsidiary, Jumeirah Group, as a driving force behind the region’s tourism sector.
Marsa Al Arab will be spread across four million square feet, comprising two islands on both sides of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. It adds 2.2 kilometres of beach frontage and will be the newest addition to Dubai’s range of world-class tourist facilities.
One island will be dedicated to entertainment and family tourism, while the other comprises an exclusive luxury resort.
As part of the plans, Wild Wadi waterpark, which is currently situated in front of the Burj Al Arab, will be relocated to join a new Marine Park and a Cirque du Soleil theatre on one of the islands.
Commenting on the project, 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.
“Dubai has achieved a global reputation for unique offerings and unprecedented achievements. This was feasible through proper planning and accurate execution of such projects, complemented by in-depth knowledge of the local market’s needs and capabilities.”
Al Habbai added: “We will continue to build on our past success with a focus on the future. We at Dubai Holding will continue to comply with the highest environmental standards and global sustainability measures throughout the facilities in our project.”
