Dubai to build world's first $500m underwater hotel

The 107,700 square metre development will be built in the sea 300 metres offshore Jumeirah. The project, is the brainchild of German investor Joachim Hauser, who is also the architect, inventor and designer. Hydropolis Hotel is expected to be ready by October 2006. The hotel complex will have 220 suites with the potential for further expansion.

"Hydropolis will impart a unique impression of distinctiveness and exclusivity that will not diminish. It will simultaneously address 'Mind, Body and Soul' in an unparalleled manner," said Hauser, who has set up Hydropolis Holding in Dubai.

The Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) has been instrumental in attracting the innovative project to Dubai. Salem bin Dasmal, DDIA deputy director-general said: "DDIA has worked on offering all the facilities to attract the owner of this idea to realise his dreams in Dubai. This is part of our ongoing effort to promote Dubai as a perfect hub to attract investments in projects spread across all sectors."

Hydropolis Holdings will be one of the promoters of the project. Currently, the project is seeking investment from potential strategic partners. "We already have a commitment for more than 20 per cent of the estimated project cost of $500 million and negotiations are in the process for the remaining investment," Bin Dasmal said.

DDIA expects that this project will add value to the tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai catalysing the emirate's projection as a global destination on the world tourism map.

Reiterating the government's commitment to boost the economic environment through private participation in economic development, bin Dasmal said: "The government is committed to offer an ideal environment for growth and for developing business which aims to attract more international investment flows."

Bin Dasmal also said that the DDIA stands committed to promote new projects that help in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and add value to the local economy.

Hydropolis Hotel will be a very unique project which integrates three elements: the land station, the connecting tunnel, and the submarine complex. The land station will be the reception and welcome centre for the guests and will include administrative facilities. The connecting tunnel is the lifeline and not only provides access, but also enables provisioning of the hotel with all the necessary goods.

The submarine complex is the hotel and the associated facilities. The high profile architecture of the resort will be highlighted during the day and night by means of multimedia. A water screen positioned between the land station and the underwater hotel will be used for special effects and multi-media screenings at night. The underwater sections also will feature illumination, making it a tourist landmark.