Featured Image Credit: Moon World Resorts inc.
Topics: Travel, Space, World News
Aisha Nozari
A Canadian architectural company is bringing space travel down to Earth by building a $5 billion moon-shaped resort.
Moon World Resorts Inc is proposing to build the 735-foot high resort in Dubai and it could be ready within 48 months.
If it goes ahead, the planet-shaped holiday spot is expected to draw in 2.5 million guests each year and will feature the likes of a wellness centre and nightclub.
The resort will encompass sectors including space tourism, hospitality and technology - all set within an enormous crater-speckled moon - and Moon World Resorts Inc have said it will boost Dubai’s economy.
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According to Hypebeast, the moon structure’s ten-acre surface will also include a ‘lunar colony’ and is aimed at people wanting affordable access to space tourism.
What’s more, the resort will feature 300 private residential units called ‘Sky Villas’ that are available to purchase, and owners of said villas will become members of an exclusive private club located on site.
Speaking about the project to Arabian Business, Michael R. Henderson, one of the resort’s co-founders, said: “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 revealed ‘10 million annual visitors’ could be ‘comfortably accommodated’ on site.
He added: “Moon Dubai will significantly impact every aspect of the emirate’s economy including tourism, transportation, commercial and residential real estate, infrastructure, financial services, aviation and space, energy, MICE, agriculture, technology and of course education.”
As for the next steps, he explained: “Currently, MWR is planning a 2023 global road-show series showcasing Moon to potential regional licensees. One such show will take place in the MENA region, potentially Dubai, UAE, with other options including KSA, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
“Once the single MENA regional licence has been consummated and the precise location has been chosen, a one year pre-development program will be initiated followed by a four year build out program.”
Earlier this summer, the UAE Space Agency announced a new $820 million fund for the country’s space sector.
Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, the Emirati space agency’s chairwoman, said in July: “A long-term plan and programme 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.”
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