Premier Dubailand resort development project ready to break ground
Dubai-based property developer, Aqua Dunya LLC, has appointed some of the world's foremost brands in architecture and engineering to realise its signature resort project in Dubailand, Aqua Dunya Resort and Residences. The US$ 1.8 billion project includes a water-themed family entertainment destination spread across more than 60 hectares. In addition to the resort, the development includes the Aqua Dunya Residences located on Emirates Road between Global Village and City of Arabia.
In total the resort includes two world class theme parks, three themed hotels, a retail and dining district, a 1,800 seat waterfront theater, a nine-hole golf course, and 755 timeshare apartments. In addition, an adjacent residential community will offer over 3,400 freehold residences for sale.
Steve Tight, CEO of Aqua Dunya, commented, "We are extremely excited to be launching our detailed design effort. These international designers will be creating a truly unique and highly themed family entertainment destination as never before seen in the Middle East."
Forrec of Toronto Canada, has been appointed to commence the design of the indoor and outdoor Theme Park and the Port District to be operated by Jumeirah. Forrec is recognized as a leader in international theme park design, including projects for Universal Studios and Legoland.
The joint-team of Mott MacDonald Ltd. and Aedas have been engaged to provide architectural design and engineering services to create the project's authentic turn of the century cruise ship and icon, the massive 330 meter long Desert Pearl. Within the ship is a 400 room 5-star hotel also operated by Jumeirah.
Aedas (Middle East) Ltd will design Phase 1 of the residential community, including 1,000 apartments and townhouses, a 200 room economy hotel, and a waterfront esplanade of restaurants and shops. Aedas has rapidly grown to become the 6th largest architectural practice in the world.
Wilbur Smith Associates will design all infrastructure components for the entire site, including power, water, telecom, district cooling, water treatment, landscaping, and road systems.
Turner and Townsend International Ltd. will project the Aqua Dunya Resort, including overall project implementation strategy, project controls, design management, scheduling, procurement, cost and quality management, safety, on-going reporting, and project closeout.
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About Aqua Dunya:
The Aqua Dunya Resort recreates the exciting experience of Rakaan, a young Bedouin boy who stowed away abroad a trading ship in the late 19th century and made his fortune sailing the globe. Upon returning to his family's desert oasis many years later, he built the world's largest cruise ship, the Desert Pearl, to take his family and friends on the voyage of a lifetime. The resort is themed around the tales of Rakaan and his adventures on the high seas. Exotic architecture and artifacts from his far off travels can be seen throughout the adventure islands and Arabian-themed port of Aqua Dunya.
For media information:
Nathalie Visele
Account Director
Shamal Marketing Communications (SMC)
PO Box 24459
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 312 4314
Fax: +971 4 312 4313
Mob: +971 50 457 6525
Email: nathalie@theshamalgroup.com
© Press Release 2007
