Canadian architectural firm and intellectual property licensor Moon World Resorts Inc. (MWR) told Arabian Business that, Dubai might have a $5 billion (AED18 billion) moon building in the shape of a resort.
The resort was proposed and co-founded by Sandra G. Matthews and Michael R. Henderson. It is expected to be constructed in 48 months and will reach a height of 735 feet overall (224 meters).
Moon Dubai, when built, is anticipated to boost the economy of the emirate in fields like hospitality, entertainment, tourist attractions, education, technology, the environment, and space tourism, according to Henderson.
“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,” Moon World Resorts’ Mathews and Henderson said, adding it can “can comfortably accommodate 10 million annual visitors.”
A “lunar colony” will encircle the resort’s lunar surface, allowing 2.5 million visitors a year to experience reasonably priced space travel in Dubai.
“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,” Henderson said, adding this would “firmly plant the UAE flag into the forefront of space exploration,” thus, driving millions of global space enthusiasts to seek out all Dubai has to offer.
The resort’s emphasis is on cutting-edge engineering, design, architecture, and technology. The moon will serve as a training ground for astronauts from several space agencies.
In addition, Moon Dubai intends to include exclusive “Sky Villas,” which will be referred to as the private residence at the moon, with the luxurious residences placed internally within the primary superstructure disc buildings.
“Approximately 300 units will be available for purchase, with sky villa owners being members of an exclusive private members club at Moon,” Henderson said.
What’s in it for visitors?
Visitors to the Moon might make use of a spa and wellness area, a nightclub, an event center, an international meeting place, a lounge, and an internal “moon shuttle,” the details of which have not yet been made public.
The next steps
“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,” Henderson said.
He added: “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.”
Moon Dubai is suggested to operate under a gold LEED certification, a 5-star built-out standard, and an operational 5-diamond resort standard.
Four Moon destination resorts (also known as regional licenses) are expected to be licensed by MWR, one in the following regions: North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and Asia.
The UAE is currently researching business potential related to celestial bodies, developing satellite communications technology, and implementing the most recent space technologies for use on Earth.
The nation recently set aside $820 million to support its ambitious space aspirations, with the initial plan of constructing satellites.
Source: Arabian Business