Dubai to build world’s first underwater hotel

DUBAI, UAE — The Jumeirah coastline will look different come October 2006 after the completion work on the world’s first underwater hotel to be called the Hydropholis.

The hotel under the sea is a brainchild of Joachim Hauser, architect designer of the concept and one of the promoters of the 107,700-square meter development to be built at a depth of 20 meters, about 300 meters from the Jumeirah coastline.

Sure to be a feat of architectural and engineering marvel on completion, the hotel will feature 220 suites with a provision for further extension if needed.

“This is the first of its kind in the world and could only have been done in Dubai,” Hauser said. “The main challenge is about getting people to understand the new philosophy – how to use the water resources that are available to us more effectively.”

The actual design was finalized as recently as April this year.

The project is being routed through the Dubai Development and Investment Authority.

“We will be promoting the project to potential investors within the region. So far, we have received commitments for 20 percent of the projected value,” said Salem bin Dasmal, deputy director-general of DDIA.

“Final technical details are still being worked on. But we are hopeful of starting on the construction at the earliest. The submarine Hydropholis Hotel will add a fourth dimension to the world’s hospitality industry and create a giant step towards achieving our objective to become the globe’s premier destination for leisure and extraordinary experiences,” bin Dasmal said.

The Hydropholis is part of a wider picture that Dubai is drawing up to stake its claim as a tourist destination, which in the recent past has seen the rise of the Burj al-Arab, the first super-luxury seven-star hotel in the world and the twin islands emerging as part of The Palm.