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May 2007 - Dubai-based developer, Aqua Dunya LLC, and
its sponsor investor, Al Sharq Investment, have broken ground
on the first phase of the US$ 1.8 billion water-themed family
entertainment destination in DUBAILAND™. Aqua Dunya’s
centerpiece, the iconic Desert Pearl, themed as the largest
cruise ship in the world anchored at its desert oasis, will
create a new landmark for Dubai’s growing tourism market
when it opens in January 2010. Aqua Dunya aims to become one
of the largest theme park resorts in the Middle East, attracting
over three million visitors annually at build-out.
“The arrival of the bulldozers on site marks another
major milestone in the realization of our vision for Aqua
Dunya”, said Mr. Ali Al Shehri, Chairman of Al Sharq
Investment.
Aqua Dunya Resort and Residences will be developed in three
phases to address the growing demand as tourist arrivals
increase to Dubai. The first phase comprises the Aqua Dunya
Theme Park, Jumeirah Desert Pearl Hotel and Port District,
170 timeshare apartments, and 1,000 freehold residences.
In deference to the Middle East culture, Steve Tight, CEO
of Aqua Dunya, explained, “What’s unique about
Aqua Dunya is the combination of wet and dry rides in the
same park. Unlike traditional water parks, our guests can
enjoy Aqua Dunya while dressed in a swim suit or in street
clothes to encourage the whole family to experience the
excitement together.”
The theme park is comprised of three islands, each themed
around the tales of Rakaan and his adventures on the high
seas, and a number of rides inside the ship itself.
The first phase theme park will have 35 rides and shows
at opening expanding to 55 at build-out, and will appeal
to all demographic segments from young children to adults.
Jumeirah, the operator of landmark luxury hotels in Dubai
and throughout the world and the renowned ‘Wild Wadi’
water park in Dubai, will be operating the first phase of
the resort, including the Aqua Dunya Theme Park, Jumeirah
Desert Pearl Hotel, and the Port District.
The five-star Jumeirah Desert Pearl Hotel in the stern
of the authentic turn of the century cruise ship will offer
400 luxurious staterooms and suites with views to the surrounding
oasis, innovative themed restaurants, a top quality spa,
and a variety of recreational facilities.
The Port District offers unique merchandise from around
the world in a traditional Arabian souk setting and exotic
international dining overlooking the massive 330 meter long
cruise ship which forms the backdrop for world-class nightly
entertainment.
Aqua Dunya also includes a family-oriented timeshare development
with themed one to four bedroom vacation apartments bordering
the theme park and canal. The first phase of the residential
community sits at the end of the canal with freehold apartments
and townhouses fronting an esplanade of waterfront shops
and restaurants.
At build-out, Aqua Dunya will include two world class theme
parks, three themed hotels, a retail and dining district,
a 1,400 seat waterfront theater, a nine-hole golf course,
755 timeshare apartments, and an adjacent residential community
with over 2,600 freehold residences.
The Adventures of Rakaan:
While the family tended their goats
and camels, the youngest son, Rakaan, was fascinated with
the sea and the activity of the thriving port. Rakaan spent
his days by the waterfront watching the pearl divers unload
their oysters and the massive trading vessels come and go,
while dreaming of one day, sailing away to exciting far
off lands.
Finally, unable to resist the temptation, Rakaan stowed
away aboard a tea schooner heading east. Two days later
the captain discovered the young boy, but it was too late
to return to port. The captain was charmed by the boy’s
energy and enthusiasm and took him under his wing. As the
boy grew to become an experienced sailor, he made his own
trading fortune in distant lands and collected magnificent
treasures from the four corners of the globe. Over time,
however, he longed to see his family once again, and returned
to find them still at their camp by the desert oasis.
As Rakaan sat around the campfire recounting stories of
his amazing travels, the family was spellbound by his tales
and the fascinating gifts that he brought. He decided that
his family must experience the world’s wonders for
themselves. A port was constructed and Rakaan began construction
of a spectacular sailing vessel, the largest in the world,
to take his family and friends to see the world. While his
father didn’t have a great deal of money, he did have
family and friends who together dug a canal from their oasis
to the Gulf to launch his ship, named “The Desert
Pearl”. After many years traveling the world, the
Desert Pearl returned to the family’s oasis where
it has sat at port, awaiting its next adventure.
The Desert Pearl is now being restored to its original
splendor, and will once again be ship-shape and ready to
set sail. With the help of a little bit of Aqua Dunya imagination,
families and friends will embark on an adventure of a lifetime
to the exotic island destinations that Rakaan explored.
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
