Palm shut down for Atlantis opening

Restrictions are being placed on access to Dubai's Palm Jumeirah as part of a massive operation surrounding the grand opening of the Atlantis hotel on Thursday, set to be attended by hundreds of A-list celebrities and royalty.

In a letter to residents seen by Arabian Business, master developer Nakheel said access to the Palm will be closed off from Thursday afternoon until the morning after the event, which will feature a performance by Australian pop star Kylie Minogue and a spectacular fireworks display.

Nakheel said access from Sheikh Zayed Road will be restricted from 2pm local time, while access via Al-Sufouh Road will be restricted from 4pm.

Access to the crescent of the Palm, where Atlantis is located, will be closed off from 7pm on Wednesday until midday on Friday, the developer said.

Restrictions have also been placed on areas within the manmade island such as the Village Centre and Fronds, according to the letter.

Nakheel has advised residents to return to their homes before 4pm on Thursday "to avoid congestion and possible diversion".

It said only residents holding a valid pass, to be distributed 48 hours prior to the event, or those holding a copy of their valid sales or tenancy contract would be granted access to the Palm once restrictions were in place.

Residents have been banned from the beaches during the event itself, which is expected to finish in the early hours of Friday morning, and must also stay out of the water, according to the letter.

The launch of Atlantis has become one of the most talked about events on the Dubai calendar, with several global superstars linked with the grand opening, including Michael Jackson and Madonna, and a guest list that is rumoured to include Tom Cruise and the Beckhams.

The resort officially opens on Sept. 24, despite a fire on Sept. 2 that destroyed the hotel lobby roof and caused smoke damage to the outside of the main hotel building.

The 1,539-room resort encompasses a 46-hectare site with 17 hectares of water-themed amusement parks, an open air marine habitat, beaches, boutiques and restaurants.

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