Abu Dhabi is now being considered to build the $5 billion (AED18 billion) Moon Resort by Canadian architectural company and intellectual property licensor, Moon World Resorts Inc. (MWR).
The Moon Resort, which was initially proposed for Dubai – as revealed previously by Arabian Business – has reportedly seen a surge of interest from investors.
Proposed and co-founded by Sandra G. Matthews and Michael R. Henderson, the resort is designed to be built in 48 months, and will have an overall height of 735 feet (224 metres).
Co-founder Michael R. Henderson said the low-gravity tourism project has seen a wave of investor interest, including Emiratis.
“It’s gone crazy,” Henderson told Hotelier Middle East. “Moon has been extremely well received by the global media and indeed by the Emirati people. We have been astounded by the number of UAE-based individuals who have reached out to share their kind words of encouragement.”
Henderson said: “[The Moon Resort] has definitely caught developer attention; we have received interest from various MENA countries, yet we will only grant one single regional licence.”
MWR is expected to licence four Moon destination resorts around the globe (known as regional licences), one in each of the following regions of North America, Europe, MENA and Asia.
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.”
When constructed, the Moon Resort is expected to add to the emirate’s economy in sectors such as hospitality, entertainment, attractions, education, technology, the environment and space tourism, Henderson said.
“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 previously told Arabian Business, 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.
Moon Dubai is also planning to incorporate boutique ‘Sky Villas’, which will be known as the private residence at moon, with the luxury units housed internally within the main superstructure disc buildings.
“Approximately 300 units will be available for purchase, with sky villa owners being members of a exclusive private members club at Moon,” Henderson said.
Guests visiting the Moon, could take advantage of a spa and wellness section, a nightclub, event centre, global meeting place, lounge and an in-house “moon shuttle,” of which details are yet to be revealed.
“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 told Arabian Business.
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