Nakheel and RIU to develop resort at Deira Islands

nakheelNakheel and Spanish hospitality group RIU Hotels & Resorts (RIU) have commenced the development of their AED900 million, 800-room joint venture resort and waterpark at Dubai’s Deira Islands. The partners have appointed international consultants Dar Al Handasah to oversee design, engineering and construction supervision of resort — the first all-inclusive 4-star concept in Dubai and RIU’s first property in the GCC.  Nakheel and RIU signed their joint venture agreement in Palma, Mallorca, in February this year.  Set on a 3.4 million square foot plot at Deira Islands, the sprawling resort – one of the biggest in Dubai in terms of rooms – will boast four swimming pools, a kids’ club, spa and fitness centre. Dining facilities include an all-day restaurant, a speciality restaurant, four beach eateries and an evening dining area with a stage for live shows and entertainment.

A construction tender is expected to be released by the end of 2016, with anticipated completion in Q3 2019.

There will also be a waterpark occupying 10 per cent of the overall area. The new resort represents a significant step forward in creating a new range of affordable, family resort-style hotel accommodation in line with the Government of Dubai’s tourism vision for 2021.